Chicago Has All The Makings of An Addictive City
Chicago is so addictive. I cannot visit the Windy City enough, and if I wait to long between visits, I find myself in serious withdrawal. Why? There’s just always so much going on here, and with new attractions opening daily, I never manage to see everything I want on one go. And this isn’t even taking into consideration places, like Wrigley Field, that are worth a second or third visit when the Cubs are playing.
Coming from Colorado, where the stands at Coors Field always have plenty of open seats, it’s especially exciting to see a game in Wrigleyville, as selling out here is never an issue. On my latest trip, we bought tickets in the bleachers for a pricey $80, which I was starting to regret when it was standing room only and folks taller than myself blocked field views and I found myself souring with each sip of my equally ridiculously overpriced $9 Lemon Summer Shandy.
But I got lucky when my friend spotted some open seats in the bleachers, which was a serious game changer for my attitude. Our group shuffled down to the second row, which is of course a far cry from sitting behind home plate, but could finally see the game and participate in the shenanigans that come with bleacher seating-including heckling outfielders like Phillies player Jeff Francoeur.
“Hey Francoeur , remember when we bought matching friendship anklets? I still have mine!” screamed someone in our group. This earned a head nod and smile in our direction. With that friendly of a grin, I assumed we were all going out for beers at the popular Cubby Bear bar across the street after. Turns out our new pal Franceour hit a homerun to earn the Phillies a 4-3 win in extra innings, so of course we had a ton to celebrate after.
We headed to the Chicago Riverwalk, which is a pedestrian waterfront on the south bank of the Chicago River running from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street, that provides an awesome refuge from city noise. It also was another spot I hadn’t visited on previous trips, so I was excited to check it out. Along the way we passed restaurants, boat rentals and bleacher style seating where many people stop and linger, especially at sunset – the skyline views are magnificent. Nine more blocks are under construction here and will open next year.
Another spot that was an unexpected surprise on this visit was the Chicago Sports Museum, which is attached to Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch on the 7th floor of Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue. This is more of a spots bar concept than the other two Harry Carey Steakhouses in town. Attached is the Chicago Sports Museum, which doesn’t just showcase sports memorabilia. It also has simulated spots experiences so get ready to shoot hoops, hit a home run and toss a football for a game-winning pass. Note: Admission is free for those dining in the attached restaurant.
