Chicago and the Legend that is Bob Seger!
The reason for the trip was the concert and we’d never really considered going to Chicago as a destination in its own right, so we booked for just 3 nights and took the late afternoon flight from Heathrow on 17th October. We therefore arrived pretty late and went straight to the hotel, the Thompson, which is a great 4 star choice in a beautiful part of the city – lots of trees and greenery, and plenty of bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. Even at this early stage we had the impression that Chicago is a fantastic city (the lit-up skyline as we approached from the airport was stunning and looked oh so familiar – if I didn’t know better I’d have sworn I’d been there before) and we were blown away by how friendly the people are. After a quick and friendly check in, we freshened up and popped over to a bar across the road for a nightcap.
Next day we walked for miles! Across to the shores of Lake Michigan (which is huge – Chicago really feels more like a coastal city), then a stop for a late breakfast close to the Trump Hotel (he gets everywhere), down the Magnificent Mile with all its posh shops, along the river, and down to Millenium Park and Grant Park, stopping at the sign which marks the start of the historic Route 66. The architecture is amazing – modern skyscrapers side by side with characterful historic buildings and we enjoyed a bird’s eye view from the observation deck at the top of the John Hancock building ($22 per person/$27pp to include a drink).
When we came down to earth (literally – 2 floors per second, 94 floors!) we had a late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory next door – I knew that in America menus and portions are large but this was something else, we could have spent hours browsing the menu. I opted for cheeseburger spring rolls (an American take on Chinese spring rolls, with minced beef, cheese and onions inside the crispy wafer wrap - $7.50). This was actually plenty for 2 or 3 people as a starter or for 1 as a large main course, even though it was from the “Small Plates and Snacks” section! Then a flatbread pizza ($10.50 - you have to have pizza in Chicago!) which again was large enough for 2 – and not exactly flat! We somehow found room to share a (large obviously!) slice of cheesecake ($8). But the food was delicious and afterwards we waddled back to the hotel. No room for any more food that night so later we strolled over to the historic Drake Hotel for a drink and then back to another bar opposite our hotel. Prices were quite reasonable, around $10 for a glass of wine, $12 for a G&T, $7 for a bottle of beer, $5 for a cappuccino (and everywhere you get a carafe of water included even if you’re not eating).
Saturday and the day of the concert arrived and we did more walking. Our weary legs insisted that we get a taxi back to the hotel ($7.50 for 1.5 miles) and we finished off about 3pm with lunch at the Original Pancake House, again opposite our hotel. A huge choice again, and I was presented with 6 large pancakes with fruit & sauce on my plate ($12) – delicious but filling!
At 7pm we set off with our prearranged driver for the United Center where the concert was taking place (home of the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team). And WHAT a night. First of all I couldn’t believe how smooth and quick the entry process was (we had the tickets loaded onto our phones and we just showed them while security did a quick bag check), nor were there any long queues for food, drink or merchandise – there were so many outlets and staff were quick and efficient, so nobody had to wait for long (Ipswich Town Football Club take note!) The support band, Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos started at 8pm and then Bob Seger came on to wow the sold-out stadium at 9pm. At 74 he still has his voice and energy and never stops smiling (and we certainly had a constant smile on our faces that evening), he obviously loves doing what he does (as does his audiences!) He played a set of 22 songs including 2 encores – all his old repertoire – and everyone in the audience sang and danced to every one of them. An absolute LEGEND! After such a brilliant bucket-list performance we were absolutely buzzing and our driver took us straight to the bar over the road from our hotel where we stayed til 1.30am raising a few glasses to our hero.
The weather was very kind to us throughout our trip – sunny with lots of blue sky and no rain – although it was a little chilly and windy at times. Chicago is known as “The Windy City” but I am officially renaming it “The Friendly City”! It also felt very safe – like every city, Chicago has its no-go areas, but the “tourist” zone is totally fine as long as you don’t “advertise” that your wallet etc is in your pocket. Just don’t leave your brains at home – this indeed applies to wherever you go in the world. Traffic, however, is very heavy. It took 50 minutes from airport to city and vice versa – apparently there are always traffic jams on the expressway.
Needless to say we found it difficult to get up next morning – we had a late breakfast and a short wander around the local area, pootled around packing and then went to the bar to watch The Chicago Bears (American Football) play the New Orleans Saints on TV before going to the airport for our overnight flight. They were playing at home so we could have actually gone to see them live as our flight was delayed by 3 hours until midnight, but we didn’t know that until after midday - it was too late by then to arrange to go in person. Next time we will be more organised!
So, yes, we are planning to go back to Chicago for longer – it completely exceeded our expectations, there is so much to see and do, and we simply couldn’t fit in everything in just 3 days. We totally fell in love with the place, the people and the laid-back atmosphere - everything.
