I love visiting Chicago. It's truly a city made for tourists. There is the beautiful Chicago skyline, including Sears Tower. The architectural tour by boat is fun and interesting...I wish I could remember all the facts the tour guide amazed me with. Millenium Park is outstanding. Everyone loves the big stainless steel bean or Cloud Gate. Wow, you can take a picture of yourself
taking a picture! Then there's the Crown Fountain, I can't think of a more awe-inspiring water feature. The expressions on the faces on the towers change and change and change until water spews from the mouths, then water flows from the top of the fountain. It's heartwarming to watch the children having such fun standing under the waterfalls and splashing in the shallow reflecting pool. Millenium Park is great for people watching.
As a gardener and plant collector, I love all the beautiful street planters. Lots of research and planning went into selecting plant material for these mini gardens...not a geranium or petunia to be found. They are unique and they are gorgeous.
There are lots of free festivals during the summer, Taste of Chicago, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival, Gospel Festival, etc. There are free concerts in Millenium Park.
There is Lake Michigan and sailboats and Lake Shore Drive and Navy Pier.
There is the Art Institute, the Planetarium, and museums galore.
Is it possible to be bored in Chicago!!
You wake up in the morning to the sound of birds singing outside your bedroom window. You open the blinds and know right away it's going to be a perfect day. The garden is mostly mulched and weeded and looks "garden walk" ready. Why not invite friends over for an impromptu party! Parties don't need to be planned weeks in advance, no need to agonize over menus, guest lists, or clean corners. My favorite get together is a "brown bagger". This is not the same as a potluck. Brown baggers bring food for themselves only. You need only supply seating and maybe utensils, drinks and/or desserts. Since my friends aren't i-phoners or texters and don't even check their emails regularly, I have to do a lot of phone calling. But if only a few people are able to come that's okay. How wonderfully relaxing to sit in your garden, enjoying the day and enjoying your friends!
