Last week we went on a spontaneous 2 day trip to Chicago! Southwest was offering a great sale with round trip tickets for just under $200! I immediately fell in love with this city! The people are friendly, the city is clean, and for whatever reason there are PUPPIES EVERYWHERE. My kind of place. We knew we were only there for two days so we packed a lot into this little bit of time so this was definitely a high intensity itinerary with my iPhone telling me I walked over 25 miles! We stayed at the Fairmont Hotel which was in a great location!
Our first day we hit the ground running! Today was all about the free stuff! First we had a pizza pot pie at Brick and Oven Grinding Company. (Tip if you want to check this place out get there 30 minutes before opening and its CASH ONLY). The ambiance was great and these servers have this tourist hot spot to a tea.
Next stop the FREE Lincoln Park zoo! The zoo was an average zoo but hey you can’t beat free. Also the polar bear was amazing. Although I hope she doesn’t get lonely. Next we stumbled upon a conservatory with BEAUTIFUL flowers. We were hesitant to go in, but it was worth it. Even though it was pretty much a sauna and I stripped down to my cami.
Up next of course was Cloud Gate in Millennial Park aka THE BEAN. This piece of art was really cool and had to get some typical touristy pics here. Also in this park is a really cool fountain from the early 1900s and some cool trees I decided to pose by lol.
Navy Pier was next, we couldn’t enjoy it too much due to the wind (typical) but it was definitely cool to see the spot of the first Ferris wheel. We also stumbled across Molly’s Cupcakes! A cupcake war winner (total food network fan girl). BEST CUPCAKE EVER. and it had swings what’s not to love?
The night wouldn’t be complete without stopping at a speakeasy. We found a local favorite called Three Dots and a Dash. It was hidden in an alleyway. Once you ventured down the stairs you walk into a Caribbean style bar with the coolest drinks and atmosphere. Def one of our favorite places. Also had to try a Chicagoan brewed beer. The 312. After wandering around we stumbled across the World’s Largest and busiest McDonalds. Of course we splurged in some late night fries.
Day 2 ( I know were just now to Day 2?!)
We really went to all attractions on the CityPass and definitely wished we would have purchased it to save on the bundle deal!
First stop, the cutest cafe called Little Branch Cafe for a delicious brunch! It was also very close to everything! Up next was Shedd Aquarium. Loved. Loved. Loved. We saw the dolphin show, penguins, beluga whales, and alive shark eggs. This attraction was a little pricey at 35/person but DEFINITELY worth it! Next we hit up the planetarium which is right beside the Aquarium. Honestly this place is not that great. There was a lot for kids, but we grew bored and I thought the star show meant nap time
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The Art Institute of Chicago was next. I was a skeptic of this place because I am not as big into art as some people. I loved it though. So many famous pieces and the miniature Thorn room were very cool. We saw Monet, Warhol, and Picasso. Not to mention so many more. Of course the water lilies are my favorite (Monet’s home is high on my bucket list). If you visit here definitely plan for AT LEAST an hour.
The last stop of the trip was The Sky DECK ( side not make sure you navigate to sky DECK not sky BRIDGE. At first we ended up on the wrong side of town at an apartment complex called Sky Bridge. It was hilarious.) Once we got to the correct Sky DECK. It was awesome. The staff was great, view was great, experience was great. I channeled my inner Joseph Gordon Levitt from the walk and pretended I was on a trapeze. Another highlight of the trip. Something we wish we would have known was the 2-1 pass that allows you to go during the day and the night to appreciate the sky line at both times.
All in all I would def recommend Chicago. You can see all the sights in two days and the locals are very friendly. I didn’t mention too much about food because we really didn’t eat anything too amazing. Call me crazy but Ill take my Pizza Hut over deep dish any day
