My Kind of Town...Chicago (Part 3)

Okay, finally, my LAST recap of my trip to Chicago. And it didn't take me a whole month this time! :) In case you missed any of my recaps, please see below.

Part one recap here

Part two recap here

Trip to Danville recap here

I didn't get a chance to post these pictures from around Chicago (they are mainly from walking around town on day two and three), so here they are first!

After being on various parts of Route 66 last summer and this summer, I finally saw where it started!

We stopped by (but didn't go in) Tribune Tower, which is home to the newspaper the Chicago Tribune. It seems before this building was built, correspondents for the newspaper would bring back rocks or stones from historic and important sites all over the world. They have been incorporated into the lowest levels of the building, and are labeled with their location of origin. They keep adding stones because last year bricks from Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park were added (why it took them so long to get stones from places in Chicago, I don't know). 

Of course I would take my picture by the stone from the Alamo

No big deal, just touching a piece of the Great Pyramid

This as a pretty awesome candy store!

My first night we were able to see a fireworks show at the Navy Pier from Harrie's pool deck. It was a beautiful night for them!

My last day in Chicago was really just over a half day, because my flight left about 3:30 pm and I headed to the airport about one. We met one of Harrie's friends (and now my new friend) MaryAnne for breakfast early-ish that morning at a place called Toast.

I liked this place (and not just because it had an Audrey Hepburn poster in the back). :)

We had plans to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo, but it started pouring down rain while we were at breakfast, so we decided to check out the Chicago History Museum instead. I think I actually enjoyed it more than I would have the zoo. I love history and this place was wonderful! I learned so much, including that the name Chicago comes from the word Native American name "shikaakwa" or "checagou" (which is the French version), which means stinky onion. That made me laugh. 

If you answer a question, they put your name up on the board for the day

We only had about two hours to spend there, but I could have easily stayed an additional two hours. I decided when I go back to Chicago, I want to check out more about the gangsters of Chicago (there was a small exhibit about them in this museum). Oh, and it was also cool to see an actual scorecard from the last World Series the Cubs won. I also discovered an exhibit of photographs from Vivian Maier. She took thousand of photographs but none of them were actually published (or even developed) until after her death. It's a fascinating story, you can read more here.

Of course they had a lot about the Great Chicago Fire (including some artifacts that survived, or partially survived), and some artifacts from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. They also had an exhibit with a cane once owned by Charlie Chaplin.

Charlie Chaplin's cane is bottom left

From the exhibit about Women's Suffrage in Chicago

My "summer of Lincoln" ended in the Chicago History Museum, where they have the bed on which he died. There was a very nice museum employee named Michael and he said they actually have the sheets on which he died, but they are bloody, and they didn't feel it was appropriate to have them on display (which I understand, although the morbid side of me kind of wants to see them). I know, I have issues. Lol.

Lincoln's death bed

After the museum, we headed back to Harrie's so I could pack. I actually took a Lyft car to the airport (my first time using the service). It wasn't bad- it was reasonably priced (especially since Harrie lives a good way from the airport). MUCH cheaper than a taxi. The bad weather earlier in the day caused some flight delays so my flight was almost two hours late taking off. I finally boarded the plane and enjoyed an Audrey Hepburn movie on my flight home (thanks to the free movie streaming service on United Airlines).

It was a fantastic trip. Thanks again to my awesome friend Harrie for being such a wonderful hostess!! I can't wait for my next trip!

XOXO!

My Visit to Danville, Illinois

If you would like to read the first part of my Chicago recap, click here and here.

The Friday of my Chicago trip Harrie and I rented a car and made the 2.5 hour drive to the charming town of Danville. Quick side note: After driving in downtown Chicago, I may never complain about Dallas traffic again. Okay, I probably will, but it won't be as nerve-wracking as driving in Chicago. 

I'll be honest. I originally only wanted to go to Danville so I could say I had visited the hometown of Dick Van Dyke. If you know me, or have been following my blog for any amount of time, you know that he is my FAVORITE actor of all time. The man is a NATIONAL TREASURE! 

