Carriage Rides - Chicago

A horse and carriage ride through downtown Chicago is a great way to cap off any evening. I have been on 2 horse and carriage rides in Chicago, but it was my second that I remember the most. The first one was when I was just a young child, and the last one was on the one-day trip to Chicago my fiance and I took.

The carriages are ready for riders at the Chicago Water Tower, the only building standing after the Great Chicago Fire. After getting in the carriage, you have a choice to ride downtown, or take an extended ride along the lakefront. We took the lakefront ride, and it is totally worth the extra small fee. I can't imagine anything better than cuddling up with your loved one and experiencing a unique side of Chicago not seen by many.

John Hancock Building - Chicago

There really isn't much to see in the John Hancock Building, but the main attraction is the restaurant, the Signature Room on the 95th floor. This restaurant offers the best views of Chicago. I know I said that about the Sears Tower, but in the John Hancock Building you can actually SEE the Sears Tower!

The Signature Room is a formal restaurant and it attracts many people from many walks of life. When my fiance and I visited Chicago, we knew we had to eat there. After getting all dressed up, we had somewhere to go! Calling ahead, we realized that reservations could be made, but there was no guarantee for a window seat, probably the most sought-after seat of all restaurants in Chcago. We decided to take a chance anyway, so we went up 95 floors and stood in line for quite some time. Our stipulation for eating there was that if we couldn't get a window seat, we weren't going to eat there, because what's the use of eating there if we didn't have a view, right? Unfortunately when our names were called, we were told we wouldn't get a seat at the window, so we gently declined.

While we were waiting in line, however, some of the girls around us were chatting about the amazing views from the ladies restroom in the restaurant, so I had to check it out. I think there was more of a line to capture the views than there was a line for the actual bathroom. The views are spectacular from those windows, and on a clear night you can see for miles!

The John Hancock Building's Signature Room can make for a very romantic evening, and even though I didn't eat there, I will highly recommend it. The environment is great, and the views are truly amazing!

I will, however, recommend the Cheesecake Factory at the foot of the John Hancock Building. After our let-down on the 95th floor, we came down and ate outdoors at the Cheesecake Factory. This restaurant also has a wonderful environment, and probably for half the price of the Signature Room. If it's just the view you are after, head into the ladies restroom for a quick picture and then slip out, but if it's the total romance that you are looking for, the Signature Room is is the place to be! It's a win-win situation!

Tips on the Signature Room:
-Even if you have reservations, expect waiting in line on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Navy Pier - Chicago

One could easily spend a half, or even a full day on Navy Pier. Known as Chicago's playground, Navy Pier offers many family oriented attractions, shops, restaurants, gardens, and entertainment.

The entertainment includes fireworks, theatrical productions, an IMAX Theater, Cirque acrobats, and live staged shows featuring jugglers, magicians, and marching bands. One can enjoy shopping with possible purchases such as apparel, souvenirs, collectibles, and toys. Navy Pier has a wide variety of restaurants ranging from casual to family-oriented to candle-lit dining. After you work up an appetite, your senses will sure be pleased.

A big hilight of Navy Pier can be see from a-far, and that is the giant Ferris Wheel in the middle of the Pier. I did not get a chance to go on it, but I can tell you that I have never seen a bigger Ferris Wheel anywhere, and I'm sure it will be well worth the ride!

Tips on Navy Pier:
-If Navy Pier is a must-see for you, don't make it your last stop in Chicago. Navy Pier is 50 acres, and you won't get nearly as much enjoyment out of it if you are exhausted from a day of walking the city.
-Wear your walking shoes.
-Make a note to see Navy Pier at night. The Ferris Wheel looks amazing in the dark!