Sears Tower Archives

07/06/2015

Evening Architecture Tour on the Chicago River

Fourth of July weekend was one for the books. It began with some sightseeing with friends before embarking on one tourist activity I don’t mind doing regularly: the architecture cruise on the Chicago River. We chose the 7:30 p.m. cruise on Friday to start our Fourth of July celebration.

Instead of boarding on Navy Pier, which I was sure was insane packed, we chose the Michigan Avenue boarding location. It is more convenient to access from the L train, too.

Fourth of July in Chicago has an indescribable energy. Chicago wore its Fourth of July best. I loved the flags; patriotic attire; and red, white and blue lights on the buildings. And the weather was absolutely perfect.

The tour guide’s script is just about the same as in the first tour I went on, but I picked up on facts I missed the first time around. You will always learn something new. And your seat choice gives you a unique perspective.

35 E. Wacker Drive, aka the Jewelers Building

A mirror of the Chicago River.

Merchandise Mart has its own ZIP code.

Our tour boat was not too crowded; we had plenty of room to move around. We took advantage of the lower level to take photos from other vantage points.

Once you get to the lake, the boat turns around and you see an amazing skyline and Navy Pier.

Again, I could do this every weekend. It’s worth every penny of the $35 I paid.

06/18/2015

Chicago River Architecture Boat Tour

The architecture boat tour is hands down the best activity I’ve done in Chicago.

Charlsy and I bought our tickets for the 75-minute Shoreline Sightseeing tour on Navy Pier after our Ferris wheel ride. I initially thought 75 minutes would be too long, but it actually felt like 30 minutes.

The tour is not only fun, but it’s educational. We went on both the north and south branches of the Chicago River. The seats lean slightly back so you can comfortably see the towers. I had no idea what the difference between Art Deco or Modern or Post-Modern architecture was until the guide pointed out each building and described its style and history. I can now say that Art Deco is my favorite, and I’m not a big fan of Modern.

Tourists and bridal parties and residents waved at us as we passed underneath bridges throughout the tour. It seemed all of Chicago was on and around the river that day.

Sears (Willis) Tower

And the weather was perfect. By perfect I mean I went from being too hot to being too chilly, but for the most part it was pleasant. I would have been better prepared had I worn sunglasses and a hat, but that didn’t stop me from having a good time. I hope another cruise is in my near future.

06/17/2015

Sears Tower, Round 2

My second visit to Skydeck Chicago was a lot more enjoyable than the first, when Graham and I spent hours waiting amid the odors and noise of a large crowd. It only took 30 minutes sans fast pass to get to the Skydeck on Sunday. It would have been even shorter had we decided to buy tickets online.

We skipped the movie to make our way to the elevators. This time I didn’t have to take the service elevators up; it was one short continuous ride to the 103rd floor. Our game plan was to head directly to one of the four clear ledges for photos. We picked what seemed like the shortest line and waited as other visitors took their photos.

My heart began to race when it became clear we were next. My legs were trembling as I walked onto the clear surface. Somehow I felt a little more comfortable sitting and lying down. I tried to forget how high up we were for a few seconds, with little success. Besides the unsettling height, it’s a little uncomfortable to have people stare as you take photos, but we got through it. I walked off the glass feeling exhilarated but ready to leave.

I have a feeling I will be back to the Skydeck many more times when Graham and I have visitors. I only wish the attraction offered an Illinois resident or frequent visitor discount. See you next time, Sears Tower!

The experience added a few more grays to my hair.

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