I personally think there should be a huge sign saying Danville is the hometown of Dick Van Dyke, but alas, there wasn't one. There was a sign saying it was the hometown of some astronaut (I can't remember his name). I personally think Mr. Van Dyke is more important- anyone can go into space, but not just anyone can be a national treasure, but then again, that is just my opinion. :) They do have signs along one of the main streets with pictures of their famous residents. Yes, I stopped for a photo by Mr. Van Dyke's sign. Don't even act surprised. :)

I heard there was a local museum that had memorabilia from some of Danville's more famous residents (i.e. Dick Van Dyke, Donald O' Connor, Bobby Short). When we got to the museum, there was a sign that said it was closed for employee vacation (I later found out it's operated by volunteers). I was bummed, but I wasn't going to let it ruin my day. Another side note: I later found out that museum is pretty new and they are still trying to get it all organized, so I was missing TOO much by not seeing it now. I WILL go back to see it at some point. :)

There are murals painted all around the downtown Danville area. This particular mural faces the theater where these stars began their careers: Bobby Short, Jerry Van Dyke, Dick Van Dyke, Gene Hackman, Donald O' Connor, and Helen Morgan.

It seems that Abraham Lincoln once made a stop in Danville. We didn't have time to check out everything in town related to him, but we did see this mural and went by the courthouse. It seems I had a summer of Lincoln history (check out my trip to Springfield, IL here).

I won't post pictures of all the murals, but here are a few more.

While walking through downtown we noticed a sign for a war museum. Since I'm a history and museum nerd, we decided to go by. I'll be honest- I was thinking that a town the size of Danville probably wouldn't have too much in their war museum (but I still wanted to check it out). Boy, was I WRONG! This is probably one of the best museums I've ever been to (and if you know me, you know I've been to A LOT). My only regret is that we didn't have more time to spend there. We spent just under two hours and I probably could have spent another hour or so in there. Yes, it was that good.

First of all, everyone who works there is super nice and helpful. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and practically gave us a private tour. They were also willing to answer any questions we had.

We made small talk about what brought us to town (I told them it was my fandom of Mr. Van Dyke). EVERYONE we came across in Danville had a Dick Van Dyke story to share. Someone had either met him or knew someone who knew him. He and his wife had been in town back in June and the high school put on a performance for him. This nice gentleman named Jim found a program from that performance and gave it to me as a souvenir. Fun fact: This man is the uncle of Kevin Kouzmanoff, former Texas Rangers player (that conversation came up when he noticed my Rangers purse). :) What a small world!

Jim giving me the Dick Van Dyke program. Yes, I had many nerdy moments while I was in town- stop judging me. :) 

This sign is right outside the second floor entrance of the museum. I know some people are very sensitive about war- and I understand that. Both of my grandfathers fought in World War II. I appreciate this sign and I appreciate all of the men and women who have served or who are currently serving our country.

I took a lot of pictures, but again, I will spare you by not posting all of them. It seems people from all over donated items for this museum. Uniforms. Medals. Artifacts. Newspapers. Posters. Like I said, I could have spent so much more time in there. When I make my trip back to Danville, I'm going to go back to this museum.

A cannonball from the Civil War era

They let us try on a flak jacket

After we left the museum we ventured out to find a place to eat. Jim recommended a place called VIPS so we went there- it was quite good and inexpensive. It was about two by the time we got there, so we missed the lunch rush.

They serve breakfast all day long at VIPS- that's my kind of place!

After lunch we took a quick trip around the rest of downtown, checking out the architecture and some of the shops. There are several cute antique shops located around downtown.

We came across the office of the local newspaper. I went inside, hoping that they still had back issues from when Mr. Van Dyke was in town so I could buy them. I used to work for a newspaper, so I know that back issues are usually available for a few months at least. They had two issues that featured Mr. Van Dyke. They wouldn't even let me pay for them- they just gave them to me. Have I mentioned how much I love the people in this town?

Before making our way back to Chicago, we made two more quick stops. The first one was at Danville High School- where Mr. Van Dyke attended. I knew from following him on Twitter that a sign was recently put up in front of the high school honoring him- and of course, I had to get a picture.

Our last stop was at Mr. Van Dyke's childhood home. I read an article online that it was going to be torn down, but a group of people stepped in to renovate it and turn it into a foundation center.

