Chicago in August Part II

On my husbands day off we decided to go on a boat tour.  This is something we have both always wanted to do, so we decided to bite the bullet and be tourist for the day.  We decided to ride on the Architectural Cruise.  We learned a lot about the buildings situated on the river and a lot of interesting facts about the river its self.  The cost was 26.00/person for an hour ride.  Here is the kicker though.  I was extremely disappointed to find out that we had to pay 22.00 for our 8 month old who slept through the entire cruise on our lap.  I just felt like that was a steep price to pay.  Snacks and drinks are available but be prepared to pay for those as well.  Also be prepared if it is the summer time you will be sitting on the top deck exposed to the heat of the day.  I found myself in the lower air conditioned part with little Grumpencamper most of the time which was nice, but I missed out on seeing a lot of the tops of the buildings.  I got a lot of half views.

Wrigley Building

Chicago Style Pizza was next on our agenda.  You just CAN NOT leave Chicago without a slice or tow, no you can't leave without a whole pie.  One of Chicago's finest and most well known is Giordonos.  There isn't much to say other than to just try it.  there are locations all over the city.  Making a reservation is a smart idea if you can.  One nice thing is when you get there you can order your pizza while you wait for your table.  So its already been cooking when you sit down.

Of course one of Chicago's main attractions is Navy Pier.  If it is your first time I definitely recommend going.  I made a trek there one day on our walk.  I have to say I was disappointed.  I think maybe because it is so crowded with tourist and has become so commercialized  I would like to try out the children's museum there one day but little Grumpencamper is still too young for that so I skipped it.  Let me know if you have tried it out.  

One tourist attraction I do love and never get sick of is the John Hancock Building.  Check out the link.  It has some of the greatest views of the city and I would for sure recommend going up at night. General admission for 12+ is 15.00, 3-11 is 10.00 and under 3.00 is FREE!  They are open 9:00a.m to 11:00pm last ride up is 10:30pm so you have plenty of time to catch dinner and head on up for a romantic end to your night.  You can stay inside or venture outside on the observation deck.  

In my opinion one of the greatest cities in America.  We visit often so I will save some of the sites for another time.  Coming up is a great trip to Austin, Texas.  I have lots and lots of food recommendations for this city.

 

DIY---Clothes Pin Chandelier

Below is another Craft from the Camper or at least inspired by a trip on the camper.

I have been working hard on a lot of different crafts which is why I have been so absent from my blog.  This is a taste of what I have been doing.  

Clothes Pin Chandelier 

At first glance did you know what it was made of?  Honestly.  While my husband and I were at Austin City Limits this year we saw a 3 tier chandelier like this.  I have been wanting a chandelier for the back wall of my house and my husband said, "we can make something like that, no problem."  This was the perfect solution because I wanted something a little different and rustic.  So when we returned we headed to Lowes and Home Depot to collect supplies.  The cross bracing is plumbing pipes.  Chicken wire gives it its shape and then you go to town putting the clothes pins in the empty squares.  If I get enough interest I'll post some more pictures so you can see up close exactly how this was done. 

At night I love to sit and stare at the chandelier as though its the Christmas tree.  The clothes pins create an illusion of wood shingles and as the light shines through it projects some incredible shapes on the walls.