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.

It’s Not Boston Without Cheers

 

It was my third day in Boston and the most important one, my doctor’s appointment, but that didn’t change my interest in seeing more of this historic city.

I started the day at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza with breakfast at Off the Common restaurant. I had the Cinnamon French Toast the previous day, and as good as it was, I was pressed on time. The buffet breakfast looked really good, and I picked a piece of quiche, a muffin, and fruit to have with my latte.

 

It was impossible to go anywhere in Boston without walking through history (or wheeling, in my case). I took advantage of a beautiful day and went through the Boston Public Garden on my way to the doctor's office.

Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden opened in the United States. It’s just on the side of Boston Common and was scenic and quiet in the morning, with just a few joggers cutting through (like I was) on their way to work.

 

My appointment at Tufts went well. I decided that, since I wasn’t in a rush and it was a fall like day without a chance of rain, I’d ride my power chair through the park and street rather than take an Uber. It took a bit longer, and I dealt with one hill, but I made it to my next stop without issue.

I was a fan of the show Cheers, and my heart was set on visiting the location of the show. It is currently a museum, shop, and restaurant. I hadn’t even thought about accessibility until I arrived and found out that the only way to it was stairs.

 

Just when I was getting ready to turn around, an employee from the building came out and asked if I was trying to get into Cheers. Dinora told me to wait and returned a few minutes later with a long ramp she placed on the stairs! She held on to my chair, guiding it, as I rode up to the top.

Once inside, I was given a tour and the chance to pose with Cheers sets and cutouts of the actors. Then, another staff member led me into an employee elevator and down to the restaurant.

 

The restaurant has the same décor as the show and was very crowded. I had a root beer and Sam’s Turkey Sandwich (turkey, cheddar, tomato, and cranberry mayonnaise), which was quite good. I was given an escort again up on the elevator and down the ramp to the sidewalk. Before I left, I purchased a Cheers ornament.

It was too far to wheel to my next stop, and I had a long wait for an accessible Uber. I was late for the Museum of Fine Arts. By that time, it was raining, and I was happy to be indoors for a while.

 

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is magnificent. I was impressed with every exhibit. I was lucky enough to see two great ones I really enjoyed: Georgia O’Keefe and Henry Moore, and Power of the People: Arts and Democracy. The latter was timely and interesting, focusing on voting rights and protests.

I wondered around and was fascinated with the Chihuly statue in the library. I had discovered the artist on my trip to Seattle and loved his work. The museum is a must-do in Boston. It has a mix of modern and ancient, antique and contemporary.

 

I also had a long Uber Wave wait from the museum. I had a latte and cookie at the museum’s café while I waited. By the time I got back for to the Hilton, I was exhausted and wet from the rain. I took a shower and went to bed early for my flight home the next day.

Between my activities during the day, I had heard from the doctor’s office that my first surgery was scheduled for two weeks later. I’d be back soon to discover more Boston, with more trips to follow.