Chicago, Illinois

I appreciate anything related to the U.S. Navy. My father served as a Navy signalman on a war ship in WWII. My brother Gary was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, and several family members and friends have served.

I’ve wondered if because of the Loop if I’ve spent more time on a boat than my father! Pretty sure my time on a boat is more enjoyable than his. I may miss home, but I have a feeling he missed home more.

A familiar site from our boat is the Ferris wheel located at the Navy Pier. We have visited the pier a few times during our stay in Chicago.

Chicago’s lakeshore playground, the Navy Pier includes gardens, restaurants, and attractions. Built in 1916, the 3,300 foot long pier juts out of Lake Michigan and features a Ferris wheel, carousel and an IMAX theater.

Dining at the Navy Pier

There are many dining options – from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville to McDonald’s to Latin inspired Bar Sol – Mariscos or Lirica. Chicago’s famed restaurants have a presence here as well: Harry Caray’s, Giordano’s and Billy Goat Tavern.

One afternoon we met our friends George and Tracy and their family at the Pier. We stopped at Harry Caray’s. George wanted an authentic “Chicago hot dog.” His visiting brother picked up their tab, saying “that’s the most I’ve spent on hot dogs and beers!” And the hot dogs weren’t that good! The sports memorabilia in Harry Caray’s almost made up for it. There was even “Wilson the Volleyball,” Tom Hanks’ beloved companion from his movie, Cast Away.

Offshore Rooftop is the nation’s largest rooftop venue, adjacent to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall at 1000 East Grand, and offers panoramic, unmatched views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline, providing a completely unique perspective not found anywhere else. Weekdays they have happy hour $5 appetizers with 1/2 off wine and beer. Of course I find this out the weekend we are leaving.

Something for Everyone

An ideal family destination, the site is also home to the Chicago Children’s Museum as well as the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, which features more than 150 pieces, including 11 Tiffany windows.

The Navy Pier encompasses over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibition facilities. It is one of the most visited attractions in the entire Midwest, drawing over nine million visitors annually, and is Chicago’s second-most visited tourist attraction.

There are many outdoor attractions at the Navy Pier Park, such as the Pepsi Wave Swinger, Light Tower Ride, Remote Control Boats,Teacups, Drop Tower and the Carousel.

Crystal Gardens is a one-acre, botanical garden inside the pier. It is a six-story glass atrium with a 50-foot arched ceiling.

The Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze is on the pier. It is a self-paced, full sensory maze experience where a person navigates their way through 4,000 square feet of tunnels and mazes.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a theater that performs Shakespeare’s productions, is located there.

 Many outdoor art installations are displayed on the pier. The anchor from the naval vessel USS Chicago is on display at the far end.

Other art installations include a statue of actor Bob Newhart on a couch as seen on The Bob Newhart Show.

The Captain on the Helm statue is dedicated to maritime captains, and the Crack the Whip sculpture of eight children at play holding hands by J. Seward Johnson.

One day we sat on these comfy lounge sofas, watching the boats, the seagulls and the people.

We walked by the auditorium and peered in. It was locked. They were setting up for a Navy Seals dinner.

Milton Lee Olive Park

We stumbled upon a quiet park just north of the Navy Pier – Milton Lee Olive Park. Boats are anchored in Lake Michigan, and there is a beach surrounded by the high rises of downtown Chicago. The boaters were partying – reminded us of Lake Boca. Wedding parties were setting up for their celebrations. Loungers looking for a quiet afternoon slept in hammocks they strewn on the trees. They have the right idea!

We so enjoyed our visit to the Navy Pier – I hope to return.