(Love Kristin in this photo!)

 Even though we were only in Chicago for 48 hours, we did manage to squeeze a few fun activities into our itinerary.

First up was an architecture tour around the downtown loop area. Since it was February and a little chilly outside, we didn’t chance our luck with one of the popular boat ride tours, instead we hooked up with Chicago Detours. The mostly inside and underground tour takes you through some very important buildings in Chicago history as well as pointing out notable art along the way. Our guide, Amanda, has traveled throughout the world (with some of her work in Rick Steves’ Italy series) and she knows how to investigate and highlight not only historical but also lesser known fun stories as well. This wasn’t your average tour, going to the same old same old places.

Some of my favorite stops were the Chicago Cultural Center (which used to be the library), the Block 37 and the First Methodist Church of Chicago. The outsides were all different but the most notable thing to me were all the different ceilings, gorgeous Tiffany tile, beautiful paintings and mosaics, and intricate windows.

After the tour, we explored the areas between the hotels and all the food we ate (I easily gained 5 pounds!) and once the city seemed to be asleep, I made a mad dash to check out the city’s lights when no one was looking. I loved exploring the loop without all the people- the city seemed to buzz even when no one was around.  The Bean was probably my favorite part, mainly because the only pictures I’ve ever seen of it are during daylight with dozens of other people around. You know I’m a sucker for a private screening and this felt like I had the thing to myself!

In the next post, I’ll highlight all the different food we ate- so much food! Have you ever been to Chicago? What is your favorite part of the city?

(JD, ala EarthXplorer, on the floor to take the best shot of the ceiling artwork!)