Last month I reached out to my friend Julie who lives in Chicago and we marked this weekend on our calendars to hang out together. I know its still Covid and the weather is changing to cooler fall temperatures, but I honestly wouldn’t mind if we just stayed in her gorgeous flat and sipped cocktails with a view.
My friend Stephanie was able to road trip with me and offered to drive her sometimes temperamental mini -van, Bessy. Bessy just got some new tires so we put them to the test on the highways in true Thelma and Louise style.
While driving through Indiana, we were fascinated by the modern clean energy windmills that literally take over the landscape for a bit.
Hundreds of them line the farmer’s fields.
Captured this city view from the car window as we exited the toll roads in route to the Windy City.
We arrived to a spread of food awaiting our road trip bellies. The weather was perfect and we decided to walk outside for a drink. Literally in walking distance from her apartment, there are several restaurants with sidewalk dining in the West Loop. We lucked out and got a table under a heat lamp.
I saw this on the sidewalk and knew it was speaking to me. Always looking out for street art.
I believe this new bubble tent dining is going to be the only option in a couple months once winter hits.
All restaurants and bars close at 11pm due to new regulations. They also add on a 4% Covid fee to the bill. Not exactly sure how they rationalize that but I suppose it’s a way to survive when you are only allowed to seat at half the capacity and close early every night.
Sitting on Julie’s balcony, taking in the river and evening lights.
The next morning we started off right with a champagne toast.
We were ready to roll and see what the day may bring.
I love the above ground railway system. I listened to it rumble as I fell asleep each night.
Making our way to the river.
This was the view from the street as we were crossing the overpass to get to the main river walk.
Loving the angles.
This building has an alcove at its base creating a very cool illusion.
Can’t believe how many times I have been to Chicago and never done the river walk.
A new diversity mural was added. I thought the guy in the blue short sleeve shirt looked like RGB who passed away this same morning. She was on my mind. An amazing woman, she will be missed in the USA.
It was another gorgeous day with clear blue September skies. A lot of boats were moving up and down the river and docking at the local pubs and restaurants.
There were beer peddle boats. But they cheat with a motor truly pushing them along. Looked like something fun to do with a group.
I really wanted to go kayaking, but could not convince my friends. Maybe next time.
View of the Wrigley Building.
Can always appreciate the green spaces, offering shade and places to just sit and enjoy people watching.
We were about to get on one of the boats to take a tour that Julie reserved for us.
This city has a lot of history.
The river exits into Lake Michigan. I learned that the Great Lakes house 20% of the freshwater in the world. Who knew? Kevin our tour guide apparently. I did not fact check him.
The police were hanging out with their horses.
Getting on the boat. 6 feet social distancing and face masks on.
The view from the river looking up at the various architectural wonders.
These buildings the tour guide called ‘corn cobs’. I will never look at them the same way again. 🙂
We went under all the bridges which were quite low and very industrial.
Open bridge along the river.
Stephanie was pointing out all the reflections of the buildings on the mirrored windows. You can see the diversity mural along the bottom of this photo.
This pointed building balances out its structure using water at the top.
The red brick building is where Julie lives. Her location is literally perfect!!
As we drifted along the river, our tour guide taught us a lot about the history and how the buildings are engineered to sway with the wind
Many of the buildings have subtle curves that I would never have noticed before.
The center panel here is a map of the river and the red square represents us on the boat.
It was an awesome ride/tour and I would highly recommend if you haven’t taken this boat along the Chicago river. Put it on your bucket list if you ever visit.
Street art.
Inspired by Gaudi and nature, where there are no right angles.
When they turned the boat around I was able to take this photo of the infamous Sears tower.
Such a variety of architecture. All working perfectly together representing history and design.
This new building is the second Chicago skyscraper to be made from a woman architect.
I love how it adds curves and a feminine touch to the rigid neighboring buildings.
Seeing Chicago from the river gave me a totally new perspective.
After the tour we decided to grab a drink and snack before the sun went down. Julie knew of a place in the city that shut down the roads and allowed the businesses to put their tables out.
This was just one part of restaurant row that lined the street.
I was so happy with my stein of beer.
The three of us ended up finding an indoor pizza joint and parked our butts at the bar for the rest of the evening.
Our walk home was just as magnificent, with the skyscrapers now lit up reflecting on the river.
I'm just your average gal figuring out her way through the second half of life that decided to follow a calling to Thailand. Now back in the USA due to covid, seeking nature for further direction.
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2 thoughts on “Chicago Architecture”
This is amazing and I just love your narrative and how you capture the activity. I felt like I was there with you!
Tonya Takes Thailand 
This is amazing and I just love your narrative and how you capture the activity. I felt like I was there with you!
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Amazing!
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