Possibly be going to Chicago in a couple of months time any places, museums, I should visit. How about some good WW2 history bookshops. What I would really like is rock & roll/blues bar, a nice cigar and good company(I'll have my chaperon with me, so I'll be on best behavour!).
There's the House Of Blues House of Blues Chicago : HOB.com The art Museum is excellent The Art Institute of Chicago: Home: And the Chicago History Museum Chicago History Museum | Chicago History Museum I have feelers out for a good second-hand bookstore or military-history bookstore in the city, and if I hear anything I shall give you a shout. I love Chicago, it's a nice place, and people are just so darn friendly there. You're going to enjoy it. Don't forget the "Magnificent Mile", a shopping fantasy come true! Before I forget, and hour and a half north is Milwaukee, there is an outstanding second-hand bookstore at the airport there, lots of WW2 subject matter. Hop on a train, get off at the airport station, wait for the shuttle to take you to the terminal, reverse to go back. By the way, it's not called "The Windy City" for nothing, if not visiting in late spring or summer, bring a jacket!
The Museum of Science and Industry. They have a captured German U-boat, U-505, on display. You can walk through her. Captured on the high seas by US Navy sailors, the first such feat since the War of 1812. Her interior is in great condition. The Germans were nice enough to help restore her...I guess the German companies figure she's a good advertisement for German technology and good public relations. The audio tape tour includes reminiscences by the guys who grabbed her and actual U-boat sailors.
I have had corroborating opinions on that U-Boat exhibit. Indoors, so you can walk all around the vessel. In addition, in Wheaton, just outside Chicago (a western suburb), is Cantigny. This is a museum dedicated to the First Division (the Big Red One). It has diaramas, armor and is a great place to visit....... the mansion is worth touring as well. It's on the estate of Colonel McCormick, the former publisher of the Chicago Tribune and WWI "big Red One" veteran.
Many thanks for all the info. When I get to a bookshop I'll get a guide and maps. Milwaukee, the home of Harleys, might try for a visit. The thing with buying books in foreign parts is getting the weighty things home, still I'll have to check for sending by post etc when I find some 'must haves' Is it worth a car hire? or can I get about on public transport easily?
