My kind of town

Just got back from a conference in Chicago. Here’s 6 things I loved and one thing that creeped me out.

Loved…

1. The skyline and the architecture. Imagine going to work every day in the Tribune or Wrigley Building.
2. The lakefront. Spent 3 hours Sunday morning walking along the shore of Lake Michigan. Lots of healthy and happy Chicago natives running, biking, rollerblading and swimming at 7 a.m. Went from the Navy Pier to Lincoln Park and the zoo (it’s free).
3. Millennium Park. Why can’t every city have a commons area like this that brings folks, culture and art together? (suspect that money may be a reason).
4. The great food, especially Carson’s, Mr. Beef and Heaven on Seven.
5. The friendly people.
6. Two daily newspapers plus five local TV stations.

And the one thing that left me spooked. American Girl Place. Hocking upscale Cabbage Patch Dolls to free-spending soccer moms and sorority sister socialites. Mom-daughter teams spending not-so-small fortunes to shop, dine, party and play and buy memories that will last a lifetime. Hair salon, photo studio, boutique and bistro all under one roof. Don’t quite get it. But good on whoever came up with this concept to part people from their money. Brilliant marketing.