CHI-TOWN, a.k.a. Chicago, Illinois, is a culturally and historically significant city. It is one of the biggest cities in the United States and is situated on Lake Michigan. It’s famous for being the first city to build a contemporary steel-framed skyscraper. The 1,451-foot Willis Tower (originally the Sears Tower), the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, and the John Hancock Center are the three most recognizable skyscrapers in the area. The city is also renowned for having a strong commitment to the arts and for having bold, eye-catching buildings, such as the Art Institute of Chicago’s notable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
Jen, one of my closest friends from college, just relocated to Illinois. We have been celebrating our birthdays together for the past five years and are both Aries queens. I had a planned weekend trip, but I wasn’t sure if I should go. I’m glad I went, though! My other close college friend, Mariah, joined us, and the two of us had a fantastic time. View some of the locations we visited!
The hotel we stayed at and the places we visited are listed below.
Eurostars Magnificent Mile
It was such a lovely hotel, the Eurostars Magnificent Mile. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was perfect. The restaurant’s bar and food preparation area were closed because of COVID when we visited in March, which was the only drawback. We had to go outside the hotel to get food. However, there were no microwave in the room, only a lovely refrigerator. The queen beds in the hotel were quite soft and made for incredibly tranquil lying positions. I’d return here without a doubt, and I’d only give them a quick phone to see whether the COVID restrictions had been released.
Millennium Park
This is one of the main things you need to see for that Chicago experience. It is home to the Cloud Gate statue ( aka ” The Bean”), interactive fountains, exquisite views, and destinations. The Millennium Park Campus is at the heart of Chicago. Locals and visitors love to gather here to picnic in the grass, cool off in the fountain, catch free concerts and movie screenings, and so much more all throughout the year. It definitely needs to be on your list of places to visit in Chicago.
For the full Chicago experience, this is one of the key things you must see. There are interactive fountains, stunning views, and destinations there, including the Cloud Gate statue, often known as “The Bean.” Chicago’s downtown is home to the Millennium Park Campus. Locals and guests alike enjoy gathering here for a variety of reasons throughout the year, including picnics on the grass, fountain cooling down sessions, free concerts and movie screenings, and much more. On your list of Chicago attractions, it should without a doubt be included.
Navy Pier
You may find events, free public activities, attractions, culture, food, shopping, and more at Navy Pier in Chicago. Whether you’re a local or a guest, spending time with family or friends, enjoyment abounds there. The People’s PierTM, a nonprofit organization, offers a wide variety of events that will pique your interest, awaken your senses, and lift your spirits. It’s hardly surprising that it’s a location that still arouses curiosity and awe after more than a century. Learn what it can do to motivate you.
Hubbard Inn
This location had a great vibe! We knew we were going to appreciate it as soon as we entered. My attention was drawn to the interior design of the building right away. A center island bar is the center piece of the open, versatile room, which is surrounded by warm and comfortable booth seating. A mixture of cream and the building’s original exposed brick walls will be used to create the setting’s modern yet rustic feel. The restaurant will serve sophisticated American cuisine with a world twist for dinner from Wednesday through Sunday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. This will place a strong emphasis on classic and seasonal specialty drinks. The music was incredible, primarily the rap, hip-hop, and R&B. There will be drinks floating around to keep you moving!
Tao Chicago
Who doesn’t enjoy delicious, high-end Asian cuisine?
The well-known Tao Downtown in New York served as an inspiration for TAO Chicago. The facility has two levels and four private dining rooms in addition to a big bar. The TAO’s ground and lower level seating are connected by a grand staircase, providing the ideal stage for seeing and being seen. For my twin’s birthday dinner, we had a private room, which was fantastic. She ordered the creation of a special meal. It was interesting for me to venture outside of my comfort zone and try new foods because I’m a really picky eater. The beverages were fantastic, but the tab was pricey. Make sure everyone’s pockets are filled if you’re traveling in a group.
Chicago RiverWalk
Last but not least, my favorite spot thus far.
The Chicago Riverwalk is a multipurpose public area that stretches from Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive westward to Lake Street on the south bank of the Chicago River’s main branch in Chicago. The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and The Esplanade are the four unique districts that make up the 1.25-mile walkway, which was built in stages over time. The Chicago Riverwalk makes it simple to reach the Chicago River, a desired natural beauty in the urban canyon of important landmarks. The walkway is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for free to the general public. Even just walking along the waterway, snapping pictures, and taking in the boats and scenery was lovely.
This was a quick in and out trip. I arrived Friday night and left Sunday afternoon. I definitely have a few more places I would like to see there, but for the first time I saw two of the most famous sites in Chicago. Prior to the trip, my interest in interior design and architecture was piqued, and by the end of the trip, I wanted to learn and discover more. I loved it and will definitely be back for sure ! Check out my Chicago vlog on YouTube! The link is below.