As you probably heard I’m heading to Chicago in a few weeks for my first live game at Soldier Field. As a lifelong fan it’s crazy (to me) that I’ve never seen the beloved play in person, let alone at Soldier Field. Seen plenty of other teams over the years, just not Chicago. Wife thought we should go before they move on to wherever they end up next. To say I’m amped would be an understatement.

We have a pretty full agenda for this trip but always appreciate any local perspectives if you guys have any. I fully intend to participate in the tailgate stuff so that’s on the list. Any other ideas? I’ll be sure and wave to to all when we’re at the game.

I like walking the river north area up to Michigan Ave, always a spectacular site for photos with water, architecture, and lights.

I’d tell you to be prepared for the cold weather. Then again I’m from AZ and you’re Alaskan perspective might be that it’s hot.

The river tour is amazing.

29 minutes ago, Mongo3451 said:

The river tour is amazing.

We are sound that. Steph found one that’s called the ‘architecture ’ tour. Friends of hers insisted.

8 hours ago, AZ54 said:

I’d tell you to be prepared for the cold weather. Then again I’m from AZ and you’re Alaskan perspective might be that it’s hot.

Ha!!! Funny enough my wife (Steph) is cold no matter where she goes. Stood on a beach in 85 Hawaii…with a hoody and told us it was cool. I’ll have whiskey for me…just in case.

10 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

I like walking the river north area up to Michigan Ave, always a spectacular site for photos with water, architecture, and lights.

Excellent idea. Been awhile since I’ve been in town but looking forward to seeing the museum, aquarium, Navy Pier etc. And even Sears Tower - or whatever it’s called these days.

58 minutes ago, Alaskan Grizzly said:

We are sound that. Steph found one that’s called the ‘architecture ’ tour. Friends of hers insisted.

That's the one! You'll be amazed with the story. From city concept to river flow...

if the Museum youre talking about is the Art Institute (what a GREAT museum!) dont miss the Thorne rooms in the basement. They are hand made miniature replicas of rooms throughout history. Theyre really cool.

And of course the impressionists up the stone stairs!

5 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

if the Museum youre talking about is the Art Institute (what a GREAT museum!) dont miss the Thorne rooms in the basement. They are hand made miniature replicas of rooms throughout history. Theyre really cool.

And of course the impressionists up the stone stairs!

I seem to recall the Museum of Science and Industry - had dinosaurs and sliced human anatomy displayed along the staircase? But what you're describing is even cooler sounding. Gotta add that to the list. Thank you.

well i dunno if ANYTHING is cooler than the Museum of Science and Industry! The working coal mine you go down into - it's pretty freakin' cool. The dinosaurs are at the Field Museum of Natural History.

LOTS of great Museums in Chicago. I gotta say I lived right in the middle of NYC for 35 years (I used to be BearFanNYC) and I went to the museums there too. Everyone says NYC Museums are the best, but I didnt think so at all. NYC likes to brag about itself. I'm from the Chicago burbs, so still say please and thank you and it just confuses the NYers. Anyway rambling to say, Chicago has some pretty damned good museums. Much better than NYC in my opinion.

If you're driving to any of them, you can drive by Soldier Field too. They're all pretty near each other.

3 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

If you're driving to any of them, you can drive by Soldier Field too. They're all pretty near each other.

All good to know. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in the city so it’ll be great to see if it all comes back. And no driving allowed says the wife. She insists that’s why they created uber.

3 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

well i dunno if ANYTHING is cooler than the Museum of Science and Industry! The working coal mine you go down into - it's pretty freakin' cool. The dinosaurs are at the Field Museum of Natural History.

LOTS of great Museums in Chicago. I gotta say I lived right in the middle of NYC for 35 years (I used to be BearFanNYC) and I went to the museums there too. Everyone says NYC Museums are the best, but I didnt think so at all. NYC likes to brag about itself. I'm from the Chicago burbs, so still say please and thank you and it just confuses the NYers. Anyway rambling to say, Chicago has some pretty damned good museums. Much better than NYC in my opinion.

One day I’ll make it to NYC. And DC and all of the NE coast for that matter. Lol.

1 hour ago, Alaskan Grizzly said:

All good to know. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in the city so it’ll be great to see if it all comes back. And no driving allowed says the wife. She insists that’s why they created uber.

Uber brought to you by Single malt Scotch LOL

5 hours ago, Alaskan Grizzly said:

One day I’ll make it to NYC. And DC and all of the NE coast for that matter. Lol.

The only time I have been to NYC was on my senior class trip in 1970. Our bus pulled up to the hotel and , when getting off, a cop chased a hooker down and arrested her right in front of the bus. I travel a lot now and NYC was a fascinating place, I need to go back.

Went to a preseason game this year, other wise its been before COVID hit. At 73 its much easier to watch on TV, but nothing like crowd energy when we are playing well. I had season tickets for two years and was reminded that I was at the Chi-GB game in 1980 when we beat GB 61-7. Lots of energy at that one.