Chicago in Pictures: An Afternoon Downtown

A Chicago Afternoon in Pictures

Living only 30 minutes from Chicago for the past 20 years, you’d think I’d get used to visiting. I haven’t. Standing on the crowded sidewalks next to sky-high buildings while listening to the hum of the city still charms me to this day.

This past weekend, I captured Chicago in pictures so you could get a small glimpse of what it’s like downtown and maybe whet your appetite for a visit to the Windy City.

Lake Michigan in Chicago

If you have never seen Lake Michigan from the city, you are missing out; it’s beautiful. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, I have to get a picture.

escalator in the Water Tower Place, Chicago

If I am with my husband and we are anywhere near the Water Tower Mall, we have to make a stop.

This is why:

Water Tower Place, Lego Store

Like a moth to a flame. 🙂 It doesn’t matter what we are doing or where we are going, the Lego Store is non-negotiable for this guy. haha

Chicago Directory near flowering bushes

Chicago has so many opportunities for pictures.

outdoor seating with umbrellas between tables

So many restaurants offer outdoor seating in the summer.

outside view of Weber Grill, Chicago

If you are ever downtown, you need to check out Weber Grill! When my husband used to work in Chicago he would take clients here and always told me how amazing it was. (I tried a Weber Grill in another part of Illinois but this was my first time in Chicago’s restaurant. The other restaurant just could not compare!)

We met up with friends for dinner and they were gracious enough to take pictures of their plates for me. 🙂

four different dishes you can get at Weber Grill

Every bite was amazing! I would offer a recommendation, but everything tasted equally good! Ok, order the garlic mashed potatoes; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

view of the Chicago River from a bridge

The Chicago River is another place I HAVE to stop for pictures. I highly recommend a river tour if you visit, it’s a great way to see the city. Next on my bucket list is kayaking the Chicago River.

couple overlooking a city street from a bridge

I love just watching the city go about its day. It was also nice to walk downtown with friends for a while and catch up; a perfect night!

Millennium Park at Night

Millennium Park at night is pretty magical.

the Bean at Millennium Park at night

The Bean looked amazing with the skyline against the night sky!

statue of Regeneration, Chicago

This is one of four art towers in Chicago that commemorate its history.

The inscription reads: “Regeneration- The Great Chicago Fire in October eighteen hundred and seventy-one devastated the city. From its ashes the people of Chicago caused a new and greater city to rise imbued with that indomitable spirit and energy by which they have ever been guided.”

statues on display in Chicago

“Return Visit” was recently erected in Chicago just before our Presidential election but will only stay for the remainder of this year. (Fun fact: The common man standing with President Lincoln is holding the Gettysburg Address.)

Chicago River view at night as a boat passes by

Yep, another picture of the Chicago River. 🙂

Chicago K9 Statues in Chicago

I just HAD to get a picture of the K9 statues that are set up all over the city. 65 statues have been sponsored, designed and set on display until Labor Day when they will be auctioned off to raise support for various police charities.

outside view of Chicago Dylan's Candy Bar

Last stop of the night: Dylan’s Candy Bar.

candy store from the inside with candy on every wall

This place has THREE levels; it just keeps going!

candy store with people shopping

I’m not sure I’d recommend taking your kids here; it’s hard enough to resist as an adult! And the prices are pricey, but it is so much fun to just look at everything.

color coded candy in sections on a wall

The last picture of the store, I promise; it’s just so colorful!

Chicago Skyline, Millennium Park

That’s it for my little “Chicago in pictures” tour. We thoroughly enjoyed our time downtown but there’s always so much to do that we usually leave with a list of things we plan to do on our next visit. 🙂 If you are ever in the area, make sure you swing through the city, it will be time well spent.


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