Americas Heart & Soul - Part 1 - "Chicago"

Just back from a enjoyable holiday "Americas Heart & Soul" with Just You which took in 4 Cities, Chicago, St Louis, Memphis & New Orleans. Decided to write this blog in 4 parts as it seems logical.

Unusually for my trips wih JY I actually knew two of my fellow passengers June & Steve who both did the same holiday last year, was great to catch up as not seen either since although exchanged a few emails.

June actually drove to my house and travelled to Heathrow with me and we eventually got to our overnight hotel by 6pm despite a few delays on the M1. We had arranged to meet Jan & Stuart through the Just You forum.

We found Jan first as she was waiting in front of reception as arranged, Stuart had also arrived so at 7pm the 4 of us crossed the road to the Three Magpies for a meal.

The following morning after a good hotel breakfast we caught the service bus (free flow) to the central bus station then to the terminal. Security was quick so we made our way to the lounge to start to meet a few others on the trip. Must say this is a great way of people meeting and i think it would be good for Just You to include on all holidays.

Flight as usual was boring but was on time which was a plus as i intended to go out in Chicago for a meal at a Irish Pub I know then on to a Blues Club and had previously voiced my concern with been on a afternoon flight. Got a big shock when reaching immigration in Chicago, got through in 10 minutes which is a record for me, never beaten my luggage before, was estimating over an hour.

Our Luggage was also soon there so we all (36 of us) made our way outside to catch our coach to the hotel, was a bit dissapointed that we had to wait 30 minutes for our coach to turn up, not sure what happend there but we were still ahead of my estimate time.

Got to the hotel just after 7pm and as our tour manager Stephen had moved the welcome meal back to the 2nd night mentioned to others i was off to an Irish Pub then Blues Club at 8pm.
Thought a couple may turn up but as it happend 12 of us made our way to Fado's for our meal only to find the place packed, apparently there was a big convention in town and everywhere would be busy throughout our stay.
Failing to get a table i came up with plan "b" another pub i know called the Kerryman and fortunately they moved tables around to seat the 12 of us together. Meal was good and it allowed a few of the group to get to know each other.

Afterwards seven of us went to Blue Chicago for some live music while the others decided to call it a night. Wasn't the best act i've seen but the place was bouncing due to the influx of people from the convention, certainly was a good way to spend our first night.

Day two we were up early for a included breakfast at the top of the Hancock Tower, breakfast was mediocre to say the least and we were a little unlucky to hit a misty day so the view wasn't at its best. Also my camera had decided to jam up (which i repaired later in the day) so was unable to take any pictures although others have promised to send theirs.
On the plus side gave me the chance to have a go on"Tilt" the glass window that tilts you forward looking straight down from the 96th floor.

It was then onto the City Tour for the next 3 hours or so and to be honest thought it could have been better, sure we visited many things around the City but was dissapointed a few important Chicago landmarks seemed to have been ommited (was a better tour for route 66 two years ago). Missed where the likes of the Biograph Theatre (Dillinger shot here), Wrigley Field, China Town, music studios (Chess), etc.

We eventually finished the tour at one of my favorite places the Navy Pier only to find many parts of it under refurbishment but the food court was open so was able to get a bite of lunch.

After lunch got lift back to the hotel before having a walk up the Magnificent Mile which was decorated with painted horses, grabbed a coffee in Dunkin Donuts (much better than Starbucks IMO) before going to get ready for the evening.

We all were taken to a local Pizza restaurant to try the traditional Chicago Deep Pan Pizza and to be honest its not my favorite meal, see slice of Pizza more of a lunch thing if anything. Still it all part of the local culture and as to be done but will let others comment on what they thought of it, although will add my sweet tough enjoyed the pudding course.

Afterwards a few of us decided to try Howl at the Moon duelling Piano bar only to be refused entry because there was a private event on (convention people again), so we just had a couple of beers in a local pub before calling it a night.

Day Three and a free day to do what you like and Chicago certainly as a lot to offer, five of us decided to catch a bus to the south side and visit the Museum of Science & Industry, we spent 5 hours there was superb even the food in the cafe at lunch time was good.
Talking to others in the group they all did different things, many the river cruise, others went to the Art Institute, some to the Zoo, some to a David Bowie exhibition, etc.
One thing everyone I spoke to agreed on is having a free day in such a great City is a very good idea.

On the evening it was the included visit to a Blues Club and was surprised to see it changed from a Club I like Kingston Mines to Buddy Guys Legends which is too touristy for me. Also you only get one act while you get two alternating at the Mines.
The act was average compared to some Blues acts I've seen although others thought it was good and really enjoyed it.

It was up early on Day four as we moved on to St Louis but chatting around the group everbody did enjoy Chicago and many said they would love to go back sometime.