Girls' Weekend Trip- Chicago

Girls' Weekend Trip- Chicago: Spring 2013
March 28-30, 2013
Chicago, Illinois

For all the Girls’ Getaways we’ve been on in the past, Di and I had never taken a trip just the two of us together but when I mentioned that I was planning to drive out to Chicago for the weekend to celebrate the birthday of my friend, Bobbie, Di said she was in!  On Friday morning we met at my place, packed up the car and headed west on the Ohio Turnpike, through Indiana and into Illinois.  We had an easy drive and arrived in the early afternoon.  Although our hotel was charging $49/day for valet parking, we found a parking lot just one block away through BestParking.com  that charged only $50 for the weekend- score!

Our room at the Embassy Suites- Chicago Downtown (600 North State Street) wasn’t yet ready so Di and I set off on foot to explore the city.  We headed toward the Magnificent Mile to commence what was to become approximately 13 miles of walking tours around the city (walking tours found on Metrowalkz.com).  We walked past fabulous shopping and many beautiful buildings including the Trump Tower, the Wrigley Building and the Tribune.  Interesting thing about the Tribute Tower:  small fragments of many famous structures from around the world are incorporated into the lower levels of the building.  Di and I had a blast walking around the perimeter pointing at the pieces of so many historical edifices. 

We came upon a place of steeped in local history during our walking tour of the Magnificent Mile- the Billy Goat Tavern (430 North Michigan Avenue- Lower Level).  Legend has it that the Chicago Cubs have not made a World Series appearance since the owner of the tavern declared the Cubs cursed because his billy goat was refused entry into Wrigley Field.  Being a Cleveland fan, I sympathize with other sports cursed cities.  Anyway, the Billy Goat Tavern isn’t at street level .  It is in a subterranean area that Di and I called ‘Underground Chicago’, a dark and dingy place that exists under the shiny and upscale shops of Michigan Avenue.   Di and I shared a double cheeseburger and enjoyed a few of the Tavern’s signature drinks while examining the photos of celebrities, politicians and dignitaries that lined the walls

We made our way along the River Walk and explored a little more of the Magnificent Mile before heading back to check into our hotel.  The Embassy Suites is well-located close to public transport stops, shops and restaurants downtown, just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue.  Although check-in was crazy (hotel staff said that Spring Break is one of their busiest times) we were well treated by everyone from the manager Juan to the doorman/bellhop Nate.  We were pleased with our comfortable and roomy suite.

That evening Di and I made our way to Millennium Park by train (okay, I may have initially led us onto a train going the wrong way) and on foot to view the Cloud Gate aka The Bean, walked around the Pritzker Pavilion and wandered around the Lurie Garden.  From there we headed to Gino’s East of Chicago Pizzeria (633 North Wells Street) to enjoy a delicious deep dish pizza.  I’d had Lou Malnati’s pizza during my previous visit and have to say that Gino’s East gets my vote in a pizza vs. pizza competition.  We spent a little time watching March Madness to wind down at the end of the night.

After enjoying the hotel’s complimentary breakfast on Saturday morning, Di and I headed out for another packed day of Chicago activities.  First stop: the Navy Pier (600 East Grand Avenue).  We’d gotten a great deal on admission to the Imax film ‘The Last Reef: Cities Beneath the Sea’ through Groupon and enjoyed the experience of being in the waterscape as depicted on the giant projection screen.  We spent a little time in the Crystal Garden, a giant greenhouse of sorts, before making our way down to the end of the Navy Pier, which juts out into Lake Michigan and provides great views of the Lake and city skyline.  The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows was one of the sights I most wanted to see and enjoyed strolling past stainless glass windows of all sorts: windows that gleamed with color or sparkled with crystal, ones of religious or historical motifs and some with more humorous subjects.  Before leaving the area, we walked around the sculpture garden near the entrance of the Pier, then walked across the street to the bus stop.  As it turns out the walk from the hotel to the Pier was kinda lengthy and Di and I both agreed that taking the bus to our next destination was the way to go.  That’s one of the awesome things about Chicago- well-organized public transportation made it easy for us to get all around the city by bus or train. 

