Chicago City Sights: Navy Pier

If I'm being completely honest, Navy Pier is my least favorite tourist attraction in Chicago, but among tourists it is extremely popular! Whenever my parents come to visit, they usually insist on making a trip out to Navy Pier.

At Navy Pier you will find a number of chain restaurants, boat tours, a small amusement park complete with a Ferris Wheel, the Shakespeare Theatre, Chicago souvenir shops and a beer garden.  Plus lots and lots of tourists!

On a recent visit to Navy Pier this summer, these are some of the highlights. 

If you visit Navy Pier, be sure to walk south along the lake and stop by the small beach for an up close view of the famous Chicago skyline.   

What's your favorite Chicago attraction?

Chicago City Sights: Buckingham Fountain

Another favorite spot of mine in Chicago is the Buckingham Fountain. You may recall seeing this in the opening credits from the '90s sitcom Married... With Children. I was there most recently on May 10th when they turned the water on again for the season. I have yet to visit in the evening, but if you do, you'll be treated to a spectacular light display. 

Where do you enjoy visiting locally?

Chicago City Sights: Crown Fountain

A few weeks ago my parents were in town for my grad school commencement ceremony. While they were in town my husband and I took them around to a few tourist spots in Chicago. My parents aren't much for museums so we explored other options instead. Since we had one of the first beautiful days of the year while they were visiting, we took them over to Millennium Park. We strolled past the Cloud Gate, walked through Crown Fountain and then found a shady spot to relax and people watch for awhile. 

Crown Fountain was built to resemble the many skyscrapers in the city. Water cascades down the sides of the two towers that face each other. Images of everyday people emerge on the screens and periodically water sprays out from their mouths. On warm summer days the area is filled with people cooling off from the hot afternoon sun by walking through the water that pools between the sculptures. I always enjoy stopping by, even if just for a few minutes, to take in the fun atmosphere. And of course cool off by walking through the water myself!    

Have you spent a relaxing day enjoying one of Chicago's parks?

Chicago City Sights: Cloud Gate

Two weeks ago today was my 34th birthday. I am a huge fan of birthdays and usually celebrate for more than just the one day. As I am in the midst of completing the last few weeks of my master of arts degree program, we took a short break over the weekend to celebrate in Chicago. We spent the night at the Intercontinental on Michigan Avenue, which was a perfect location for walking everywhere we wanted to go. 

There are a few sites we almost always visit when we head to Chicago and the Cloud Gate, or the "Bean" in Millennium Park is one of them. This is one of my favorite places to visit, especially when the weather is warmer. Over the weekend we lucked out with 50 degree temperatures and the sun was shinning so it was a great weekend to enjoy the outdoors.

The Cloud Gate is one of my favorite sights to see because it is a modern art piece that people love to interact with and I love to stand back to enjoy that atmosphere. Visitors surround the sculpture, taking photos of their reflections or using it as a backdrop. People walk under it and take photos from different angles as the inside somewhat resembles a fun house mirror. I've seen a variety of unique shots that people take either of themselves in the reflection or of friends and family. I love to see people interact and have so much fun with a piece of art work. No matter how many times I visit, it just never gets old for me. And you can't miss that great reflection of the Chicago city skyline! 

Cloud Gate at Millennium Park

And of course I took a picture in front of it as well, because I just had to show off my new favorite coat! I love the royal blue and I can't get enough of it!

What's a favorite spot you always visit in your local city?

Chicago City Sights: Chicago Botanic Garden

One of my favorite spots in the Chicago area to visit is the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Although not located within the city limits of Chicago, the gardens are well worth the visit. Throughout the year the flowers on display are changed out to complement the current season. 

The photos below were taken over previous summer visits to the gardens. Looking out my window today, during the first week of March, seeing several inches of snow leaves me yearning for the beautiful summer days ahead. For now I'll just have to settle for these photos.      

The gardens feature several different water spots including the many fountains, waterfalls and ponds. The Japanese garden and large waterfall across form it are among my favorites.

And of course hundreds of varieties of plants and flowers:

 Have you visited the Chicago Botanic Gardens? What did you love most?