Devil in the White City: A Book and Tour

It is FRIDAY!!!  I am constantly day dreaming on Friday about all the fun things I could do during the weekend, especially in a city like Chicago!  Recently, my day dreaming took myself and three others on a bike tour of Hyde Park.  The tour was titled "Presidential Bike Tour" and it was presented by the company, Bike and Roll (in many cities).  Our group had a great time biking through Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning.  The tour was nearly 3 hours long and our guide, Emily, was darling.  Of course, I expected all of the random facts about President Obama's life in Hyde Park (including visiting the location where he and the First Lady shared their first kiss), but I was pleasantly surprised to find that a large majority of the tour covered locations and facts related to the 1893 World's Fair.  Our guide constantly referred to sections of the book, Devil in the White City, by Eric Larson. 

Devil in the White City examines "the greatest fair in history - a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares."  Random House.  I highly recommend this book to all readers with any general interest in architecture, history, crime, or a preference for (murder) mystery novels.

While my group got our tickets for $21 per person, tickets are normally priced $39.  The tour was definitely worth $21.  The tour included the guide, a bike and helmet, and admission to the DuSable Museum.  I am not sure if I would feel the same satisfaction if I paid $39.00.

Another tour that has been strongly recommended to me is the Chicago Architecture Foundation Devil In The White City Companion Bus Tour.  I have taken the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Tour and must admit that it was fabulous.  The CAF Devil in the White City tour is $55.00, but there are discounts available for seniors, students, and CAF members.

If you are not interested spending between $40.00 and $60.00 on a tour, here is my advice.  Read the book because it is fabulous.  After finishing the book, do a little research of your own and create your own tour.  Visit Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning and bring your walking shoes.  When you need a break, take a seat under the dramatic arches of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (on the University of Chicago's campus) and reflect.  When you need a bite to eat or something to quench your thirst, stop in the Medici Bakery and Deli on 57th (the almond horned butter cookies are my favorite).  Just don't forget to walk over the water using the beautiful moon bridge in the Oska Garden to rid yourself of any evil.