Another Groupon deal we snagged before heading into Chicago was for the Goddess & the Grocer (25 East Delaware Place), a gourmet deli in the Gold Coast neighborhood.  Pretty much every single item on their menu looked delicious but, of course, I opted for the Magic Mushroom portabella sandwich with brie.  Di had the Greek Goddess vegetarian wrap.  We were lucky to find a table for two during lunch rush and enjoyed just relaxing for a bit before continuing our tour of the city.

Next up:  MORE walking!  We embarked on another Metrowalkz tour- Old Town, a fashionable section of the city that features great shopping, restaurants, pubs and historic architecture.  Victorian-era buildings, row houses and a Romanesque church were features of this tour through the neighborhood, much of which was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and rebuilt.  We were able to see one of the first brick structures in the area, replacing the wooden construction of buildings before the Fire, as well as small cottages, known as ‘Fire Relief Shanties’, built to house those left homeless after the Great Fire.  We made a quick stop in a cute little resale shop called Merci Beaucoup (1140 West Jackson Boulevard) where I purchased a silk scarf in an array of spring colors and moved on. 

Lincoln Park is located northeast of Old Town and was our next stop.  Although we did not have the time to visit the zoo or botanical garden, we were still able to enjoy leisurely meandering through the southern end of the park.  It was a beautiful spring day and many were out and about jogging, playing soccer, walking their dogs and doing any number of activities that typically take part in a city park.  Along with great views of Lake Michigan, sculptures are placed around the park for visual interest.  After an afternoon of walking, Di and I enjoyed just sitting near the Grant Memorial and relaxing a little.

From there we embarked on walking tour of one of the richest neighborhoods in the world- Chicago’s Gold Coast.  Wow, this place is ritzy!   We walked up and down quiet, tree-lined streets looking at huge mansions and upscale brownstones.  But behind all this pomp and circumstance, there is evidence of what really drives the human race behind closed doors- in the Gold Coast amongst the well-landscaped and fenced-in lawns around opulently-decorated homes, sits the original Playboy Mansion.  After our walking tour of the area, we went to the nearest bus stop located on Lake Shore Drive.  There was a sign noting that this bus stop would be discontinued in the near future.  It struck me that the residents of the Gold Coast must not be bus people. 

Let the celebrating begin!  After getting ready for a night out, Di and I met up with the birthday girl, Bobbie, her boyfriend Todd, mutual friend Liz, her husband Ian and Di’s friend Chelsea for dinner at the Weber Grill (539 North State Street), conveniently located right across the street from our hotel.  After dinner, we walked to the Hancock Building (875 North Michigan Avenue) and waited in a long line for the elevator up to the 96th Floor so that we could have drinks at the Signature Lounge while enjoying spectacular views of the city.  We met up with friend Rachel and her fiancé Matt and indulged in an assortment of spirits- I most enjoyed my Clementine Passion Martini and wish I could go back right now to have another!

After enjoying many drinks, the group headed by taxi to the Briar Street Theater (3133 North Halsted) to see the Blue Man Group.  We were seated in the Splash Zone and provided with plastic ponchos to protect our clothes from getting sprayed with paint, baby food or anything else squishy the Blue Men might send our way.  Before the show began, I totally got a stage shout-out:  a lighted sign declared that I was the 2012 Olympic Curling Champion and asked that I get up and wave.  The same sign indicated that Ian was to lead us all in the Star Spangled Banner before the show.  What a fun way to engage the crowd before the performance.  The Blue Man Group was unlike any show I’ve seen before.  Like I said, there were substances that splashed around.  Audience members were pulled on stage to participate.  Huge balloons dropped from the ceiling and by the end we were totally covered in tickertape.  What an indescribable show! 

Before leaving on Sunday morning, Di and I wanted to do one last walking tour- the Chicago Loop Architectural Tour.  Doing this tour on Sunday could not have been any better- the area was nearly deserted on a Sunday morning and we were able to walk up and down the city streets viewing buildings like the Sears Tower, the Carbide & Carbon Building and the Rookery without getting in the way of people rushing to work or meetings. 

We made our way back to the car and out of the city.  We’d packed a lot of activity into the weekend but were able to see quite a bit without spending too much money by utilizing Groupon deals, doing self-guided walking tours and visiting free attractions.  Di’s and my first trip together was a huge success and I am excited to see more of Chicago with my girls sometime soon!  

