Hello Chicago

We have visited Chicago many times over the years.  As a result, it was kinda like coming home as we drove by many familiar landmarks: White Sox Stadium, McCormick Place, Soldier Field, Grant Park, Adler’s, and, of course, Navy Pier. The record 80° had the shoreline bustling with walkers, runners, strollers, bicyclists and more. The city was springtime alive. 

Interestingly, it was the most pleasant, relaxed, easy drive I can recall ever making in Chicago. Weather was perfect, traffic was light and drivers were very polite. Very much in contrast to memories of driving along Lakeshore, for sure. We drove all the way to the north end of Lakeshore Drive. As it ends, we passed Loyola University. In all our visits, we had not gone north beyond Lincoln Park Zoo. 

Our next stop was another Big Ten campus, Northwestern University. It is nestled in a very stately, established, affluent neighborhood. Lake Michigan is the eastern boundary. It is a large, urban campus. We did find the football stadium, nearly a ten minute drive from the heart of campus. The campustown street is busy with several good food places and campus gear. 

A walk through a park and brief drive around the campus neighborhood were all we had time for this trip. It was very tempting to head back south to visit Wrigley Field but we decided not to fool with the fantastic experience we had. A nice drive to our western suburban motel sounded like a wise choice instead. 
We capped off a perfect Chicago experience with a fabulous dinner at Maggiano’s, dining with a fun friend from Arizona. She’s currently working in the area so what better way to spend the evening! It was so good to see you Diane, and look forward to your return! 
Tomorrow: Iowa