24 Hours on Navy Pier in Chicago
Since I’ve been traveling in a wheelchair or mobility scooter the last few years, I have not gone many places alone. I decided to go for it when I was invited to spend a day – and night – at Navy Pier in Chicago.
I have been to Navy Pier many times, but was never able to stay there until Sable, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton, was built. I always wondered why there wasn’t a hotel there, and after spending time scooting my way around the property and the pier, I can attest that it’s a fun and unique experience.The hotel is at the end of the pier and the entrance is
right next to one of the parking lots. It was easy to park my van and take my
scooter right into the modern lobby. Once inside you’ll be surprised at just
how big it is, with a Kisbi Coffee and the Lirica Restaurant close to the
entrance.
It did take me a little while to figure out how to get to
the elevator to my room, but once inside, I found my biggest draw to this hotel
– the windows. Every room has floor to ceiling views of the blue water of Lake
Michigan and the Chicago Skyline.
If it wasn’t for that famous skyline I could have just as easily been on a Caribbean Island. That view can bring a sense of relaxation, a touch of romance, or the beginning of a family enjoyment of Navy Pier.
I didn’t have too much time to stare out the window before my reservation at Lirica for dinner. It’s a comfortable, but classic, restaurant at Sable Hotel at Navy Pier. The menu is modern Latin.
I started with one of their many mojitos, the house special Passion Fruit Vanilla. It was fantastic and not too sweet. It was the perfect accompaniment to their house guacamole, arbol salsa, and chips.
For a main course, I had the braised short ribs, served in a mushroom, garlic, and wine sauce. On the waiter’s recommendation I added in a side of roasted potatoes, which came with an aioli sauce for dipping, and a warm cauliflower salad. It all went ideally with a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.
I wasn’t anxious to leave the food, but I was excited to
check out Offshore at Sable, the rooftop venue at the hotel. Fortunately, I had
reservations because this place, as huge as it is, fills up.
I was immediately taken with the open-air indoor area, with
tables all around a large bar. I had asked for a table outside so I could see
if the sunsets here were as breathtaking as I had heard. I was not disappointed
as I sampled an ice cream sundae and tried one of the many cocktails on the
menu.
It was an easy ride back to my hotel room on my scooter and I was more than ready for sleep.
In the morning, I headed back to Lirica Restaurant. This
time I sat outside and did some people watching on Navy Pier. The Blueberry
Ricotta Pancakes were as good as the food I had the night before. When I
finished most of the large portion and my coffee, I decided to do some
exploring.
It’s hard not to love Navy Pier. There’s just no other city
that has the views and activities like this. I went all the way to the
beginning where the 13-acre Polk’s Brothers Park, is one of the newer gathering
places. Indoors, I noticed that the Kilwin’s Fudge was added to the food
options since my last visit.
I had done the Centennial Wheel not long before, so I
skipped it on this trip. I did notice a new addition to the ever-changing
interactive exhibits and caught a sign about the latest music series. There was
also the start of the Halloween preparations, which was always followed by the
beginning of the set up for Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier, held every holiday
season.
The one thing I have yet to do at Navy Pier is take one of
the boat rides. The sunset cruise has been on my list of Chicago things to do.
Maybe next time.
I was hosted on this trip, but opinions are my
own.
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