All photos by Chris Meza, guest photographer http://www.cmezaphoto.com
Review of 360 Chicago Sky Series Launch
by Catherine Hellmann, guest reviewer
So, your sister is visiting you in Chicago soon, and you have done the museum thing before, the Cubs are out of town, and you want to impress her with something fun and different. 360 Chicago is impressive.
Even if you have taken her to the Hancock Building before, this scene is updated with so much more to offer. 360 Chicago, in the renovated observation deck space, still has the incredible views that spoil us Chicagoans. But it now also includes Bar 94 (360 Chicago is located on the 94th floor) with specialty drinks made by local favorites Revolution Brewing and KOVAL Distillery.
Enjoy the awesome view with a Mag Mile Mule made with KOVAL Bourbon, Top Note Ginger Beer, fresh lime juice, and garnish or sip a liquid sunset named Lakeview Sunset created from KOVAL Vodka, Top Note Ginger Beer, prosecco, and orange juice garnished with a lime wedge.
I would recommend you hit the bar after checking out TILT, which holds visitors outward at an angle 1,030 feet above Magnificent Mile. It’s pretty freaky. I am not afraid of heights, but my heart was pounding. TILT safely holds eight visitors at a time and is advertised as “the first of its kind in the world.” One leans up against the glass wall and waits for that wall to extend out, suspended way above the street. Look straight down if you dare; I preferred to admire the view ahead, and push the thought that I was suspended 94 floors over the cement
sidewalk out of my mind...
The marketing folks at 360 Chicago are clever to try and make this a continual destination, rather than a one-time visit and then you’re done until the next time your out-of-state cousins visit. Most Chicagoans ignore the Hancock as a destination except for its aerial views.
Every day of the week is a fun, unusual event happening at 360 Chicago, beginning with Tripod Mondays. Photographers are invited to capture amazing shots of the city from all angles and submit their best pictures to a year-long contest. Winners are announced in November.
Tuesday nights are the Sky Guide with tours from the 94th tour and all your burning trivial Chicago questions answered. On Wednesdays, tap into your inner artist and paint to your heart’s desire; set up an easel and re-create the stunning views on your canvas.
One of the best deals is the 360 Chicago Bottle and Botegga painting party, 360 Sky Art. $45 gets you admission to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, a canvas, use of paints and aprons, a beverage from Bar 94, a ride on TILT, and advice from an experienced artist. What a great girls’ night or really fun date! I have done these wine and canvas parties before---near the same price, without the hot location or TILT ride. Trust me. Bargain. Do this.
Thursdays are Hoppy Hour, which we all need to get us to the weekend, featuring live DJs, bar games, and drink specials. Fridays are Sky Trivia. Compete with friends for prizes with the best views around Chicago. Questions range from “pop culture to academia,” according to their ad. Sounds like lots of fun with friends.
Saturdays at 10:00 A.M., drag your butt out of bed for Sky Yoga. For $15, find your inner balance over 1,000 feet above Mag Mile. Talk about a meditative place to stretch! This class has become popular, so be sure to register in advance.
Sundays
from 1-3, enjoy Sunday Funday with music and Myster AJ doing slight-of-hand magic. This is a family-friendly event to lure the kids into something that will definitely give them a new perspective of the city.
360 Chicago has something for everyone. You don’t need to have out-of-town relatives visiting. Natives can be reminded why they stayed in this great city as well.
