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Chicago

Secrets of Chicago

by emptynest

An August 2005 travel journal

Last Updated: November 7, 2005

Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
5
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Living close to a destination often means that we take it for granted. But occasionally we have the opportunity to see it as a tourist and enjoy it more for what we learn.

This is a facility built in the 1920s and reflects the 'lodge' environment. The fireplace room is a huge area with floor-to-ceiling (25 foot) fireplaces and couches surrounding these. In any season it is a welcoming sight, with French doors overlooking the trees and state park. The rooms are adequate, again a bit rustic, and smaller than many hotels. Since this was constructed in the last century, it is expected that the rooms would not be as spacious as newer hotels. The staff were friendly and helpful. There is an indoor pool area that is clean and well maintained.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by emptynest on November 7, 2005

Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center
Rt. 178 & 71 Utica, New York 61373
(800) 868-7625

Drake Hotel

Hotel

This is an old hotel between the loop and the lake. At Christmastime, expect beautiful decorations in the lobby and dining rooms. Also during the Christmas holidays at high tea, local choir groups entertain. This is a charming hotel, the rooms are well decorated, and marble bathrooms are an added bonus. The staff is helpful; they seem to want to be sure that guests are aware of Chicago attractions and get people where they need to be. It is easy to feel like a princess in this facility.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by emptynest on November 7, 2005

The Drake
140 E WALTON PL Chicago, Illinois 60611
0013127872200

SuperDawg

Restaurant

This was recommended as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be prepared for food choices of hamburgers or hot dogs. There are grilled cheese sandwiches also. This is known for the drive-up atmosphere and the car hops that bring to food to your car. It is a flashback to the "Happy Days" age when, on a summer evening, the neighborhood is at the drive-in or cruising through the drive-in looking for friends. Don't go for the food, but enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by emptynest on September 4, 2005

Superdawg
6363 North Milwaukee Ave Chicago, Illinois 60646
+1 773 763 0660

Verucchi's

Restaurant

During the weekend evening meal, it is a good idea to make reservations. Verucci's has been in business since 1914, when a family immigrated from Modena, Italy. The family story is on the menu, and photos on the walls show how the family has grown and still remains connected to the community and restaurant.

The food is great--look for a special that includes gnocchi in gorgonzola cheese. These are homemade potato dumplings boiled and served in a tangy cheese sauce. The bow tie pasta is also good, with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mushrooms. This area is known for family-style meals, which means that an entire group can order fried chicken, ravioli, spaghetti, french fries, and a salad to share. Our first meal was so good, we decided to come back again and found that it is worth a 30- to 45-minute drive to try other options on the menu

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by emptynest on November 7, 2005

Verucchi's Ristorante
600 N. Greenwood St. Chicago, Illinois 61362
815/663-6431

Living our entire lives outside of Chicago city limits, we felt a tour with our good friends and city residents would be necessary. We hooked up with a boat tour narrated by volunteers from the Chicago Architecture Society. These were university professors providing the tour on their own time. In the two-hour tour, we traversed the Chicago River and learned about the buildings along the shore, the changes over time, the history of the city, and the influences in building architecture. It was an interesting afternoon, a beautiful day on the river, and we left the city much more appreciative.

About the Writer

emptynest
emptynest
Ottawa, Illinois
  • "We travel at least once a year to a new place and try to return to favorite places, we act as touris..."
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