Chicago nighttime skyline from the Signature Room.
Last year my family took advantage of traveling to London to welcome in the New Year. This year we chose the Second City, Chicago. This choice was not due to any affinity towards past experiences as much as a good deal with plenty of things to do. This year our trip was three-nights, with us leaving on New Year’s morning, and a smaller cast. Only four of us went, but it in the legacy of family travel: it was a fearsome four.
A glorified piece of Michigan Avenue Scenery.
When we first arrived we flew into O’Hare and shared a cab to our hotel on Michigan Avenue. The cab fares from O’Hare to downtown were about $40, but depending on the number of people, this can be more affordable (and timely) than taking a shuttle which is about $14 a person/one way. The cheapest is by far to take the EL, but the effectiveness of cost is balanced by the length of time.
The girls striking a pose. The weather definitely, well sort of, called for the hoods.
We stayed at the Marriott downtown and were very pleased. Our room overlooked the Magnificent Mile, and the hotel was in the middle of the action. Almost everything we did was well within walking distance. Most travel websites gave this hotel a four star rating and I would completely agree. No more, no less, but definitely worth its rating and I would highly recommend staying here, primarily for the locale.
My wife and I outside the Peninsula Hotel
Carol and Jonathan outside the Peninsula.
Our first day/night we spent on Michigan Avenue. We walked the streets, explored the shops, and got our bearings. It was cold, but not unbearable, which gave us southerners an anticipated holiday-ending experience. After spending ample time loitering the streets, we walked about four blocks to Giordano’s Pizza for the traditional Chicago style. Though the wait was long, the restaurant’s proximity was such that we ventured back to our hotel during the wait. Nevertheless, the pizza superseded the length of wait time. I know when it comes to pizza, many people have “their place” or at least, “know the best.” Nevertheless, Giordano’s is a great place to visit, but I’m sure many others in the downtown vicinity would be just as good.
Giordano's Pizza
Katy and I at Giordano's.
We ended the day by going back to the hotel lobby and watching T.V. for a bit. I know our first day may not seem as colorful as some people often hope to experience on a trip, but we enjoyed it; because we spent time enjoying each other’s company and the place we were in, Chicago.
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