Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Loop

Though I don’t have the urban stamina to live in Chicago – I lived on the near North Side for three years in the late 70s and know that to be true – I love visiting the city a few times each year, preferably every season.

On our winter visit, we explored Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. I took this photograph standing on the stone stairway that leads into the Art Institute, shooting north up the avenue. The snow cover and chilly temperature added to the overall experience.

I like how only part of the diamond top of the Smurfit-Stone Building is snow covered. I love that building, and I love its name. I always think I’m going to see little blue cartoon characters hanging around the lobby, but no. So far there have been no Papa Smurf sightings!