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This is a classic old hotel that dates from 1927. Of course it has had multi million dollar remodelings, so the facilities are up to date, but it still has that feel of a classy old building.
And...
This is a classic old hotel that dates from 1927. Of course it has had multi million dollar remodelings, so the facilities are up to date, but it still has that feel of a classy old building.
And it is massive. It has zillions of rooms, and bunches of restaurants and shops on the ground level.
Over the years I have attended events here, heard jazz in one of the bars, delivered pizza to the folks in the rooms, etc.
Of course part of the history of this place was the riots in '68 which took place right outside but that is ancient history to most readers, right?
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Most Hyatt's have cool public spaces and this one is no exception. Fountains, glass elevators, the whole bit. You know you are in someplace special when you walk in the lobby.
I remember visiting...
Most Hyatt's have cool public spaces and this one is no exception. Fountains, glass elevators, the whole bit. You know you are in someplace special when you walk in the lobby.
I remember visiting downtown Atlanta which also has an amazing Hyatt. The story I heard was that the architect, whose name escapes me, wanted to have a skyline to look at so he built downtown Atlanta.
Dream big! Sitting in the lobby of a Hyatt is a good place to do it!
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I love libraries and spend a lot of time in them. This review is being written in a library.
Before this library was built, the main library was housed in what is now the cultural center, an...
I love libraries and spend a lot of time in them. This review is being written in a library.
Before this library was built, the main library was housed in what is now the cultural center, an amazing, wonderful, uplifting building that is inspiring just to walk around in.
They held a competition for the design of the new library and exhibited the models submitted by four or five architects. There were some really cool looking libraries.
Whoever was in charge of picking, picked the wrong one. The building is poorly designed and has a kind of nightmarish quality on the outside and is uninspired on the inside too, for the most part.
There is a lesson here.
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Back in the day, it was Fields, Carsons, and Sears. Now Sears is long gone from State Street, Fields is becoming Macys, but Carsons is still truckin' along as its same old sweet self.
This is a...
Back in the day, it was Fields, Carsons, and Sears. Now Sears is long gone from State Street, Fields is becoming Macys, but Carsons is still truckin' along as its same old sweet self.
This is a a Chicago institution, a classic department store. Louis Sullivan designed the incredible facade which stands at the zero point of the Chicago street system, State and Madison. 1906 is when the facade dates from, so we are talking some serious longevity here folks.
They always positioned themselves as a bit thriftier than Fields, but they always had their own personality which included a lot of style.
http://www.carsons.com/home.jsp
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Back in my cabbie days I picked up Harry and his wife several times from this place and brought them home to their gold coast digs.
They were always pleasant, good tippers, etc.
If you have...
Back in my cabbie days I picked up Harry and his wife several times from this place and brought them home to their gold coast digs.
They were always pleasant, good tippers, etc.
If you have been living in a cave, the late Harry was an announcer for the Cubs who was also a celebrated Chicago personality. He was once dubbed the mayor of Rush St. back in the heyday of that street.
So he created this restaurant and bar that actually has good food and folks go their to bask in the glow of his big personality, and the strange phenomenon of being a Cub fan.
http://www.harrycarays.com/
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The charm of this place is that there once was a Margie who started an ice cream parlor. In other words, it is not a corporate clone, it is a one of a kind place.
It is a neighborhood institution...
The charm of this place is that there once was a Margie who started an ice cream parlor. In other words, it is not a corporate clone, it is a one of a kind place.
It is a neighborhood institution that generations of folks have gone to as kids and then brought their kids when they became parents.
I discovered it after my kids were fairly grown, so I did not become a regular. Refined surgar is best handled like the dangerous drug that it is, but that is a whole 'nuther story, eh?
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I used to live in old town kitty corner from this place back in the 80's, and it had been there a long time already.
Its claim to fame was that Sinatra had come in and enjoyed the ribs.
I am...
I used to live in old town kitty corner from this place back in the 80's, and it had been there a long time already.
Its claim to fame was that Sinatra had come in and enjoyed the ribs.
I am not a drinker and don't particularly enjoy the atmosphere of bars that have no live music or other inducements, but I did go in a few times and have a meal.
It was ok, pretty standard stuff. Folks always seemed to be enjoying themselves here; it was always a popular joint, just not my cup of tea.
http://www.twinanchorsribs.com/
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The Lincoln Park conservatory is a little tropical paradise that you can visit anytime. If the Hawk rules the streets in Chicago, come here and find respite. If you are not familiar with the late...
The Lincoln Park conservatory is a little tropical paradise that you can visit anytime. If the Hawk rules the streets in Chicago, come here and find respite. If you are not familiar with the late Lou Rawl's lyric, the Hawk is the winter wind.
This is a little gem that is always a treat to walk through, and the price is right: Free. As you enter there is a little pond with Koi and goldfish. Orchids on the walls waft their scent into your waiting nostrils.
Walk through and enjoy the great variety of plants. The climax is the flower room, with its changing displays of seasonal favorites. This place was made for picture taking, so bring your camera.
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/45AA3ED2-7C6F-4461-83B2-29CB991637E6.cfm
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This is a huge conservatory on the West side of Chicago, not a neighborhood that folks are flocking to these days, but this place is still worth the trip.
I actually used to live in Garfield Park...
This is a huge conservatory on the West side of Chicago, not a neighborhood that folks are flocking to these days, but this place is still worth the trip.
I actually used to live in Garfield Park when I was a kid, so my history with this place goes way back. It has been renovated and rediscovered recently; it just recently finished a very successful installation by the amazing glass artist Chihuli.
It is like a little fantasy island. The fern room with the waterfall can really transport you if you let it. Of course the best time to visit is the dead of winter when you go from cold and snow to a tropical paradise.
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/3BD1CB82-1868-4FD7-840C-C4FCE847857B.cfm
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Grant Park
Category:
Civic & Community
Columbus Drive from Monroe to Roosevelt
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 742-7638
Chicago's greatest feature is it lakefront, and this is the place to celebrate it. Give credit to the founders of the city that most of the lakefront has been preserved for public use.
Buckingham...
Chicago's greatest feature is it lakefront, and this is the place to celebrate it. Give credit to the founders of the city that most of the lakefront has been preserved for public use.
Buckingham fountain is the centerpiece. A magnificent fountain that has an elaborate lighting system that causes the water to change colors at night. it is a sight one never tires of.
Then there are gardens, rose gardens, wild flower gardens. Petrillo music shell which has been the site of many a concert has now been overshadowed by the glamorous Millennium Park next door.
But there is still plenty of space to take a lovely stroll and enjoy the lake and the boats and the skyline, or ride your bike, or stretch out and pretend you are a character from Sunday afternoon on the Le Gran Jatte.
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