Riding the Rails -- The Journey Begins in Chicago

Chicago is one of my favorite cities in America.

There's so much to do in this midwestern megalopolis of nearly 10 million people, from museums to theatre to concerts to art galleries to sightseeing to professional sports and more.

Union Station

Before departing on our "America's Beautiful West" rail vacation at Union Station, my wife Mary and I spent a couple of hours walking in the downtown area.

I first got interested in Chicago in the 1960s, along with many other teenagers, listening to clear-channel WLS-AM (890 on the dial) radio. DJs such as Dick Biondi, Art Roberts, and Larry Lujack played the latest hits of The Beatles, The Buckinghams, The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, The Animals and other popular bands. 

But I digress.

Willis Tower

Only a block or so away from Union Station is 110-story Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), one of the tallest buildings in the world at 1,451 feet, located at Jackson Building and Wacker Drive.

Chicago Board of Trade

A few more blocks down Jackson Boulevard is the Chicago Board of Trade building, another impressive structure in the cityscape. 

Chicago River 

The Chicago River traverses the heart of town, bringing a tranquility to offset the urban rush of people hurrying to and from various destinations on the busy streets. And not far away, on the east side, is the beautiful Lake Michigan that offers a variety of activities and events.

As you can see from these images, our little walk didn't even scratch the surface of things to see and do in electrifying Chi-town. 

We'll definitely return for a visit dedicated to the Windy City.

Until the next time...