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New Apple store opens in Chicago

Lake View from Chicago Hotel
View of Water Tower and Lake Michigan from Chicago hotel

I love Chicago. It’s a constantly changing city with something new to check out every time I go there, providing cool stuff to photograph and write about.

I love the night time view of Chicago from hotel
Night time view from hotel

A recent trip is no exception. I wrote about and photographed a really fun Halloween Parade on Halstead. For images of this very creative Halloween celebration click on Haunted Halloween.

Halsted Halloween
Halsted Halloween

In this week’s blog post,  I am featuring  two new places to enjoy.

Sign at location of old Apple store
Sign at location of old Apple store

New Apple store on Michigan Avenue

First is the new Apple store on Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. It is spectacular, offering both a respite from the chaos of one of our country’s busiest shopping destinations and an opportunity to buy high tech products.

The building with its iPad shaped roof and broad terrace is nestled between the Michigan Avenue bridge and a stream of high rise buildings. What’s more interesting though is that Apple has  provided seating areas for the public to just to enjoy the river view.

New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago

Yep, pop in and rest your weary feet and while you are doing that and enjoying the river view you get to see Apple videos including a few ever changing promotions of products. Brilliant, huh? Just brilliant.

New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago

I loved the transparency of the building. You can see through it from all angles so if you are like me and love reflections and shadows, it’s a creative photo opportunity. I imagine I’ll be popping in again with my Nikon out and ready.  It’s the ultimate in blurring the lines between inside and out.

New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago

In case you are wondering, yes, you can shop and get advice and work with the Apple team as well. That’s all located under the first floor and viewing areas.

New Apple store in Chicago
New Apple store in Chicago

Hot Chocolate

We also went to Bucktown to experience Chicago’s version of the High Line—the 616. This is an elevated walk way that cuts through an urban neighborhood like the famous one in New York I typically feature on DesignDestinations when we go to the Big Apple. Unfortunately it started raining and the walk way was a bleak experience so I’ll have to go back on another trip to take photos to share.

Also, sadly, our concierge said that the area has had some problems with muggers giving us another reason to  not to explore very much of the walkway on a desolate day.

But the good news is that a friend recommended a small eatery in the area that we enjoyed and I’d heartily recommend called Hot Chocolate. Ymmmmm. We had a delicious lunch and a lovely hot chocolate with a fabulous home made marshmallow. It’s definitely worth a return trip.   Our server said their weekend brunches generate a line out the door and around the block to get a seat.

Hot Chocolate, Chicago
Hot Chocolate, Chicago
Hot Chocolate, Chicago
Hot Chocolate, Chicago
Hot Chocolate, Chicago
Hot Chocolate, Chicago

My last image is an attempt to create an artsy photo.  I shot this of Navy Pier out the taxi window. I rather like the swoop and swirl of the Ferris wheel.

Navy Pier, Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago
Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

5 Comments
  1. posted by
    Mary
    Nov 20, 2017 Reply

    Your photography is beautiful! Love this blog for the tidbits of info I miss…can’t wait to see the apple store and the Bucktown walkway!

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Nov 21, 2017 Reply

      Thanks, Mary, I really appreciate your kind comments.

  2. posted by
    copewithhopecanceredition
    Nov 21, 2017 Reply

    Your photos are amazing – Navy Pier through your lens is an impressionist work of art. Just sent my Chicago clan your Insiders’ Guide with a View. Will follow up in person 😀

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Nov 21, 2017 Reply

      I really appreciate your comments Sue. Hope your Chicago family enjoy.

  3. posted by
    St. Patrick's Day in Chicago: Green River and Parade. | DesignDestinations
    Mar 19, 2018 Reply

    […] I ventured down to the river a good hour before the designated time, carefully selecting my spot along the walkway between the Columbia and the Michigan Avenue bridges to see what the fuss was all about. Across from me I could view the new Apple store, with a section of glass covered over. Evidently they have had some problems. If you haven’t been to the store, go, it’s terrific. For a blog post, click here.  (New Apple Store Opens in Chicago ). […]

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