Starting the Fun in Chicago at 21C

 

Lynn and I have been having adventures for many years. We’ve been friends for decades and look forward to our getaways. We had lots of plans for this one, taking us through Michigan, then on to Milwaukee before heading back.

She arrived in Champaign a few days before our trip. We got ready for our first stop, Chicago. We were spending two days there at 21CMuseum Hotel before hitting the road for the rest.

 

One of the things I enjoyed most about the 21C Museum Hotel I stayed in when in Louisville the first time were the penguins. These giant plastic penguins would move around the hotel, surprising you in places such as the elevator. After I mentioned this at check-in, we had one waiting for us in our room.

The 21C Deluxe Accessible Double room worked well for us. It had a nice big bathroom, with a low bathtub, which I love. There was also a chair in it for those who couldn’t climb in or get out of the tub.

 

We had stopped on the road to eat a big lunch. I wanted to have dinner at Lure Fish Bar at 21C, but Lynn and I both have seafood allergies and that made it impractical. Instead, I went there for an early breakfast. I loved the Brioche French Toast with caramelized bananas. (For those who can eat shellfish, the Lobster Frittata sounded amazing.)

I had an appointment in the morning and couldn’t resist Stan’s Donuts for a raspberry filled cronut and chai latte when it was done. I had been there longer than expected and knew it would still be a long time before my lunch. I don’t get the opportunity to have Stan’s very often. I then wheeled back to the hotel.

 

Marketing Director Alex Eden took me on a tour. The artwork at 21C is museum quality and worthy of exploring for an hour or two. The exhibits change a few times a year. I saw unusual pieces, such as a picture put together with subway tokens and a wedding cake made from newspaper.

After some rest, I was out again. I love Afternoon Tea and was especially excited to be doing it at the Ritz Carlton. Starting with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne made it even more special. I soon traded my champagne glass for a teacup as I waited for the well-orchestrated food. I chose the cranberry-apple blend tea and looked forward to it while it began to seep.

 
The tea sandwiches were as creative as they were delicious. My favorite was the zucchini with capers and dill spread. Next were the scones, pumpkin spice and traditional, served with cream, apple butter, and raspberry jam. There was also a Carbonara Quiche, with bucatini, smokey mushroom, and parmesan cheese.

Dessert was just as scrumptious as the rest of the offerings. Even though it was summer, they were themed for Halloween: Poison Apple, green apple Cremieux with graham cracker; Monster Under the Bed, blackberry mousse and pistachio ganache; Jack-O-Cannoli, a cannoli filled with pumpkin spice ricotta and dipped in chocolate; and RIP, a crispy hazelnut chocolate bar.

 

All the desserts were fantastic, but the cannoli was simply perfect. They sent me back to the hotel with extras of everything. Lynn and I decided to indulge in more rather than go out to dinner.

The next morning, we packed up the car and headed to Michigan. Our first stay would be in Holland, a place I’ve wanted to go to for years.

A Special Sunday in Chicago at CDA and Driehaus

 

I live two hours from downtown Chicago, so I almost always stay overnight. Occasionally, the time is too short and the opportunity too great, so I make an exception. This was the case on the day my friend, Kim, and I went for brunch at Sofitel’s CDA and checked out the Driehaus Museum.

The CDA Restaurant at Sofitel Magnificent Mile Hotel in Chicago is the epitome of modern elegance. The decor and service are first class, yet it feels very comfortable with the large windows and white design. 

The brunch menu is most definitely French, though they do have their version of the Mexican breakfast favorite Chilaquiles. Named “Sofitel Chilaquiles Rojos,” they are made with sunny side eggs in a crispy corn tortilla and served with a cilantro yogurt.

It was difficult to decide as everything sounded so good. After my initial excitement at the Ricotta Pancakes, topped with bananas and cocoa nibs, then drizzled with Cinnabon topping, I decided to save my sweet tooth for dessert and order the Chicken and Waffles. These were covered in whipped Boursin cheese and spicy honey. 

Kim picked the Sofitel Breakfast Croissant. It was a fresh baked croissant, filled with gruyere cheese and prosciutto. It was served with herb roasted potatoes. Both our dishes were as good as they were described. We had plenty left to go home with.

Everything on the dessert menu is tempting. We looked it over a few times and couldn’t decide between three. Our waiter encouraged us to get all of them. Why not?

 All of the desserts were presented beautifully. They were (almost) too nice to eat. Within a short time, we had Pecan Sticky Buns with a caramel sauce and crème anglaise, French Macarons, and

Crème Brulee with a berry compote. 

We enjoyed them all, but I would say the Sticky Buns were my favorite, though they were very rich. One was more than enough.

We stopped at the bathroom before leaving Sofitel. I was impressed with how big and wheelchair friendly it was. It was just a short wheel to the museum. The walk and the entrance were also easy to access with my powerchair. 

I always wanted to go to The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, but it never worked out. It probably was best because it wasn’t made completely accessible until just last year.

