|
The folks at Wendella have been in the sightseeing boat ride business longer than anyone in Chicago. They offer a variety of tours every day of the week. The one I went one was a combination tour of...
The folks at Wendella have been in the sightseeing boat ride business longer than anyone in Chicago. They offer a variety of tours every day of the week. The one I went one was a combination tour of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, which lasted 90 minutes and cost $19. Not bad! The whole thing was one big photo-op and you get to see the most famous, interesting landmarks in Chicago. Our guide, Tom, was exceptional; funny and informative, without sounding like he was making one big 90-minute speech (which, of course, he was). During weekends these tours tend to sell out, so reserve your space through your hotel concierge or go down to the pier to buy tickets early; even then, you should prepare to line up 30-45 minutes before departure time. It gets a little cool on the water in the evenings, especially on the lake, so bring a jacket.
Hide
|
|
This hotel in the heart of Portland's downtown is my favorite in the city. Upon check in, you're given great, healthy snacks: delicious apples and a trail mix-type thing. The service is spectacular...
This hotel in the heart of Portland's downtown is my favorite in the city. Upon check in, you're given great, healthy snacks: delicious apples and a trail mix-type thing. The service is spectacular and the concierge can make last-minute reservations at impossible-to-get-into places. The feather beds and down comforters are out-of-this-world and the rooms are modernly, gorgeously decorated. They have free high-speed Internet and some great weekend packages. Prices are good, too!
Hide
|
|
Everyone's heard of the Sears Tower; it's arguably the most famous landmark in Chicago. Right in the heart of the Financial District, this is an easy attraction to get to. Paying an $11 admission...
Everyone's heard of the Sears Tower; it's arguably the most famous landmark in Chicago. Right in the heart of the Financial District, this is an easy attraction to get to. Paying an $11 admission fee gets you up to the 103rd floor, to the observation deck. The elevator that takes you there does so in an amazing 45 seconds (!). Once on the top, you'll be able to ogle Chicago from every possible angle, thanks to the all-glass paneling on the deck. The price is a little steep for the 15 or so minutes you'll spend up there, but the views are extraordinary; you can see up to 30 miles on a clear day. This or the John Hancock is a must for Chicago visitors; residents might find it a bit too corny.
Be advised that lines get realllly long on weekends; a great time to go is early-evening on a weeknight. You might not have to wait in line at all. And remember to bring your camera--photo-ops abound! Another tip: you can definitely skip the 10-minute movie they try to show you before you ascend to the top; it's a complete waste of time.
Hide
|
|
I just went here for the first time yesterday. I was so impressed! To begin with, the facility is absolutely gorgeous, and HUGE. There is an impressive collection of American art, sculpture,...
I just went here for the first time yesterday. I was so impressed! To begin with, the facility is absolutely gorgeous, and HUGE. There is an impressive collection of American art, sculpture, textile, and Impressionist-era paintings (probably the best in the U.S., after the NYC MoMA). Prices are moderate but it's a "donation," so they suggest a $12 admission fee, but they'll take anything. Their special exhibit was fabulous and the docent-led tour I took was very good. I had a great afternoon here!
Beware, lines get long and sometimes there is a "lottery," meaning you can't enter when you get there; you'll have to come back at a later time. I arrived at 9:45 on Sunday morning (it opens at 10:00), and there was a line over 100 people deep--so get there early, or even better, buy your tickets beforehand--you'll get in immediately without standing in line.
Hide
|
|
I took my car here because of a "dinging" noise I kept hearing. The car is pretty new and still under warranty, but the dealership folks told me it was nothing to worry about. I wasn't convinced, so...
I took my car here because of a "dinging" noise I kept hearing. The car is pretty new and still under warranty, but the dealership folks told me it was nothing to worry about. I wasn't convinced, so I took it to John's, based on a recommendation from a friend. I'm glad I did! There was a screw missing from my oil pan, causing it to drag on the ground. It took them all of a minute to find the problem and another 15 to fix it...for FREE. I'll definitely come back if I have another car problem. John's specializes in German cars, like Audis and VWs.
Hide
|
|
I love the MAC! It's in one of the best places in Portland, near PGE Park. The facility is outstanding; everything is top-notch and immaculate. The equipment is the best, and they're constantly...
I love the MAC! It's in one of the best places in Portland, near PGE Park. The facility is outstanding; everything is top-notch and immaculate. The equipment is the best, and they're constantly upgrading. They have tons of stuff, so there's rarely a wait to get on a machine. Dues are quite high, however, and there's a waiting list to join.
Hide
|
|
Little Italys has three no-frills restaurants in Vancouver. The food is very good, but the service ranges from average-abysmal. I usually go a few months between visits because my experience here is...
Little Italys has three no-frills restaurants in Vancouver. The food is very good, but the service ranges from average-abysmal. I usually go a few months between visits because my experience here is never that great. There is a small wine menu but no beer on tap. The desserts are wonderful, especially the tiramisu. They don't accept reservations, which annoys me to no end.
Hide
|
|
There are a number of Washmans in Portland; my favorite is the one on Airport Way. A basic wash is $5--can't beat that. There are three more expensive options in addition. They do a good job and...
There are a number of Washmans in Portland; my favorite is the one on Airport Way. A basic wash is $5--can't beat that. There are three more expensive options in addition. They do a good job and will rewash if you're not pleased.
Hide
|
|
Prices are pretty high here--$8-60 for intense detailing--but they do a great job. Their motorized car wash, which unlike most, you don't sit in the car for, gets tires better than all others I've...
Prices are pretty high here--$8-60 for intense detailing--but they do a great job. Their motorized car wash, which unlike most, you don't sit in the car for, gets tires better than all others I've tried. They hand-dry everything. The wait can be f-o-r-e-v-e-r on sunny weekends but weekday afternoons are a good time to go. Don't forget to tip!
Hide
|
|
When my puppy was young, I took him to Good Puppy, Good Dog for some training. The proprietor, Lynne, is very knowledgeable--there's no doubt about that--and I'm sure Beckett is a better dog for...
When my puppy was young, I took him to Good Puppy, Good Dog for some training. The proprietor, Lynne, is very knowledgeable--there's no doubt about that--and I'm sure Beckett is a better dog for going to see her, but I will never take another puppy here.
Lynne is one of the most difficult people I've ever had to deal with in my life. She's boastful and completely sure that she's right 100% of the time, which means, of course, that you're often wrong. Everything you do is wrong, from the name you give your dog to the leash you use to the food you feed. Praising dogs is bad. Loving dogs is bad. And on and on. I couldn't stand her tirades any longer and finally stopped going to puppy classes. She does the whole hard sell thing, too, practically forcing the brand of food she sells on you.
But like I said, she gets results. Her dogs are very well-behaved and I'm sure mine would be better had we stuck it out. Also offers dog boarding.
Hide
|