Chicago Trip Part 2

More about our trip to Chicago last week. You can read part 1 here.

Trying to Find Something to Eat

Usually when we travel Dave and I have a rule that we won’t eat anywhere we can eat at home. Trying something new is part of the adventure. We like to find places where the locals eat. But with the boys along that wasn’t going to happen.

The biggest problem was feeding Wade. He is eating regular food now, but he still can’t eat just anything. And he wants to eat every two hours. David is such a picky eater it’s hard to feed him too. So, sadly, we ate several meals at McDonalds. It’s not hard to find a McD’s in Chicago. There’s one every block or so downtown.

Having milk on hand for Wade at the hotel was also difficult since we didn’t have a fridge in the room.

Most people staying at The Palmer probably keep champagne in their ice bucket. Us? We kept sippy cups on ice.

Did I ever tell you what classy people we are?

We did venture out of downtown to Ann Sather, a Swedish restaurant in the Lakeview neighborhood. Dave and I ate there the last time we were in Chicago. Ann Sather has cinnamon rolls that are to die for. Definitely worth the trek.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is located close to downtown. We headed over there Wednesday morning. It was unseasonably cold, and still gray. But at least the rain stopped. We saw lions, giraffes, zebras and gorillas just to name a few of the animals they have on display.

David liked riding the carousel, and the train.

Getting Around Town

David loves trains. I knew one of the highlights for him would be riding the subway and the “L”. We have pretty much no public transportation where we live. It was a brand new experience for the boys.

We needed a few supplies, so we took the subway to Target one night.

Oh my word! It was the Target to beat all Targets! It was huge! Two stories, and there was so much to look at. This Target even sold formal wear. I could have spent an entire day shopping there. Have I ever mentioned that I love Target?

Anyway, David wanted a window seat, but it was rush hour and the train was full. A very nice woman, who I’m sure was tired after a long day at work, gave up her window seat so David could look out. Then she sat next to him and listened to him babble for the entire ride. David talks to everyone and anyone about anything.

I need to stop here, and tell you how nice and friendly people in Chicago are. I am impressed by that every time we visit. I’ve been many places on vacation where locals just find tourists annoying.

I was sure our loud children, and big slow stroller would irritate busy people trying to get around town. But more than once someone gave up their window seat on the train for David, and let me sit so I didn’t have to stand and hold the baby. Often someone stopped and held doors for us so we could get the stroller through. People say hi on the sidewalk, smile at you, don’t mind giving directions, and will help you figure out how to use the automated CTA ticket machine.

Chicago is a big city with a Mid-western heart.

We took the “L”, Chicago’s elevated train, later in the week. David decided he like the subway best, because it goes faster.

I don’t have any photos of the CTA. I figured we looked out of place enough already without me pulling out the camera and snapping pictures.

Are you bored to tears yet? If not you can come back tomorrow for the final installment.