Driehaus was a Chicago philanthropist who founded the museum in what once was the Nickerson Mansion. It would be five years of renovations before it opened to the public. Then, in 2022, the Museum purchased the John B. Murphy Auditorium next door and expanded the museum campus. 

The museum is filled with art in nearly every form. There are photographs, urns, fireplaces, portraits, sculptures, lamps, tables, stained glass (some from Tiffany’s), chandeliers, candelabras… all you can imagine in precious metals and exquisite design. It is floors of stunning artifacts from the Gilded Age.

It was a too short Chicago trip, but I discovered two places I most definitely want to return to.

 

 

Quick Pet Friendly Getaway on Riverwalk

My trips are usually planned pretty far in advance. This one was different.

It was toward the end of a summer spent mostly at home and Teddy and I were getting restless. I was also looking for something to talk about for my upcoming CI Living show.

 

Since I live just two hours south of Chicago and the windy City offers endless things to do, it was the obvious choice. I wanted something a bit different this time around. A focus on the Riverwalk sounded like the perfect idea.

Even though Teddy is a service dog and allowed everywhere, I wanted a pet friendly place where people could have the same experience we did. The Sheraton Grand Riverwalk fit all the requirements and it was a hotel I had not previously been to.

 My friend, Kim, came along for the short trip. We checked in quickly and went up to our large accessible room, with a king bed, a pullout couch, and a bed and bowl set up for Teddy that was much bigger than he was.

We also had a welcoming charcuterie plate. It was filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. We  just nibbled on a bit since we had plans for dinner.

 

When I go to Chicago I usually check out a restaurant I haven’t been to before, having multiple courses and tasting as much as I can. This was planned differently. I wanted a pet friendly experience.

We went downstairs and walked through the large lobby bar and to the Riverwalk, where we entered Chicago Burger Company. This venue is open at the Sheraton Grand in the spring, summer, and fall.

At first it looked just like a fast food restaurant. We soon learned they had a lot more to offer. Along with the usual burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes, Chicago Burger Company has frozen cocktails, beer, and smoothies. They also have a food menu for dogs.

 

We ordered our food and drinks and went to sit outside overlooking the river. While we waited we did some people – and dog – watching. The area had a bit of a Paris vibe with the waterfront. The Sheraton Grand even has its own dock so you can come and go by boat.

 

Although I can’t say his food looked overly appealing, Teddy loved the CBC Burger. Kim was equally satisfied with the Chili & Cheddar Burger and her side of fried pickles. I decided to go meatless with a Mushroom Swiss Impossible Burger and sweet potato tots. It was the right choice.

 

We also tried out the frozen cocktails It was a Mango Rum for me and a Lakeshore Lemonade for Kim. Teddy stuck with the water.

 

After we ate, Kim and Teddy walked while I rode my wheelchair along the Riverwalk. It was a beautiful scene at night as it had been during the day and I found it to be very accessible.

 

We slept very well at the Sheraton Grand. As expected, Teddy preferred my bed to the one set up for him on the floor. In the morning, we had coffee and the rest of that delicious charcuterie plate before heading home.

I received complimentary accommodations and food on this trip, but opinions are my own.

Furry Fun at StayPineapple in Chicago

I've been to many Chicago hotels, but StayPineapple is one of my best discoveries in years.

I love pineapple and was very intrigued about a hotel built around the fruit. When I heard they were very dog friendly, I knew I had to go. I brought my friend Kim and my Yorkie Teddy along to enjoy the fun for a quick trip.

Even though Teddy is a service dog and is welcome everywhere, I try to take him to pet friendly places so he gets the dog perks. We received welcome drinks (Sauvignon Blanc for me and pineapple beer for Kim), pineapple shaped cookies, pineapple water, and, of course, dog biscuits for Teddy, as soon as we arrived at the hotel.

My corner suite was perfect, with a king bed in the large bedroom, and a couch, chair, and second television in the living room. Kim had the room next door to herself. We had a beautiful view from the window. 

Teddy had a bed set up for him and bowls for water and food next to it. In his goodie bag was also a yellow container with a clip, filled with poop bags (there are areas nearby where you can walk your dog).

 

Both rooms had the consistent pineapple theme throughout. Our robes were yellow with pineapples. Even the bathroom had toilet paper designed as a pineapple! I could detect the faint smell of pineapple in the air. 

I enjoyed my wine while I was spread out on the couch with my feet up. It was nice to chill in this environment. Teddy was happy he wasn't needed and ran around and explored the entire place. He finally settled in comfortably on my bed, between all the pillows with pineapple pictures.

 The hotel amenities are definitely more than you see in most Chicago hotels. In addition to what I’ve mentioned, all guests get complimentary internet, unlimited bottled water and coffee/tea in the room, and bikes for borrowing. The cookies and pineapple water are also always available free of charge in the lobby.

