Day 3 in Chicago: We are all beautiful!

Moving, again, to another hotel in the morning. Just walked over to the Freehand, a hostel-like hotel in a  classic 1927 building in the River North neighborhood. Budget hotel for a young, money-conscious clientèle with bunk rooms with four beds and (small) rooms like we had.

Cloudy today, though not too cold. We took a walk through the Loop (pic on left) - Chicago's heart - to the American Writers Museum - for us, as book lovers and vivid readers, pure delight! It is dedicated to American Writers - past, present, and future - it connects them to history, culture, politics and daily life.  Highly instructive, and, nicely presented.

Since we had a little bit of time inbetween museums, we explored the Loop further, with some of its signature sights:

Buddy Guy - great jazz musician

Famous clock at Marshall Fields Company

Next stop: WNDR Museum - in their own words: "WNDR is a collective of thinkers, artists, poets, and designers working at the intersection of art and technology". It's one of these popular contemporary interactive, immersive arts  experiences for young folks, or a "multi-sensory showcase of art and technology". The doubtful message is "We are all artists. We are all beautiful".  You're entitled to your own opinion,,,

 

We took an Uber back into town to explore Mag Mile and the Water Tower District with the Sports Museum,,,

Water Tower

Magnificent Mile

,,, before we went to the former Hancock Tower, now "360 Chicago" with TILT (left) and the Cloud Bar. (below) On the ground floor is a walk-through exhibition celebrating Chicago’s history and some of its neighborhoods. Elevators go up to the 94th floor with 360-degree views of Chicago’s  skyline and  lakefront. TILTis Chicago's highest thrill ride, moving people, standing leaned on the window, to a 30 deg. angle. Cloud Bar, perfect last stop, for a cocktail, after TILT. Drink was great, but, unfortunately, we had grey skies and clouds this day. 

Back to the Freehand Hotel - in the meantime it started to rain - to meet with the GM of the hotel in the Broken Shaker Bar - the signature part of all Freehand Hotels in the U.S. (there are also hotels e.g. in NY and L.A.). Their cocktails are special, composed of elixirs, syrups and infusions made from garden herbs and spices, fresh-pressed produce and exotic ingredients from around the world. 

Dinner at Ina Mae Tavern for (another) Southern food experience. Down to earth, not expensive, live music on the patio and big portions of food.  New Orleans cuisine, New Orleans décor, New Orleans everything.