Chicago Mini-vacation - Part 1

Architectural River Cruise
Kathy and I got a breakaway weekend together in early August and chose to spend it in Chicago for several reasons.  The main reason was to partake in the Odeyssey Dinner Cruise from Navy Pier, a gift I had received upon retiring from AM General.

But before we did that, after checking into the beautiful Swiss Hotel on Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, we took a Architectural River Cruise, something that is highly recommended by anyone who has ever taken it.  Of note, the Swiss Hotel is fabulous.  I had stayed there on business twice in the early 1990s and it is wonderful now as it was then.  Kathy said it was one of the best hotel rooms she's ever been in.

Swiss Hotel - Chicago

View from our room at the Swiss Hotel

From our hallway...Chicago River, Navy Pier, Lake Michigan

There are different companies that run these tours.  Ours was Chicago Line Tours launching from the North Pier Docks.  The docent was prolific in his knowledge.  I was impressed.  The frustrated architect in me started to come out seeing these fabulous buildings along the Chicago River.  There was so much history told, that I can't cover it here...you need to come to Chicago to find out yourself.  I am only putting up a few photos on this blog...all 52 are up on my Facebook page.  You don't need to be a "friend" to see them.  Just go to facebook.com and search for Lee Woodward.  Then I  think there is a photos section. Should be easy to find.

Fabulous buildings in every direction on the Architectural River Cruise





The famous Wrigley Building built in 1925

Marina Towers from the early 1960s

The Merchandise Mart - from 1931 - world's largest commercial building

Sears (now Willis) Tower (1971) with large apartment tower and River City commercial and housing development.

White building - 17th Church of Christ, Scientist

333 West Wacker...often voted by Chicagoans as their favorite building...it is beautiful, but it's hard to pick from all these magnificent structures!

We were really pleased with this tour and it is a must if you visit Chicago.  A beautiful day added to the the pleasure and interest of the trip!