Burnout goes to Chicago

Yes, I'm flying to Chicago (only a 5 hour drive from here) for a day, but really, it's costing me less to fly then it would to drive (sad, I know). My flight leaves at 9 am and returns from Chicago at 7 pm. I was going to buy a City Pass so I could do all the nerdy, touristy stuff that no one wants to do, but the day that I am going is also free museum day at some of the attractions, including Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Field Museum. I'm still planning on visiting the Museum of Science and Industry and the Hancock Observatory while I'm there, and well, you can't go to Chicago and not go to Navy Pier!

I wish I could go for longer, even overnight, but this will tide me over until I can take a real trip, and I'm calling it my birthday present. Yes, I know the camera was my birthday present also....but hey, it's a lot better then a new pair of capris that I keep complaining that I need! And after my last disaster of a trip 3 years ago when we drove to and from in the same day, I really need a do-over with one of my favorite cities. more...