The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue boasts some of Chicago’s most exclusive shopping, hotels, and captivating skyscrapers. One of the most intriguing pieces of architecture on this stunning stretch is the John Hancock also known as “Big John.” Not only because its X structure and black opaque glass is distinguished from a distance but it’s also one of the three tallest buildings in Chicago.
Having lived in Chicago for nearly twenty years, I still consider myself a tourist every time I come into the city. As a matter of fact, Nancy Loo and I just had the tour of a lifetime this past weekend at the John Hancock Observatory led by General Manager Daniel Thomas, a New Zealand native also dubbed as Crazy Kiwi by his employees (@crazykiwi76).
Daniel told us that after he arrived in Chicago and saw the city from a thousand feet up, he was so captivated that he knew he wouldn’t be returning to New Zealand. WOW… that says a lot about our city.
The John Hancock Observatory is one of the best places to view the city because of its location. Not only did we see Lake Michigan and Navy Pier from several spots but within a few steps we were looking at the gorgeous Chicago skyline.
New Telescope: "BEHOLD"
We tested the newly installed telescope BEHOLD which is also in the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai (world’s tallest building) and allows for spectacular views of the city at the mere push of a button and a zoom feature. For $3 bucks you not only get to see the city magnified but by selecting a particular place of interest ei: the Willis Tower, a little info screen appears to share more about that specific building.
It may stick to the cup but melts in the mouth
I know where I’ll be hanging with my new iPAD…in the world’s highest café– Café Lavazza which just opened and is located right on the observatory. The new café has formulated some of the most flavorful espresso blends and not to mention elegantly presented.
My favorite is the Sorbetto CremeEspresso…it tastes like an espresso gelato smoothie and is absolutely divine! {A perfect afternoon pick up if you need one}.
In addition to cheese plates, specialty dips, espresso drinks, wine and champagne, Café Lavazza offers exclusive cocktails such as the JHO Sky High; a blue concoction that looks like a perfect day in paradise.
Our tour was concluded with a once in a life time experience; a viewing of the city from the roof at 1127 feet which is currently not open the public. On our way to the top of the Hancock, we were able to see some of the behind the scenes of what holds this amazing structure together and to look at.
We stopped for a peak at the automated window washer that washes all 100 floors and checked out bundles of paper thin cylinder tubes that takes two men and about eighty hours to transform the lighting from white to pink in honor of Breast Cancer Month. Now that is cool…I love seeing the skyline lit up in Pink!
We strolled along the rooftop stopping at various spots and like a tourist with my camera, Flip cam, and mobile phone captured some incredible photos, videos, and just taking in the beauty of the scenery. It was awesome to be looking straight across at the other two tallest skyscrapers in Chicago, the Trump Tower and the Willis Tower. One word: Breathtaking!
*A very special thanks to our new friends Daniel Thomas (General Manager) and Ben Pavlovic, PR & Marketing Consultant (Agency360) for the exclusive tour of the John Hancock Observatory, a thousand feet up and then some.
Enjoy this short picture slide of the spectacular views captured at a thousand feet up…
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Again, I’m jealous! Can’t wait to finally see what I’ve missed. Although I’m sure it will never be as fun as when you and Nancy were there.
Such an amazing day. So glad to share it with you!
