Seeing Chicago's shoreline along Lake Michigan was impressive by air. But I didn't feel like I was really in Chicago until my first ride on the Blue Line "L" train from O'Hare Airport into downtown.
Pedestrian sightseeing seemed like a good idea until I happened upon one of many streets altered by orange-striped construction barrels and rerouted traffic.
I felt more at home once I could visit the lakefront at Monroe Harbor.
Chicago's other "Lake Michigan" is the welcoming Buckingham Fountain.
During my short visit I thought of bringing back the entire family for a riverboat tour near Navy Pier.
The showy Jay Pritzker Pavilion was even more interesting than the orchestra practicing inside for a free community concert at Millenium Park. The concert was part of the city's Grant Park Music Festival.
The Art Institute of Chicago has preserved the arched entrance from the original Chicago Stock Exchange building and used it as art that juxtaposes with the rest of the skyline.
Chicago's contrasts were everywhere. It certainly is a city filled with character and several ways to entice you back. Thanks to Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families for making my trip possible.
