Chicago, Illinois Part II

I hope you enjoyed my previous blog, Chicago Part I! With so many attractions to visit, here are a few of my favorite spots in Chicago.

One of the reasons I adore Chicago, is the architecture. With beautiful buildings that have been lovingly restored throughout the city, Chicago is an architectural model. When other major US cities are tearing down timeworn vintage buildings, Chicago is meticulously refurbishing them. Another great aspect about Chicago’s skyline is the eclectic mixture of old refurbished and new modern designed buildings. This combination of diverse buildings makes Chicago such a photogenic city! Whether walking the city streets with the buildings towering above or cruising the Chicago River on a Architecture River Cruise, take a moment to look up and appreciate Chicago’s wonderful architecture! (P.S. On the images below, some low-lying clouds are hiding the beautiful buildings)

One of my favorite parks in Chicago is Millennium Park. With the gorgeous Chicago skyline as a backdrop to this beautiful space, the park serves the public as an architectural oasis. This bustling park is full of tourists and locals alike, all reveling in the lovely green space and architectural structures. With plenty of benches and tables to enjoy a picnic or a break from sightseeing, Millennium Park allows visitors to stop and take in the view of the city that towers above you. Throughout the year, the park provides free concerts, programs, and tours for visitors. Probably the most famous sight in Millennium Park is Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean”. This gorgeous thirty-three-foot high, polished stainless steel bean-shaped art structure has become one of the top tourist spots in Chicago. Whether snapping photos of the entire structure with the amazing Chicago skyline in the background or catching your refection on the polished steel, Cloud Gate offers visitors incredible photo opportunities!

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is the tallest building in the United States. Finished in 1973, and consisting of 4.5 million gross square feet on 110 floors, the Willis Tower is an architectural marvel. While the 1,730 foot tall building primarily consists of businesses, visitors can take a quick elevator ride up to the 103^rd floor to visit The Skydeck. Being 1,353 feet above Chicago, The Skydeck offers visitors spectacular views of the city and Lake Michigan! On a clear day, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin can be seen from The Skydeck! One of the best features (besides the views), is The Ledge. This glass box extends four feet outside of the Willis Tower and makes you feel like you are floating above Chicago! With breathtaking views of Chicago, day or night, visit the Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge for an unforgettable experience!

Another iconic Chicago landmark is the John Hancock Building. Standing at 1,500 feet tall, the John Hancock Building was completed in 1970. With 99 stories towering above Chicago, the John Hancock Center is an architectural marvel that faces the Magnificent Mile. This building consists of businesses, broadcast facilities, residential space, as well as an observatory called 360 CHICAGO. With unobstructed 360-degree views, 94 floors above Chicago, visitors can appreciate spectacular views! For thrill seekers, visit TILT! , this unique downward facing box, extends out 1,000 feet over Magnificent Mile! If you are less of a thrill seeker, make reservations at the Signature Room on the 95^th floor for an amazing dining experience with breathtaking views of Chicago. One of my favorite places, is the Signature Lounge on the 96^th floor. This cocktail lounge was the perfect place to enjoy a glass of champagne while the bountiful Chicago lights twinkled below! Places like the Signature Lounge, makes me appreciate how lucky I am to experience such wonderful moments in life!