Water Tower, Chicago

Poor horsies. They've got to be frightened by all the car traffic. I've read somewhere that there is a city agency that works to make sure that they are fairly treated, but I've never heard anything from the horses' point of view.

Fun Alternatives: Why not just walk?

Or take a taxi up and down Lake Shore Boulevard to the Lakeview neighborhood and back. That way you can really see Chicago's magnificent skyline.

If you want to spend tons of money on over priced stuff, well, this is for you. And if that is why you came to Chicago, that is fine. Many people do just that.

But if that is not your idea of why you came to Chicago, stay away from "Bowl Mich" and explore other areas with wonderful shops like Andersonville, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Armitage Ave. and many other real areas

Unique Suggestions: Hang out in the Water tower park and watch people, then take a break and hang out in Borders restaurant on the second floor and sit by a window.

Fun Alternatives: But if shopping is your idea of why you came to Chicago, stay away from "Bowl Mich" and explore other areas with wonderful shops like Andersonville, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Armitage Ave. and many other real areas.

Actually, there's some nice stuff in here -- it just seems grabby to HAVE a gift shop in an historic building, that's all.

Unique Suggestions: Leave your credit card at home (or in the hotel, or whatever)

Fun Alternatives: Just take the tour of the Tower; skip the shop.