This is a different summer for me. With a lot going on, it is highly probable we will not be going out of town for vacation. Although I love getting on a plane or going on a car trip for a week or two, I have found there are many ways to enjoy a vacation right here in the city of Chicago.

Last Monday, my daughter Rosie and I took off for downtown Chicago to visit Navy Pier. This being one of our all-time favorite spots, we were delighted when we got there and it wasn’t crowded. It seems in the late afternoon and evening there was more of a crowd, but in the morning and early afternoon, it was quite pleasant.

We took a walk around and decided to have lunch at the Riva Café on the waterfront. Even though it was warm out, we enjoyed our meal and watched what was happening on the waterfront.

We decided it was a great day to take a boat ride. We had already been on the Seadog’s 30-minute speedboat ride, so we opted for their slower-paced architectural river tour, which cruises down the Chicago River and features Chicago’s most famous architecture.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cruise. Our tour guide, Daniel, was quite chatty and humorous. But as he was talking about the buildings, I wanted to add my own two cents. For example, when he was giving his spiel about the Sears Tower, I wanted to tell the crowd I watched it being built. I had a job when I was 19 years old where I sat out for lunch right off of the Chicago River, which had a bird’s-eye view of the construction of what was to be the tallest building in the world. I watched them build the foundation. I was telling this story once, and a young girl overheard me. She was amazed I was alive to tell the story, so let me tell you, I don’t go into detail about that anymore. I also watched them build the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, which was on the tour. I designed and decorated an office in that building for my employer. So Rosie has to sit and listen to my stories over and over again.

Our tour guide knew a little about every building, but he really cracked us up talking about the new Trump Tower. I guess “The Donald” is quite upset because there is another building going up not far from his that is not only taller, but blocks the view from his building. There was not a lot of sympathy for him from the people on this cruise.

Other boat rides I have been on are the Odyssey and Spirit of Chicago. They are a bit more upscale, and the lunch and dinner are really good. Of course one of the best ways to go is to charter your own boat, captain and all, for the real Lake Michigan experience. It is a great treat for an office party.

I would stay on the lookout for plays and concerts in the park. There is usually a listing in the entertainment section of most newspapers for what is going on. I heard “Jersey Boys” is a really good play, so that will be our next adventure downtown. I will let you know how good it is. In the meantime, log on to www.SeadogCruises.com or call (888) 345-3880 to buy tickets and to find out about a salty cruise.