Tomorrow my hubby & I are headed for a few days away in the Windy City without our brood. We haven't been on a 'just us' trip in almost 2 years, so I am really looking forward to it. He will be in a conference, so I will have some time to read, rest, explore and shop. I am feeling relaxed already...
The children will be in very capable hands while we are away, but tonight is devoted to the scheduling, laundry, organizing and other assorted preparations that are necessary to 'hand off' my life for a few days. At some point I should also probably should pack... (There went the relaxation I was feeling in the previous paragraph!)
I have already made our dinner reservations, but if you have any Chicago 'MUST do's'-- especially ones I can safely navigate on my own during the day while he's busy--I'd love to know!
13 comments:
download the HopStop app to your Iphone...it will get you from your current location to any place you want to go easily/with the best possible route:) Also, be sure to venture up to Lincoln Park- such a fun neighborhood with shops,coffee shops, etc.,just a quick "L" train ride away! Avoid Water Tower Place- just another mall with stores you can find anywhere, except with 10% sales tax! Venture up oak street for some boutique shopping, and of course try some Garrett's popcorn-entirely worth the line (although it should be less of a wait during the day!). The Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue is great! As for restaurants, I know you said you already have reservations- but Bistro 110 is fantastic!
Ooh. Great tips, Katherine. Just downloaded the app!
Have a great time. You deserve it.
Girls of any age should step into the American Girl store if you haven't been already. It's truly magical. I haven't been to Chicago for a while and can't remember the names of any restaurants we've visited, so I have nothing to offer with that.
But have a wonderful time. It is hard work for a mama to even get out the door for a little vacation. Enjoy every minute.
Have a great time!
WOW! Chicago. I was there a few years ago with two other ladies at a conference. One thing that we did that was AMAZING was to take an archectural tour on the river. It took one whole afternoon but was amazing. The concerige at the hotel can get that set up for you. We rode the visitor bus there and even as small town Georgia girls had no problems getting around. We also spend an afternoon at the Field Museum because we are museum people. It was great. My grandparents lived outside of Chicago and some of my fondest memories were of the times we spend in the museums there. They are tops. We also went to the wharf one afternoon and rode the standup Ferris Wheel that was there. It was fun and the view of the lake was pretty good. It would have been better to do it while holding hands with our husbands though. If you have time for only one thing-do the river tour. You won't regret it.
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Hi Jen - I've been reading for awhile, but have never commented before (a friend recommended your blog to me, after another friend had recommended it to her!)- thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts on life. I grew up outside Milwaukee, and couldn't help but comment on this - the Museum of Science and Industry (http://msichicago.org/) is the best. We used to go down to Chicago to visit it once every few years when I was little, but its exhibits are interesting for all ages - I went back last summer and loved it. Enjoy your trip!
I just made a list of my favorite place for a friend, so i'll pass them along:
Mercat a la Planxa (638 Michigan Avenue) is the best restaurant in Chicago (IMO). It is Iron Chef Jose Garces' Chicago restaurant.
Another favorite of ours is Bistro Zinc (1131 North State Street).
Table 52 (52 West Elm Street) is Oprah's former Chef's restaurant.
Ann Sathers (several locations) is a must for breakfast. The cinnamon rolls are to die for.
We visited Chicago last September...it was GREAT weather. The only thing I would say is a MUST is eating at Joe's Stone Crab - the filet is the best thing I've ever eaten. Seriously you'll be missing out if you go to Chicago and don't eat there! It was really busy when we went for dinner so you might want to make reservations.
Looking for a great breakfast joint - check out Yolk.
And my favorite touristy thing was going to see the big 'bean'.
Enjoy your trip!
I'm not a big city girl, though our first two dates were in Chicago. I have friends who love big cities and the architectural boat tour mentioned above was rated very highly by them.
As a Chicogoan I can say, you must go to Scooter's Custard, Garrett's Popcorn, Millenium Park (and the bean). If you've got a car, I highly recommend the botanic gardens. If not, Lincoln Park is a quick train ride from downtown.
If you need any tips while you're here, my email is noreen78@hotmail.com
architectural boat tour!
As Tiernan mentioned above, the one thing I remember of Chicago with the fondest memories, is the Museum of Science and Industry. Enjoy the Windy City!!
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