First, let me state that I have a genuine fear of heights—or, as I sometimes say, falling from heights.
However, I have been pushing boundaries recently, including a three-hour zip-lining tour in Ohio last year that included a short walk across a rope bridge.
So when I heard about TILT at 360 Chicago—an enclosed glass-and-steel moveable platform that puts up to eight people at a 30-degree angle while almost 1,000 feet up in the John Hancock Building—I thought, "Why not?"
The first time on this contraption ( yes, I went twice ) had me holding on for dear life. However, I thought it wasn't so bad—until the operator noted he had only tilted us 10 degrees.
A few deep breaths later, I was on my way for the full ride. It literally takes only a minute but, for me, it was a thrilling minute.
The second time, I went at night—which was even more exciting. For some odd reason I almost felt like Batman, looking over a large area full of lights. Seeing an approaching storm ( complete with its own light show ) added an extra dimension of awe.
As for Montparnasse 56 Group's 360 Chicago ( formerly John Hancock Observatory ), it still offers 360-degree views spanning four states as well as interactive learning opportunities.
It's $18 to experience 360 Chicago, with an additional $5 for TILT. Enjoy!
Visit www.360chicago.com/tilt/ .
Inflatable animals, thumping beats, amazing views and unique bites are all items one can experience while being part of ROOF Sundays at theWit ( 201 N. State St.; www.roofonthewit.com ), a dayclub located in the Loop.
More photos at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/DIVERSIONS-TILT-at-360-Chicago-ROOF-Sundays-at-theWit/47877.html .
Proving I'm not too far out of the loop ( no pun intended ), I recognized several of the songs, including remixes of The Bucketheads' "The Bomb! ( These Sounds Fall Into My Mind )" and Pharrell Williams' ubiquitous "Happy."
The servers are friendly and gorgeous, and they were wearing various outfits as an homage to that day's particular DJ act, Candyland. ( In fact, they wouldn't look out of place in a past Katy Perry video. ) Maybe—especially for Pride Month ( and Pride Sunday, June 29 )—there can be some male eye candy walking around as well?
As for the bites ( and, as a foodie, I have to include this ), they're unique and pretty good. Among the items my friend and I tried were edamame with blood-orange pepper; the chilled seafood tower ( with lobster, half-shell oysters, shrimp, king crab and salmon crudo ); and the peach pie flatbread, which is topped with lamb bacon, peach, basil, goat cheese and honey creme. Among some of the many other offerings are rock shrimp flatbreads, apricot poppers, chicken chorizo sliders and marshmallow fluff cones.
As previously mentioned, there are amazing views all around—especially if one goes to the outdoor area of the lounge. You can sit and eat while taking in views of some incredible buildings ( or debating the "TRUMP" sign at Trump Tower, clearly visible at one angle ).
Advice? Get to ROOF Sundays early ( it opens at 2 p.m. ), as the place tends to get busier as the day goes along.
Also, be aware that you might put some mileage on your credit card. I'm sure the people at ROOF don't expect most patrons to order a methuselah of 1998 Dom Perignon ( which goes for $20,000 ), but you'll order more than one of some of those savory cocktails.
ROOF Sunday's are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for table and bottle service can be made by calling 312-239-9502. For more information, visit www.roofonthewit.com .
