Millennium Park - Chicago

Millennium Park is cool for many reasons. It's right across from Lake Michigan, and it has the Bean! A great thing about Chicago is that much of the waterfront is adorned by grass and parks, not concrete buildings. Millennium Park is a beautiful park to to do many things. There is a big pavillion to see bands and concerts, many great areas to have picnics, and the Bean!

The Bean is by far the coolest thing to see in Millennium Park, personally. The Bean is a reflective object (shaped like a bean of course), showing skewed images of whoever or whatever is looking into it! The Bean is a major attraction in Chicago both day and night, summer or winter.

I have been to the Bean in both summer and winter, and both day and night. During the day, you can see the Chicago skyline as it reflects off the Bean, and at night you can see the night skyline through the Bean. Trust me, it's a big difference!

Another cool aspect about the Bean is that you can walk into the center of it, which is the picture I have headlining this post. The center of the Bean reminded me of the House of Mirrors you would find at an amusement park. Very cool!

If you visit the Bean in the winter-time, there is an ice-skating rink just below where you can take in the season, or participate in yourself!

Sears Tower - Chicago

The Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Formerly the tallest structure ever, the Sears Tower offers fantastic views of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and on clear days, Milwaukee!

I have been up to the observation deck twice in my life. My most recent trip, however, was more memorable. The line to go up isn't the shortest, but they offer the history of the Sears Tower via television and that makes the wait a little more bearable. Once you reach the elevator, the time from the ground to the deck is about 8 seconds, the fastest ride up I have ever experienced! Getting off the elevator, you will immediately see spectacular 360 dregee views of Chicago. To the North, you will see the famed John Hancock Building, among other skyscrapers. To the East is the beautiful Lake Michigan, and Grant and Milennium Parks! Looking South is Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears NFL franchise, and more skyscrapers, and to the West is residential areas, and yes, more buildings. If you don't know what you are looking at, the deck has plaques which offer information on what specific buildings are. On the inside wall of the deck is a mural of the Chicago history, from culture to sports to the arts.

The Sears Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago, and it is a must-see for anyone who visits! I know when I visit next, I want to be first in line!

Tips on up in the Sears Tower:
-Go on a sunny day to ensure clear and lenghty visibility.
-If you are afraid of heights, don't be afraid of going up! My fiance is afraid to even go on Ferris Wheel's, and he had no problem seeing the views from the top!