Chicago, My Chicago
My darlings, as you know I love my beautiful Chicago. Living here with my husband Shelly is good for my soul and also for my growth.
Chicago is an old city full of history and culture. The sheer amount of activities and places you can explore are endless.
If you have never been here, I encourage you to visit and see what we have to offer. Seated right on the beautiful Lake Michigan, it is one of the largest cities in the US and famous for its skyline, architecture and art museums.
If you’re looking for a long weekend vacation in the US or even a lengthier stay, Chicago might just be the travel destination for you and your family.
Food, Art, and Shopping, Oh My!
If you decide to travel to my beautiful city, here are the places you must see, explore and of course eat. Especially if you like deep dish pizza!
Chicago Architectural River Cruise
Chicago’s #1 attraction. I have taken it so many times I cannot keep track. Every time a friend comes to Chicago, Shelly and I take them for a cruise up and down the Chicago River. Each time I go, I learn something new about my beautiful city. I am never bored and eagerly look forward to the hour and a half excursion. You will hear the story of Chicago and all about its history and architecture. Such a lovely time!
360 Chicago Observatory Deck
Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building, you can see the entire city from this deck. As well, you may dine on the 95th floor while looking out over the city. It’s a wonderful way to experience the breathtaking views of Chicago and enjoy a drink or dinner.
Magnificent Mile
With over 900 stores, you could spend days shopping. Packed with luxury stores and restaurants, you will never be bored, especially if you like shopping! Take a bus tour so you’ll be able to hop on and off at all the major locations. This is great for the family and a perfect way to experience the mile. As well, make sure to visit the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station. This is one of the oldest structures in Chicago and was leftover from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Millennium Park
This park is a Frank Geary architectural dream. It is a free outdoor theatre for you to visit. Shelly and I attend every week during the summer months; it is absolutely wonderful. You can sit with your family on the grass and picnic while listening to the music of the evening. Don’t forget to walk under the famous Bean and take pictures. As well, you can bike the 25-acre park or walk. You can even take a tour if you so desire. So much to do and see, I guarantee you will have a great time.
Navy Pier
This is a family must. The pier hosts 9.3 million visitors a year and there is a reason for it! There is the Shakespearean theatre that Shelly and I often attend for different types of performances. We highly recommend it! Then make sure you ride the Centennial Wheel or visit the children’s museum and enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.
The Art Institute of Chicago
If you enjoy art, it is one of the best venues in America. We are members and I just visited the museum to admire and learn about Manet, who was chosen as the best artists of the 19th century. The exhibit is extraordinary. There is a reason why this museum was voted the number one museum in the world by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. You must go if you love art.
26 Beaches
If you’re here in the summer months, enjoy one of our 26 sandy beaches. Play beach volleyball or soak up the sun and splash in Lake Michigan with the grands. If you like to bike, take in Chicago’s 18-mile long Lakefront Trail. This is great for taking pictures and seeing the skyline of our beautiful city.
Wrigley Field
If you are a sports fan, you must visit Wrigley Field, which encompasses over 100+ years of history. If you are in town during baseball season, tailgate with your friends and catch a Cubs game. Truly an only-in-Chicago experience. Plus, your husband and grands will love it too!
Shedd Aquarium
The beautiful indoor public aquarium is home to lots of beautiful marine life. Take the grands for a day of fun and learning. It truly is a wonderful time!
Food, Food & More Food
You can’t come to Chicago without eating your way through all of the delicious restaurants. There are so many options to choose from at a wide range of price points. Some of my favorites include Gibsons. This is the place to be seen in Chicago and a delicious steak dinner.
For a Chicago landmark and the best in Italian cuisine, make sure to visit Gene and Georgetti Steakhouse. If you want the best hot dog in town, travel to the Four Seasons. It’s delicious and made from scratch. For a taste of Shanghai, enjoy the Shanghai Terrace in the Peninsula Hotel. I think it has the best Peaking Duck outside of China.
If you’re craving Thai food, make sure and try Le Colonial. For a family-friendly breakfast, take your group to The Original Pancake House–just be prepared to wait in line.
And finally, you cannot leave Chicago without sampling our famous deep dish pizza. For Chicago history and deliciously cheesy pizza, makes sure to visit Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s. Ensure you are very hungry when you go. You will need all the stomach space you can get!
Only a Taste
This list is only a taste of what you can do, see and experience in my beloved city. Have you visited Chicago before? Share your favorite spots in the comments below or on Facebook and Instagram. I would love to hear from you!
I’ve just returned from a three day visit to Chicago. We took the boat ride, seeing the architechual wonders of the city. A fantastic 90 minute tour. We also ate at Gibson’s, Gene and Georgetti’s and had a homemade hotdog at the Four Seasons. i was visiting my friend Susan and her husband. It was a wonderful trip and seeing the city and dining on delish fare made the trip even better. Visit chicago if you can.
Miss you! So glad you were here. Love, Susan
Love Chicago! This last trip we saw Teatro Zinzani and loved it! Will come back in Oct. to see their new show!
I will go and see it too with my ultimate concierge. Have a great time. Warmly, Honey
I have been to Chicago many times and one of my favorite things to do is the architectural river tour. It’s interesting, relaxing and a great way to see Chicago.
My favorite too. I have taken the tour over 15 times!! And, I am never bored. Come back. Warmly, Honey
Thankyou Honey. I am hoping to visit Chicago next year, I have been before but only for 1 1/2 days but not enough time. The city and its history fascinated me so would like to bring my husband and really explore. I have made notes in my “Make it Happen” travel note book I keep when I hear about great places to visit.
Have a great day.
Do come. You will not be sorry. When you have time go to the story and scroll down to comments. One of the women gave great ideas I was not aware of in my beautiful Chicago. The first thing on your Chicago list if you come in the summer or early fall of the year, should be the ArchitectualTour down the Chicago River. Warmly, Honey
We spent 30 Labor Day weekends in Chicago, at Grant Park, “The Jazz Fest”. Saw all the big names Ray Charles, Ella, Dizzy , Joe Williams, Sara, on n on ! Ate at Billy Goats, Gino’s and the Bakery. Had drinks on top of Hancock, we didn’t have to pay but did have a few drinks. Facial at klingers, hair at Sassoon’s . Shopped until we dropped!! We were there the weeken d Princess Di passed, the city went quiet. When we left breakfast at Blanches. The big names started to pass, we couldn’t sit on the ground, started to bring lawn chairs, left grant park, the Bakery closed, great shopping here, we have Aveda but nothing like that wonderful Windy City!
Your time in Chicago sounds marvelous. Makes me so ever more proud of my beautiful Chicago,if that is possible.And, you have given me a few new suggestions.Happy Fall!!! Warmly, Honey