Today we were up around 7.15, and off for breakfast at InterCon where there are some interesting architectural features - but they were off limits due to functions in hotel, which was disappointing. Walking down town, we came across the Tribune Tower that has samples of rock from around the world embedded into its façade.  We discovered a few relevant ones, and marvelled at bits of Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle and even moon rock - altogether around 150, apparently.

Our intention was to make the Downtown Core walk, but we were sidetracked by an architectural boat trip. 75 mins on an open boat with commentary was very interesting. 





After this we were pretty cold, so headed off to find coffee to warm up before starting the walk. We soon ended up detouring into the Institute of Architecture Shop where there were loads of great 'stuff' including Falling Water in Lego, FLW souvenirs and some lovely design bits. A visit to their atrium showed us a scale model of the city's main architecture. 



We crossed the street to see the Crown Fountain, two glass rectangles that showered water continuously while displaying faces of Chicagoans that eventually spouted water from their mouths into the 'lake' - all of a couple of inches deep and great fun for the kids! We also saw the Icelandic garden of sculptures and the Metra station looking very Parisian.

Now time for the route around Downtown. Lists of buildings with interesting features, also sculptures by Miro, Picasso and Dubuffet to name but  a couple. We also saw the Marc Chagall mosaic. Trying to visit the winter garden at the top of the Public Library was a bit tricky as it was also closed for a private function, but we did see the fancy roof with its owls.
Our afternoon refreshment was at Toni's Patisserie and Café where we had chocolate and salted caramel tarts, before we turned to walk up State Street and towards the hotel. Again we detoured through Macy's and took some photographs of the atrium with its mosaic ceiling and its famous clocks on the corners outside.
After a recommendation from the Concierge, we had dinner at Del Frisco's on Oak Street. The steaks sounded enormous starting at 8oz and going up to 32oz. We eventually chose scallops and a light dish of medallions on a sort of rosti as our mains, following them up with ice cream from a local maker. After a pretty cold day, we walked back in spitting rain, glad to be 'home' before the jet lag sets in!

Del Frisco's