There are few things cooler than playing tourist in your own town. Hear me out. I’m not suggesting that you don a neon fanny pack and pretend you don’t understand public transportation etiquette, I’m merely suggesting that sometimes the town you know and love can surprise you.
If you go
Shoreline Evening Comedy Cruise
Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
To that end, my family and I boarded a Shoreline Sightseeing boat for a Friday afternoon classic lake tour. (A fixture on the waterways since 1939, Shoreline also offers a popular 75-minute river tour which, if you’re into Chicago history and architecture, will make your detail-loving heart skip a few beats). We chose a 40-minute lake tour because a) the time constraints seemed more manageable with three occasionally wiggly kids under the age of six and b) I’d never before taken advantage of a lake cruise and it’s a personal mission to advise about all aspects of Chicago tourism. The decision was pretty much made for me.
And with river and lake tours leaving all day long, it’s rare that these double-decker boats get jammed to capacity. If riding at the bow of the boat is your thing like some kids (and parents) I know, this is highly doable. (In the event of rainy or chilly weather, the lower level is covered.)
Let me just tell you, this cruise is straight-up fun. Chicago’s skyline is pure loveliness, and the nuggets of info gleaned on the tour are the stuff of Chicagoan cocktail parties. (Trivia: There’s one high-rise which, long ago, had to have its color changed because of the distraction to commuters. Do you know which one it is?)
And if you like a little nightlife and comedy with your coastline views, then you’re going to love Shoreline’s comedy cruise in conjunction with Zanies Comedy Club on Sept. 18. The 90-minute trips will leave at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., and the $39 ticket includes one complimentary drink. The night features headliner Dobie Maxwell — dubbed “Mr. Lucky” for his predilection for being in the wrong place at the wrong time — who has performed with the likes of Seinfeld and Leno, among many others. Also taking the stage that night is award-winning storyteller, stand-up comedian and radio talk show host Bill Gorgo.
Isn’t it great being a local?
