Chicago Babe

A week ago Taylor and I departed for Chicago. this year we wanted to celebrate NYE in Chicago, so we boarded an 8am flight last Saturday from msp to Chicago midway.

after an hour in the air, we had landed in the Windy City.

during our four day stay in Chicago, we stayed at the Hyatt regency on magnificent mile. When we weren't sleeping there or at the amazing bar at night, big bar (that overlooks the Chicago skyline) we were visiting all of the iconic tourist attractions.

we checked into our hotel, and took the elevator to the 29th floor where our little corner room was nestled. to our surprise it overlooked navy pier, Lake Michigan in the distance, and the river directly below us.

it also had an amazing skyline view at night when the city was lit up.

We were there at a perfect time, when the city still had all of its many christmas trees still up and lit from christmas, and the macy's storefront windows still had their christmas displays. the ice rink at millennium park was in its prime, and a busy tourist spot, which was also cool to see.

our stay in Chicago flew by, (emphasis on that) and left us entertained at every turn, and street corner.

in reality we could've spent two weeks in chicago and it wouldn't have been long enough to see all of the beauty, and adventure of this wonderful City. for an added bonus the city was surprisingly really clean, unlike NYC.

We will be back again soon. What a fascinating city full of culture, art, talented street musicians, amazing restaurants & coffee shops, and spectacular service.

Our Trip-

The first day:

- Hopped off the plane, took an uber to our hotel, checked in, got our lives together, and headed out

- ate a quick lunch at protein bar, just down the street from our hotel

- took a walk down the street to visit the wonderful art at the art institute of Chicago.

- Drank a necessary afternoon americano at Le Pain Quotidien

- ate dinner and a slice of cheesecake at Hampton social. got a picture in front of their iconic hot pink neon sign "rose all day"

- Went to bed early... long day

the second day:

- trekked down the street from our hotel to Starbucks, for some coffee and a quick, easy breakfast

- walked down the street to visit millennium park, the bean, and the ice skating rink, as well as the massive city tree lit up in the center

- enjoyed Lunch at Atwood

- visited macy's Christmas window displays, Zara, and walking off of magnificent mile

- Visited and got a picture in front of the Chicago theater

- Saw my first subway train

- ate a delicious chicken dinner at American craft kitchen + Bar

- visited the lit up Christmas tree at dark in front of Chicago tribune

- walked the riverwalk at dark, with the city lit up

- indulged in chocolate quake shakes from ghiaradelli cafe on magnificent mile, just down the street from our hotel

the third day- New Years Day:

- had a much needed massage at chill meditation + Massage

- ate a spactacular lunch at RL restaurant + bar (Ralph Lauren) then visited the 4 level shop after

- enjoyed an afternoon of shopping on Michigan ave.

- Visited the historic water tower museum

- Visited yet another lit up Christmas tree at magnificent mile (another picture in front of a tree...)

- ate a massive chocolate donut at the donut vault, outside of Bloomingdale's

- ate dinner at American craft kitchen + Bar (again)

- attend the NYE party & DJ at The Living room lounge at Hyatt Regency

- enjoyed Drinks at big bar overlooking the Chicago skyline lit up at dark

- watched fireworks launched from the navy pier/ right outside of our hotel, from our hotel window on the 29th floor

Fourth day:

- First ones to get to, and go through the line at the willis tower skydeck. we saw the city from above the snowy Chicago clouds, 103 stories up

- ate lunch at the original lou malnati's deep dish Chicago pizza

- Visited and walked the entire distance of navy pier, and checked out the shops inside

- Ate an iconic Chicago dog ( with chili and cheese)

- uber'ed back to the hotel, packed up our belongings, and headed to the airport! :(