After seven long weeks of scaffolding and plastic, our house is finally ours again free of dust and workers and with most of the furniture back in place. Finally, I can return to my writing. With perfect weather beckoning us outdoors, we decided to visit the newly expanded Chicago Riverwalk. Spanning from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street, the areas is an incredible pedestrian walkway located along the Chicago River.
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As a walking venue, it is the perfect location to marvel at some of Chicago’s most beautiful architecture, with the sun dancing off the reflections in the glass buildings.
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The River is open to commercial and private boats. You can take a water taxi or an architectural tour, or just watch as they glide past.
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Should you feel a bit adventurous, and have strong arms, rent a kayak.
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Restaurants dot the shore, most offering al fresco dining…
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or order take out which can be enjoyed in a variety of seating venues.
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No shortage of interesting landscaping here, with trees even planted in the cement stairs to eventually provide more shaded areas.
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There is a Vietnam Memorial along the River at State and Wabash, which was built in 2005. The Vietnam Memorial Plaza, consisting of a terraced lawn, a waterfall and a central pool, is one of the nation’s largest Vietnam memorials outside of D.C.
The most interesting thing to me was the marriage of old and new. When the city first announced they would develop walkways along the river, I wondered how, as each section was bordered by enormous bridge structures.
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Well, leave it to the clever architects to design walkways that expand out into the river and under and around the impediments.
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Not only are there walkways, but they have mirrored arched canopies that reflect the glistening water.
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Here we are doing a selfie looking up at the mirrored canopy.
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So whether you have lived in Chicago forever, or are visiting for a few days, you just might want to add the Chicago Riverwalk to your TO DO list. You won’t be disappointed!
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Ciao,
Judy
Great piece Judy.
Now I have to visit Chicago too.
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Yes, definitely a great destination!
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I’m dying to see Aqua – the building designed by Jeanne Gang. I wonder what it is like to live in.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqua_%28skyscraper%29
You are so lucky in Chicago to have such a talented architect.
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Haven’t seen it closeup yet myself; only from a distance, but pretty interesting even from there.
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Wow, Juju, this is amazing! You captured the River Walk with such a joyful lens! I have put this right at the top of my To Do list when I’m home in September!
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Thanks, Alexis. I think you’ll love it and perhaps BNG will join you!
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