Chicagoland and Vintage MG enthusiasts all gathered at the Panera Bread parking lot in Lake Bluff on a beautiful 74 degree sunny morning at approximately 9:30am. Mother Nature, once again pulled through for this Historical event!

Sue and Ray handed out the usual “tulip” maps for our dear navigators to follow. We passed up many bicyclists as we drove past lovely homes with impeccable curbsides and mature lush trees.

The roads along Sheridan road twisted and winded as we approached Fort Sheridan Park. The Tower stood tall as we drove right up to it. The roads in the park curved around as we crossed over several limestone bridges and even got sneak peeks of Lake Michigan between the large trees throughout the park. Many people were out and about enjoying this picture perfect day.

As we continued our drive through the town of Highwood and downtown Highland Park, we caravanned through more winding roads of Sheridan road - referred to as “The Great Lake Michigan Circle Tour”. The houses (Estates) seemed to get larger and larger, one more beautiful than the next. We continued our tour of the nostalgic North Shore Suburbs, throu gh Ravinia Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Kenilworth and last, Evanston. All the Elite of Elite suburbs of the North Shore showcased their exquisite homes and perfect manicured landscapes, most securely guarded by black iron gates. It was a spectacular joy ride and we were welcomed by all residents with applause and thumbs up as our MG’s rallied along Sheridan Drive.

The most impressive site, in my opinion, was driving alongside the iconic Baha'i Temple. Grand in stature, this monumental house of prayer which invites all faiths to worship in, is pure white and architecturally stunning. I have seen it at night. It is even more breathtaking when it is all illuminated.

Continuing the “perfect ride”, we drove past yet more magnificent homes through the suburb of Evanston. Riding along Lake Shore Drive on Sheridan Road, stands Chicago’s most prestigious campuses, Northwestern University. Heading still eastbound, we wind around and pass yet another prestigious college, Loyola University. Students on the campus took pictures and cheered us on as we rode through.

As we descend on our drive, we find ourselves cruising down Chicago’s landmark road, LSD (Lake Shore Drive). With our tops down, the wind blowing in our faces and Lake Michigan alongside of us, you have to think, what a beautiful life indeed! Doesn’t get much better than this!

We passed Diversy Harbor, Fullerton Harbor, caught a glimpse of Lincoln Park Zoo, and a spectacular view of the City. We drove past North Avenue Beach, Oak Street beach and curved around the old ”S” curve as we passed by Michigan avenue, the Hancock building and one of many of Chicago’s hotel landmarks, the Drake Hotel.

Enjoying all of “Chicago’s Finest”, we cruise by Navy Pier and continue on LSD towards the Chicago loop area. Approaching our final destination, we pass by Maggie Daily Park, Millennium and Grant Park and the Chicago Yacht Club. We did not get the opportunity to see Buckingham Fountain due to all the fences that where up all along the West side of the drive, to block off traffic emerging into the biggest concert event Chicago puts on - Lollapalooza.

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