A Night In The Clouds

Ready. Set. Tilt! There's nothing that will get your adrenaline pumping more than hovering 94 floors above a major city. It's terrifying, exhilarating and one of the best views of Chicago I have ever seen. Chicago is known for having one of the most beautiful skylines in the world but 360 CHICAGO takes it to the next level. To celebrate the new Sunset Series, Chicago bloggers had the chance to experience the TILT attraction on the 94th floor of the Hancock and other features 360 CHICAGO offers. 

When you enter the concourse, you begin an interactive lesson on the history of Chicago. The walls display murals of the city's biggest moments and accomplishments. There is a short video towards the beginning highlighting some of Chicago's most iconic events like the Chicago Fire. The photo you see below that looks like a spaceship is a time capsule set to open soon. Farther into the concourse, we're introduced to Chicago's neighborhoods like Wrigleyville, Pilsen and Little Italy. It's a true Chicago experience that locals will appreciate and visitors will enjoy. 

Before you enter the elevator to whisk you up to the 94th floor, stop and take a photo in front of the iconic Chicago skyline. Once on the 94th floor, there is plenty to enjoy. One of the newer and most popular attractions is TILT. This terrifying and exhilarating experience will have you literally tilting over the city of Chicago. It's maybe a minute long and tilts forward at several different angles for the ultimate experience. It's about as close as you can get to flying over Chicago. 

Have a drink before or after tilting at the bar and enjoy artisinal snacks and gelato at the Cafe. Engage in any of the many activities like the interactive screens. These point out popular, iconic and historical spots in the city of Chicago and discuss them. The floor features a 360 degree view of the city. My personal favorite is over Lake Michigan. The scene is so serene and peaceful, I could sit there for days just looking over the water. Pick up a souvenir or two in the gift shop and get as many photos as you possibly can because views likes this are meant to be captured.

Finally, the reason we were all there for this fabulous event  was to learn about the new Sunset Series. It is available to all visitors with general admission tickets from 6-9 pm and includes:

• Mondays: Photography Night - On this night only, visitors can bring in tripods to capture the incredible images of the skyline, lights and views. Nick Ulivieri, a professional photographer lauded for his Chicago imagery, serves as the 360 CHICAGO photography ambassador, and will help develop photography workshops and contests over the year.
• Tuesdays: Chicago Architecture Foundation docents serve as "guides in the sky." 
• Thursdays: DJs from Mode Events offer entertainment while visitors toast sunsets.

360 CHICAGO costs $20 for adults and $13 for youth (ages 3-11). Chicago residents in a 606 area code that present a valid ID are in for a treat with the 606 Resident Appreciation Rate. This rate gives residents 50% off. Visit 360chicago.com for more information on what the 94th floor has to offer.