Patchwork Compass

Chicago Architecture

From public parks and residential housing to hotels and downtown skyscrapers, Chicago bursts with thoughtful design.

Birds eye view of Chicago from the John Hancock building.

A learning pavilion designed by architect Jeanne Gang along The Nature Boardwalk in Lincoln Park.

Michigan Avenue

The beauty of being married to an architect is that you tend to look up a whole lot more.

Robie House in Hyde Park, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Beautiful homes in Old Town neighborhood.

Navy Pier

Out to sea on the First Lady with a night-scape of the impressive Chicago skyline.

Press Lounge @ Ink48 Hotel

Last night, I enjoyed the longest day of summer atop the Ink48 hotel on 11th Ave. in Midtown West. Trip Advisor hosted a private event at The Press Lounge, which encompasses and indoor bar and an outdoor rooftop lounge that wraps in an L shape around the north and east sides of the building.

I was worn out from the day, so I plopped myself on a comfortable chaise lounge and soaked in the city and sunset views over the Hudson. I ended up sitting next to two New York walking tour operators, Gabriel from Graff Tours, who specializes in NY, Phili and LA graffiti tours, and David from Urban Oyster, which I thought might have something to do with oysters, but turns out the company specializes in craft beer tours. 

Feeling somewhat mislead, I demanded to know his best oyster bar recommendation. (I figured I wasn’t the first to be lead astray, and that he must have at least one good suggestion tucked away for safe keeping when he finds himself confronted with a disgruntled consumer.) The Upstate was his number one pick, which just happens to be conveniently located a few blocks from my apartment on 1st Ave near 6th St. Well, that was a fortuitous meeting, and I didn’t even have to move a muscle. I LOVE oysters.

Bird’s-Eye View of Boston Commons

Gorgeous view from guest room 1106 at Taj Boston hotel. Next time around I’m booking a suite with a fireplace!