After the rest, we went downstairs to have dinner at the hotel’s Atwood Restaurant. We took full advantage of the pineapple filled menu, starting with a Naked Experience cocktail (brown sugar bourbon, pineapple, lemonade & Luxardo cherry) for Kim, served in a pineapple shaped container, and a tequila and pineapple juice for me.

We had shared the  Pineapple Teriyaki Wings, which had chunks of pineapple, and cheese-filled Nachos with a pineapple salsa for our appetizers. The kitchen also sent us the spicy wings to try. Kim had the steak and polenta special for a main course, and I did the BBQ Pork Sliders, which had a sweet and tangy pineapple Cole slaw.

 

Dessert was a dark chocolate skillet brownie with raspberry sauce and a Pineapple Whip, a soft serve that would definitely make Walt Disney jealous. Everything we had was delicious and obviously made with fresh ingredients.

 Teddy had plenty of bones – and a few morsels that might have fallen on the floor, where he sat during our dinner. After he went for a walk, he was content to go back to the room to rest, though he didn’t prefer my bed over his.

 

After a good night’s sleep, we were back at Atwood for brunch. Kim had the Loaded Breakfast Potatoes, with bacon, sausage, and sunny side eggs over crispy potatoes. I had a tomato and cheese omelet, with the potatoes. We were as pleased with breakfast as we have dinner.

As for accessibility, inside it was incredibly good, and the staff was very accommodating. The doors were too heavy for me to manage on my own, though. I am looking forward to seeing more Chicago establishments installing automatic doors.

 

StayPineapple is just a few blocks between Millennium Park and Grant Park. It is also a short walk to the Chicago Theater District so the location is a good one.

It’s rarely I get to relax, eat, and drink all in one place. It was a short getaway, but I really good one I would definitely do again

24 Hours on Navy Pier in Chicago

 

Since I’ve been traveling in a wheelchair or mobility scooter the last few years, I have not gone many places alone. I decided to go for it when I was invited to spend a day – and night – at Navy Pier in Chicago.

I have been to Navy Pier many times, but was never able to stay there until Sable, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton, was built. I always wondered why there wasn’t a hotel there, and after spending time scooting my way around the property and the pier, I can attest that it’s a fun and unique experience.

The hotel is at the end of the pier and the entrance is right next to one of the parking lots. It was easy to park my van and take my scooter right into the modern lobby. Once inside you’ll be surprised at just how big it is, with a Kisbi Coffee and the Lirica Restaurant close to the entrance.

It did take me a little while to figure out how to get to the elevator to my room, but once inside, I found my biggest draw to this hotel – the windows. Every room has floor to ceiling views of the blue water of Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline.

If it wasn’t for that famous skyline I could have just as easily been on a Caribbean Island. That view can bring a sense of relaxation, a touch of romance, or the beginning of a family enjoyment of Navy Pier.

I didn’t have too much time to stare out the window before my reservation at Lirica for dinner.  It’s a comfortable, but classic, restaurant at Sable Hotel at Navy Pier. The menu is modern Latin.

 

I started with one of their many mojitos, the house special Passion Fruit Vanilla. It was fantastic and not too sweet. It was the perfect accompaniment to their house guacamole, arbol salsa, and chips.

For a main course, I had the braised short ribs, served in a mushroom, garlic, and wine sauce. On the waiter’s recommendation I added in a side of roasted potatoes, which came with an aioli sauce for dipping, and a warm cauliflower salad. It all went ideally with a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.

 

I wasn’t anxious to leave the food, but I was excited to check out Offshore at Sable, the rooftop venue at the hotel. Fortunately, I had reservations because this place, as huge as it is, fills up.

 

I was immediately taken with the open-air indoor area, with tables all around a large bar. I had asked for a table outside so I could see if the sunsets here were as breathtaking as I had heard. I was not disappointed as I sampled an ice cream sundae and tried one of the many cocktails on the menu.

It was an easy ride back to my hotel room on my scooter and I was more than ready for sleep.

 

In the morning, I headed back to Lirica Restaurant. This time I sat outside and did some people watching on Navy Pier. The Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes were as good as the food I had the night before. When I finished most of the large portion and my coffee, I decided to do some exploring.

 

It’s hard not to love Navy Pier. There’s just no other city that has the views and activities like this. I went all the way to the beginning where the 13-acre Polk’s Brothers Park, is one of the newer gathering places. Indoors, I noticed that the Kilwin’s Fudge was added to the food options since my last visit.

I had done the Centennial Wheel not long before, so I skipped it on this trip. I did notice a new addition to the ever-changing interactive exhibits and caught a sign about the latest music series. There was also the start of the Halloween preparations, which was always followed by the beginning of the set up for Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier, held every holiday season.

The one thing I have yet to do at Navy Pier is take one of the boat rides. The sunset cruise has been on my list of Chicago things to do.

 

Maybe next time.

 

I was hosted on this trip, but opinions are my own.