:: future gringo :: » Saugatuck MI . Chicago

On a return trip from visiting family Grand Rapids, Michigan (my hometown) we stopped in Saugatuck, a waterfront town on Lake Michigan, quite similar to The Simpson’s Little Pwagmattasquarmesettport. We visited a spice shop, a great used bookstore, and had a fun few hours before heading south to Chicago.

Growing up in Michigan three hours from Chicago I’ve had many a weekend family trip to the city. Now when I return to Michigan visiting family I always try and spend a night or two in Chicago, and hit the neighborhoods north of town near Belmont and Halstead.

The town of Saugatuck, on the west side of Lake Michigan

Chicago is a busy and hectic city, but people are very friendly and I’ve always liked visiting there. I love the architecture, “L” trains (subways and elevated rail), the culture and neighborhoods north of the city. It would be a great city to live in, but I would miss the recreation opportunities in Colorado too much, plus our winters are much milder than our winters in the midwest.

Like my home in Denver, the areas north of Chicago’s “Loop” are easy to traverse by foot. North Halstead is lined with small bars, funky clothing store, and coffee shops. Another historic and efficient form of transportation is the “L” trains (short for elevated). Under and near the Loop the trains are underground, but branching out into the other parts of the city the trains ride on elevated railroad tracks. From O’hare Airport it’s an easy 40 minute trip into town, and from the Loop the Red Line heads north.

History and Pictures of the “L” for train geeks like me

da Chicago River

I thought these buildings were really cool as a kid and visiting the city. The Marina Towers, (or corn cob buildings), are interesting, but I’ve lived in a high rise already, and I miss the views, but don’t miss the unwieldy chores of dragging your groceries up elevators and long hallways. This past trip I was lucky enough to get last minute tickets to see John Malcovich in “Lost Land” at the Steppenwolf Theatre. Set in Hungary during World War One, Lost Land is the story of a vineyard owner (John Malcovich as Count Kristof), his frigid sister, and the strange visitor Miklos offering the Count a Hungarian government post, while the Miklos watches over the vineyard. The concept and history featured in the story was interesting, and it was a treat to see one of my favorite actors perform up close with a talented cast.

We stayed for a night at the Hotel Allegro, a hip hotel in the theatre district. This was a beautiful old building with 19th century fixtures, classy decor, and in a great area close to coffee shops, bookstores, newsstands and close to the red line El train.

Another perfect small hotel is the Best Western on North Broadway. It’s located in a quiet area, and easy to walk to Belmont Harbor, and Wrigley Field to take in a Cubs game.

The second day we walked around the city and visited Navy Pier. At the pier we enjoyed some shave ice. For those unfamiliar with shaved ice here’s how it works: