Let’s face it: Gasoline prices have soared recently, and it’s realistic that we’ll be paying upwards of $4 per gallon for the foreseeable future.
Let’s face it: Gasoline prices have soared recently, and it’s realistic that we’ll be paying upwards of $4 per gallon for the foreseeable future. And, the dent in our pocketbooks will get a little deeper if we need to park that automobile because downtown Chicago parking lots rates also have escalated.
Take heart. There are other ways to get around and visit Chicago attractions that are novel and adventurous. Some of the following suggestions provide a workout, while others are purely relaxation. There are costs involved, but these ways to get around are a whole lot more fun than a trip in the sedan.
1. See Chicago by Segway. Chances are you’ve seen everyone from cops to businessmen motoring on these cool stand up style scooters or “self-balancing” personal transporters. Why not try one yourself? Operators offer some basic instructions on how to maneuver safely using the LeenSteer™ technology of the new generation of Segways followed by guided tours along the lakefront. Great athletic ability is not required, but everyone who attempts to ride should be in good physical condition; and, everyone must wear a helmet. Steve’s Segway Tours (http://stevessegwaytours.com/default.aspx) offers tours year round, rain or shine. A three hour trip costs $70. Chicago Segway Tours (http://www.bikechicago.com/segway/index.html, which has five locations including Navy Pier and Millennium Park, offers shorter tours that start at $39.
2. It’s Better by Bike. The bicycle has been called the perfect form of transportation because it doesn’t pollute the environment and riders get a great, low-impact workout. For those visiting downtown, biking is a tremendous way to take in the lakefront attractions and surrounding neighborhoods. Renting a bike to tour Chicago also is very cost-effective. At Bobby’s Bike Rentals (http://www.bobbysbikehike.com) on McClurg Court near the Ogden Slip, a classic Schwinn cruiser can be rented for $27 per day, or $18 for up to three hours. Road or mountain bikes cost more. Bobby’s also rents bikes suited for kids at $23 per day or $14 for three hours, as well as tandem bikes, carriages, child seats and tag-a-long trailers.
3. Can You Kayak? The first European explorers to visit what is now Chicago entered by canoe from Lake Michigan into the Chicago River. You can follow their watery route in a kayak, which let’s you take in sights of modern Chicago only available by boat. Wateriders (http://www.wateriders.com) is the closet kayak outfitter to downtown, located in the Kingsbury Yacht Club at 950 N. Kingsbury St. along the river north of Chicago Avenue. The adventurous souls who schedule a kayak outing get breathtaking perspectives of the urban environment, plus peeks at the wildlife living along the riverbank. Wateriders charges $15 per hour for single kayaks, and $25 per hour for tandems. Or opt for themed guided tours, like the Architectural/Historical or the Ghosts & Gangsters.
4. Your Carriage is Waiting. One of the most romantic ways to spend an hour or so is in the coach of a horse-drawn carriage. A carriage ride is tailor made for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, but it’s also a novel and genteel way to explore Chicago at a leisurely pace. Most carriage operators, like J.C. Cutters
(http://www.jccutters.com/cutterspage2v2.htm) operate in the North Michigan Avenue area and take routes through downtown, Streeterville and the Gold Coast. Give your sweetheart a truly romantic ride with the addition of roses and champagne. Rides start at $65 for a 30-minute tour.
5. Hail a Pedicab. Simply put, a pedicab is a bicycle with a carriage attached to the back. That means it’s powered by a human, so there’s no harm to the environment. With Chicago’s largest fleet, Roger Rickshaw ( http://www.rogerrickshaw.com) will take passengers to and from the popular lakefront sights and attractions. Pedicabs also can be reserved for specialized tours of neighborhoods – from Wrigleyville to Chinatown – and from the Museum Campus to the night clubs along Rush and Division streets.
For a guide to Chicago's Planner Preferred suppliers to help you get around Chicago, please visit our online guide and resource directory at www.hereschicago.com.
