Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
My Staycation (2001)
Chicago, Illinois
If I were to tell you I played harmonica behind blues legend Willie Dixon’s daughter, Shirli - next to world famous Chess Records - I wouldn’t even believe me. Here’s more on that experience.
It was Summer 2001. I took a weeklong “staycation” in Chicago. At the time, I had never heard of the term “staycation” or used it. What a missed opportunity for a budding marketing copywriter. Instead, I told people I was a tourist in my own town.
For each day of my staycation, I had four goals:
Go for a morning run;
Visit Chicago’s storied museums and historical landmarks;
Eat somewhere new, and;
Hear (or play) live music.
Monday’s Staycation Highlights
After my years competing for the Leathernecks, I continued my post-collegiate running career racing for a team sponsored by Adidas and a local running store, Universal Sole.
Vacation or not, I stuck to my running regime nearly every day. Monday morning was an 8.5 mile loop in and around Lincoln Park Zoo and back to my apartment.
Later that day, I took the “L” Train and walked to the Chicago History Museum. This is where I first learned the symbolism of the City of Chicago’s flag design. I also saw a piano once played by musical hero and founder of modern gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey.
My lunch pit stop was Fitzee’s Serious Ribs & BBQ at 2130 South Indiana Avenue. The Fitzgerald’s family restaurant has since closed, but Sally’s legacy lives on in her son, Larry, Sr. - a long-time sports reporter in Minnesota - and grandson, Larry, Jr. - a former NFL star.
This is the day I made my way to the world-famous Chess Records Studios. Here’s that story.
Tuesday’s Staycation Highlights
I started my day with a 60-minute morning run - about 9 miles - on Chicago’s lakefront path to Foster Beach and back.
I hit Pauline’s Restaurant for breakfast at 1754 West Balmoral Avenue. This gem is tucked away in the Andersonville neighborhood. It’s still open after 20+ years.
Tuesday was earmarked for The Art Institute of Chicago. I discovered my love for Archibald J. Motley’s expressive slice-of-life style, which reminded me of Frank Morrison’s art.
That night, my beautiful wife - and then girlfriend - Marianna Rose and I made our way to Volare Ristorante Italiano at 201 East Grand Avenue. This treasure of Italian cuisine happened to be walking distance from the former Jazz Record Mart. How convenient.
Wednesday’s Staycation Highlights
My morning run was a tough workout from my coach and friend, Tim O’Malley. The workout was a 5 x 5-minute fartlek (translation: fast!) with 2.5 minutes rest between each 5-minute interval.
Wednesday was reserved for The Field Museum where I saw Sue, the T. rex, and learned about the lions of Tsavo. I also visited The Terra Foundation of American Art.
That evening, I returned to Chess Records and Willie Dixon’s Blues Garden for that experience.
Thursday Staycation Highlights
I hit the Lake Michigan lakefront path again for a morning run. This time it was a Southbound roundtrip for 65 minutes covering about 10 miles.
Thursday drew me to The Museum of Science and Industry and The DuSable Museum of African-American History.
Ready to hear about my Chess Records experience?