We decided on breakfast at the Dana, which turned out to be enormous even though we had only ordered fruit, granola and yoghurt with a side of toast. Three bowls arrived on a large plate for each serving, brimming with the aforementioned. Good job it would be a busy day. We walked down to the L, bought tickets with help from the station guard, then boarded the train for Oak Park. There were plenty of other folk on their way there, and when we arrived we were 'processed', given our booklet that included maps and pointed towards the trolley bus shuttles. We started with the furthest away, the Roberts House, a couple of miles away and arriving at the stop we discovered a huge queue. This was repeated at each house throughout the day, and we ended up missing a couple of the available houses as we just ran out of time. Each house has its own character and unique features, although they all display the Prairie style, except for his own house and studio, which is at the centre. This has some of those influences, but it was built very early in his career before he had started to develop Prairie style. It still is amazing with compression and expansion ceilings, a brilliant barrel-vaulted 'playroom', and his amazing offices. Our last stop was the Heurtley House, which has been faithfully restored by present owners and has become a National Landmark.



Back on the L and a suggestion from the concierge for dinner - Coco Pazzo Cafe, just a short walk away. This Italian bistro style restaurant serves enormous portions and after large starters of carpaccio and mussels, A was brought a pork chop that covered the whole of his dinner plate, and my salmon on fingers of roasted veg would easily have served two! (And we can't take a brown bag back to the hotel.) No room for pud, and very glad of a walk 'home'! We did share a bottle of Rosso de Montalcino.



Frank Lloyd Wright
CocoPazzo Café