Chicago - October 2009

Chicago at night along the Chicago River with the Wrigley Building in the background.

Chicago Stock Exchange Arch designed by Louis Sullivan in 1894. The Exchange was torn down in 1972 but this arch and part of the Exchange trading floor was salvaged and can be seen at the Art Institute.

Millenium Park

One of the galleries in the Art Institute.

The Chicago Cultural Center has the largest Tiffany Glass Dome in the World. It was built in 1897 to house the library and the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization for Union Army who who served in the Civil War.

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We had a really good time in Chicago; we spent the night in Albany on the 21st and left early the next morning. We had a good day Thursday even in the rain. After walking for about four hours, I was one tired puppy! We rested a little in the Cultural Center across from the museum and then around 5:00p went to the museum to check it out for our Saturday visit. It was free after 5:00p! We stay for about three hours including an hour in the restaurant, Terzo Piano, which is excellent place to eat.

Friday we walked around town for a short time with much of the time spent in the library checking it out. We had lunch at Chipotle and then back to the hotel to meet Peggy and Mike. After a snack for the kids, we were off for a really good dinner at North Pond. It was pretty expensive, but good.

Saturday we spent all day at the The Art Institute, and again I was one tired puppy. But I was really happy that my back held up as well as it did. The museum is an excellent museum, but not nearly as good as the Met or some of the European museums we have visited.

When we left the museum we had pizza with Mitchell, Darla & Mark’s son, at the Pizano Restaurant across from the museum; not one of the best restaurants I have eaten in but it was nice to see Mitchell again. He seems to be doing well and is enjoying Chicago, somewhat! He misses home and North Carolina a lot, however.

Sunday we spent time in the Grant and Millennium Parks before having lunch at the Art Institute’s Terzo Piano, again! We ate there a total of Three times!

After lunch we took a very nice Architectural Boat Cruise on the Chicago River. It was very nice and fortunately the weather held up. While on the cruise, Mitchell messaged me to say his girlfriend, Lexie, was back in town and wanted to see us. So, we met her at the Starbuck where Mitchell works on 555 Dearborn; then down the street to Hackney’s for dinner. Mitchell had to work so he couldn't join us. We had burgers and onion rings, which was okay; but it was nice to meet Lexie and spend some time with her.

Up early the next morning and back to Queensbury! As usual I was happy to be going home!