Chicago, Illinois: Attractions, Dining, Happy Hours...

December 2018, Weekday-weekend, 2-days

Chicago, Illinois 

We spent two days walking around Chicago during our one-night stay just before Christmas. Many people think Chicago is an expensive place to visit; however, we found many low or no-cost things to do! Be sure and click the labels at the bottom of this post to find even more information from previous posts.

Transportation

We took the Pere Marquette Amtrak roundtrip to/from Chicago Union Station and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The scheduled time for this trip changed a few years ago, which gives more time in Chicago. We actually prefer the previous times, although the new times work, too. It is a 4-hour train ride: 6AM - 9:08 AM from GRR to CHI, and 6:30PM - 11:34 PM from CHI to GRR. Chicago is in the central time zone, and Michigan is in the eastern time zone. We have used public transportation during previous visits to Chicago; this time, we only walked after arriving.

Pere Marquette Amtrak train

To redeem points for this Amtrak route, the cost is 1,208 points for a one-way ticket. The fare from GRR is usually usually more than the fare from CHI, so I always use points for that leg of the trip (we usually visit before we have enough points for 2 roundtrip tickets). The one-way cost from Chicago to Grand Rapids was $28 per person. Unfortunately, the AAA discount I used to get is not currently active with Amtrak. Our trip was uneventful both ways. 

Screenshot of pedway map downloaded from Internet

Free Chicago walking tours ~ underground pedway winter tour

I learned about the underground pedway system while researching activities for this trip.  I was surprised I had not heard of this before. I recognized the pedway system symbols from previous trips to Chicago, and I did not know what they meant before this trip. The tour guides are volunteers, and the tours are free (other than tips). There are more tours available in addition to the winter tour that we chose. Just do an Internet search for "free Chicago walking tours" to find them. 

Pedway sign and symbol underground

This was a fabulous tour for the price! 😉 We met at James R. Thompson Center at 11AM, and the tour lasted about 2 hours.  There is beautiful architecture in Chicago.

The photo above is the where we came back above ground at the City Hall and County Buildings from the James R. Thompson Center. The tour was not just about the pedway system; it was educational, as well. Our guide lives in the area, and she shared information about some of the architecture and the history.

Block 37 shopping center

You can walk underground from where we started the tour to Millennium Park. The photo above is passing through on the bottom level of Block 37 shopping center. There are a few restaurants in the pedway system; in other areas, as well as the shopping center. We plan to navigate the system further during our next visit.

Chicago Riverwalk

Holiday Lights and Art on the Mart

This time of year, there are many beautiful and free holiday displays. We walked by holiday lights in Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, along the riverwalk, Art on the Mart, Navy Pier, and more!

Chicago Riverwalk

Art on the Mart

Art on the Mart was visible from the Riverwalk. This is something new in Chicago, and I have posted a video on my Facebook travel page. It is similar to the musical fountain in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Millenium Park

When we walked to Millennium Park, we took the pedway system from the entrance by Richard J. Daley Center to the park. 

Across Michigan Ave. from Wrigley Square

Christkindlmarket, across from City Hall, was bustling with activity during our visit! This is an outside market and holiday village, which is new to the downtown area.

View from John Hancock Center lounge

John Hancock Center, dining, Happy Hours

There is no charge to visit the lounge or dining room in John Hancock Center; however, there is a minimum 1-item purchase per person. The dining room is on the 95th floor, and The Signature Lounge is on the 96th floor. We were lucky to get a corner table in the lounge with views of Lake Michigan and the city. The Women's restroom has floor to ceiling windows the entire length with views of Navy Pier.

Margherita Pizza at Signature Lounge at the 96th

The Margherita Pizza we shared was a fair price, although beverage prices are quite steep. I guess you are paying for the view one way or another. The quality and flavors were good.

See my previous post for information about Happy Hour at the lobby bar inside Westin River North--320 River Bar. The service and quality at this bar was fabulous.

Cheese and charcuterie board at Brando's

Brando's Speakeasy has Happy Hour everyday from 5 - 7 PM. The food and beverage quality was satisfactory, although the service and atmosphere were both lacking. We entered from Dearborn Street, and the bartender discouraged us from sitting on the side of the establishment facing Plymouth Court. After I used the restroom later, I looked over, and thought the area by Plymouth Court looked more inviting than where we sat. We have visited a few speakeasys, and this one is just a basic bar with karaoke. The cheese board photo is red because of the lighting inside.

We had beverages in Stock and Ledger after we saw their Happy Hour sign on the sidewalk, and I have made a mental note to never stop there again. The service, price, and quality were all poor.

I have many more photos from our visit; however, it is not the same as being there. Visit my Facebook page or click on the labels in this post for more ideas to plan your trip. I welcome your comments, and feel free to share this post!