We were picked up at the campsite this morning by Kelly, a lovely young woman from Enterprise Car Rental. She took us back to their office and we got a 2007 white PT Cruiser! We were so happy, because we know the car very well, and I’ve been missing mine a lot, so it was great to ride in one again!
By the time we got to Chicago, there was a college football game starting in SOLDIER FIELD Football Stadium, and there was also a free jazz festival (all weekend), so the city was CRAZY! There was also a baseball game at WRIGLEY FIELD. What a day!
We went up to Jerry’s apartment, which was spectacular. It is in an historic building called, The Pattington. Built in the early 1900's, Pattington is located in the Uptown Chicago Area on Irving Park, one Blk west of Lake Shore Drive. Jerry had done a lot of work to the apartment over the past few years, and it was so beautiful. Huge and spacious, with lots of windows, beautiful wood floors, with gorgeous crown moldings, great furniture, art, a balcony, French doors into the dining room, etc.
I thought it was the most beautiful apartment I had ever been in, and I’ve been in some nice apartments! He just sold it (quite easily, I might add) because he’s moving over an hour out of the city. He’s very excited about his move, and he's now going through the exact same things we went through a month ago – the packing, the phone calls, the change-of-address, etc. We’re so glad we got to see his apartment before he moved!
We went locally to a great restaurant and had lunch, then walked to Wrigley Field where a game had just ended. We saw a bridal party taking pictures and I took some pictures of them, too. I guess they’re big Cubs fans, because the bride had a Cubs garter belt on!!!
Then we got in the car and drove on Lake Shore Drive, taking in all the views of the boats, the beach, the parks, and the Chicago skyline, but because of the football game, a lot of the exits were closed and there was a lot of traffic. So, we decided to go to the most “touristy” place of all – Navy Pier. It was a lot of fun and the weather was so perfect – not too hot, no humidity, a slight breeze -- just pleasant and cool.
We walked around a lot and went through the SMITH MUSEUM OF STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, which is a permanent display of 150 stained glass windows. I thought of my friends, Geri and Larry, because I know they would LOVE this place. They really appreciate fine stained glass!
I loved them all, but here are a few more favorites:
Then, we got back in the car and drove back to Jerry’s neighborhood (just a few miles away) and had Thai food at a great restaurant called THAI AROMA. Yum! After we dropped Jerry back at home, we drove back to WINDY CITY CAMPGROUND. We were exhausted. It was a long day, but so great. I LOVE Chicago!