When we returned from our trip down to the river, I noticed the weather had improved. So being exhausted, I did what any forum geek would do and went up to the 25th floor conference rooms to see the views:

 

 

 

 

 

 

But I wanted to go to at least one of the observation decks, and Hancock was the closest:

 

I've heard the Cheesecake Factory's location at the Hancock Tower described as "a wart on the ankle of a giant". I have to agree - they had their puffy copper mushroom crap all over the base of the tower:

 

But the views made up for it ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a few more shopping stops to make - the first was Filenes' Basement which was on the 5th floor (go figure). I didn't find anything to buy, but I did get a nice glimpse down Michigan Avenue:

 

 

Back outside we realized we needed to head back to the hotel.

 

Love this building which was on the way to the Red Line station:

 

And this beauty was at the Lake/State station on the Orange Line:

 

 

 

The next pics are taken from the Orange Line - sorry about the reflections:

 

A gem in need of a little polishing:

 

 

 

 

 

 

We get to Midway and board the plane - a nice sunset sends us on our way.

 

I was hoping that I picked the best side of the plane to see the skyline one last time. As I looked across the aisle, I saw downtown and thought I was going to miss it - and then the plane turned :)

 

 

 

 

Thanks Chicago - I'll be back soon :)

I hope you didn't PAY to go up the Hancock!  There is a bar called the Signature Room where it's essentially free (though it's courtesy to pay for a drink; still cheaper than the observation deck).

 

Great shots!

Now, one and one is two, two and two is four

I'm heavy loaded baby, I'm booked, I gotta go

Cryin' baby, honey, don't you want to go

Back to the same old place, my sweet home Chicagggooo

 

 

 

 

"I hope you didn't PAY to go up the Hancock!  There is a bar called the Signature Room where it's essentially free (though it's courtesy to pay for a drink; still cheaper than the observation deck)."

 

I'm well aware of the Signature Room - however, after two nights in a row of partying like rockstars (remember, I found Burning River - my favorite beer in the universe - all bets were off after that), the last thing our livers needed was another drink (even a mimosa). Oh, and especially at 10:30 in the morning! :-)

Outstanding!  Good Show!  Next time you are in town let me give you a tour.

Excellent set of photos! Chicago is the best visual experience in this part of the country.

Does life get any better than Chicago? 

Great pics MayDay.  Oh, how I can never get enough of the Chi

Nice spread.  Awesome closeup:

 

 

Someone has to say it:  that McDonalds sucks....its new and screwed up a very cool part of Chicago!

^ It McBlows.  That is the flagship of the company too.  They had some really cool designs that they scrapped.

Great pics, I plan on visiting Chicago for the first time soon.

FYI to anyone thinking of traveling to Chicago....American Airlines has a fall round trip fare of $98 from Cleveland and Columbus valid through travel December 10.  That's a good deal.

Thanks for sharing your amazing pics!