I highly recommend making a trip to Danville. It's not that far from Chicago and makes for a great day trip. I'm so glad I went. I went just to say I had been to the hometown of Dick Van Dyke and saw so much more than I ever expected. I can't wait to visit again!

XOXO!

My Kind of Town...Chicago (Part 2)

For part one of my Chicago recap, click here.

My second full day in Chicago started out with thunder and rain pouring down. It was so bad I couldn't see out the windows of Harrie's apartment. I was super bummed because we had tickets for a 9:30 am tour of Wrigley Field and then tickets to the afternoon Cubs game. I was accepting the fact that I might not be able to experience Wrigley Field and was becoming devastated. It was also Harrie's birthday (and who wants rain on their birthday?) By the time we left to catch the L train, the rain had stopped but there were still dark clouds everywhere. The closer we got to Wrigley, the lighter the sky got (not sunny, but not pitch black). I was praying that the rain would hold off long enough for the tour and the game. By the time we walked from the L station to the field, the sun had started to come out. YAY!!!

The tour was AMAZING! I highly recommend it if you are a baseball fan. There is so much history! Our tour guide's name was Harry and he has been a Cubs fan his entire life. His little grandson was on the tour (it was that little guy's first time at Wrigley). We got to go down onto the field (because it was game day, we couldn't go in the dugout or locker room, but that was okay). 

They had a rope around the dirt track and we were told not to go past it. I didn't go all the way to Wrigley to be told I couldn't touch the grass, so I rebelled (what can I say, I'm a rule breaker).

Gotta love the Snapchat features!

After the tour we got in line for the bleacher seats (there is a separate entrance for bleacher seating). Harrie got a sticker stating it was her birthday and I got a certificate with my name and the date stating it was my first Cubs game. They had a Cubs cap giveaway that day and since the Cubs are a National League team (and I have no ill feelings towards them), I gladly wore it. I also needed it to protect my head because by then the sun was out (thank you Lord!!) and it was getting pretty warm. Since it was raining when we left Harrie's, I didn't think about bringing a cap (or sunscreen). Thankfully Harrie had sunscreen to protect my ever-blinding white complexion. We sat in front of a nice couple. They joked if I took a selfie, they were going to photobomb it, so I couldn't disappoint them. Lol. The Navy Seals parachuted onto the field (that was an awesome sight to see) and Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder threw out the first pitch. 

Sporting my Cubs cap. I actually like it!

A view from our seats

My souvenir cup

Having some Wrigley gum at Wrigley field (I know, I'm a nerd)

The game was good- the Cubs are having a great season. Harrie said that she's been there when you could walk up at game time and get cheap tickets. This game was pretty much sold out (and it was on a Thursday afternoon). Bleacher tickets were going for $75 that morning on StubHub. Cubs player Kris Bryant had an awesome game- going 5 for 5 at the plate and hitting two home runs (sadly no home run balls came our way). Even though I'm not a Cubs fan, I respect good players (except David Freese) and enjoy seeing a good game. 

We noticed a guy walking by wearing a Little Red Riding Hood costume. Evidently it was his bachelor party. The other members of the party had on wolf masks. They were funny!

The Cubs ended up winning 9-6. After a win the crowd sings a song called Go Cubs Go. It was pretty cool to see that tradition live and in person.

Another picture by the sign, this time with the final score and not some advertisement 

After the game we walked to a restaurant to meet some of Harrie's friends for her birthday dinner. It was a lot of fun and I met one of her friends who is also from Texas (so I had someone to talk to). Although let's be honest, I can usually make conversation with just about anyone. Lol. It's a gift. And a curse. Oh fun story. Remember how I prayed the rain would hold off until after the game? There was a down pour while we were AT the restaurant (but it stopped before we left). Thank you God. After dinner we went to an ice cream place called Jeni's. I got some yogurt and it was quite good!! We finally took a Lyft car back to Harrie's later that night. It was a long, exhausting, but FABULOUS day!

101 in 1001 update:

I can officially cross #4 off my list: Attend games at five ballparks I've never been to. Wrigley was my fifth one!

I am going to try and give my Danville recap next (HOPEFULLY tomorrow). Then I will wrap up my Chicago recap after that! Thanks for reading!

XOXO!!