Solo Trip- In Chicago on Business

In Chicago on Business
February 19-24, 2012

I was thrilled when I was told I was to attend a week-long microscope training course at McCrone Research Institute in Chicago, Illinois.  I’d wanted to visit Chicago for years but it always lost out to another destination when it came time to pick a new place to go.  But with many attractions open in the evenings after I was out of training, I could make the most of my time in Chicago and finally see a little bit of the city.

I packed up my vehicle and left on Sunday morning, following Interstate 77 North to I-80W to I-90W toward Chicago.  I’d always thought Chicago was just a little too far for a weekend getaway but it was an easy drive and I made it into Chicago in the early afternoon.  I stayed at the Essex Inn based on the facts that it had a daily shuttle to the training center and a huge pool area on the roof.  I was not disappointed.  The pool and gym area was one of the best I’ve ever seen in any business hotel I’ve stayed at.  My room was comfortable and the hotel staff was friendly and helpful. 

Another great perk of the hotel was the ideal location on South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop district.  After checking in, I put on my hat, gloves, scarf and coat and headed out for a little winter walk around the neighborhood.  I crossed the street and walked south through Grant Park toward an area I’d seen as I was driving in- the Agora exhibit, a group of 106 huge cast iron legs and feet assembled in a courtyard.

From there I walked north through the park along Michigan Avenue, past the Art Institute of Chicago and to the Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, passing sculptures and light installations along the way.  Chicago is alive at night and there were many visitors at the Cloud Gate enjoying the Luminous Field experience, a fusion of music and light displayed against the big reflective bean.  Others enjoyed ice skating in the rink nearby.  After exploring the area a little, I headed back to my hotel.

When asked for Chicago deep-dish pizza recommendations the front desk recommended Lou Malnati’s (805 South State Street), a pizza place nearby that delivered to the hotel.  I ordered an individual-sized Classic Cheese Deep-dish Pizza.  I had no idea how much pizza that would actually be.  With the cheese below the chucky sauce, Chicago-style pizza is definitely different than what I’m used to but I loved it!  Still, I was only able to eat one piece of the very substantial pizza pie.

After a long first day of training, I decided to spend Monday night exploring the neighborhood a little.  I ended up making my way up State Street and down Wabash, taking in the lightscapes, the artwork displayed in little corner gardens and stopping at many of the shoe stores and other retail shops as I went along.  All I can say is Chicago has some great window shopping!  On my way back to the hotel I ate at Jimmy Greens (825 South State Street), a sports pub type in the South Loop near my hotel.  While waiting for my dinner, the daily special of chicken tacos, I tried a Chicago Fire shooter, a drink made with cherry and dragonberry rum, red vodka and Red Bull.  This thing packed a punch- I literally skipped back to my hotel!


Tuesday night was full of excitement.  Armed with a tourist map of the city and the advice of the front desk I decided to make my way around that evening using Chicago’s underground and elevated rail system.  I made my way to the John Hancock Center, a 100-story building.  Instead of paying $15 for admission to the observation deck I went to the Signature Room, a restaurant and lounge situated on the 95 & 96^th floors.  I enjoyed an amaretto sour expertly made by a gracious bartender while taking in the amazing view- $13 with tip.  Before leaving, I was sure to stop in the ladies room rumored to have the best view of all.  I have to agree.


As a huge fan of the Bravo series ‘Top Chef’, I am also a fan of Rick Bayless, a reoccurring guest of the show.  A Chicago-native friend suggested I try his restaurant Xoco (449 North Clark Street), telling me his sandwich shop was a great and inexpensive way to enjoy his food.  Although I arrived during normal dinner hours, I was immediately given a place along a little bar dedicated to singles.  I ordered the Woodland Mushroom sandwich and savored the blend of flavors. I regret opting against dessert as I hear the churros are delectable.  After dinner, I was excited to ride the iconic El train back to my hotel. 

On Wednesday I enjoyed pizza and sandwich leftovers and a little shopping.  After debating between selections at Aldo and Aerosoles, I decided to get a mini harmonica necklace from Aldo as well as leopard print loafers and studded black leather boots from Aerosoles.  I spent the rest of the evening enjoying the gym, pool and sauna at the hotel.

I knew that the Art Institute of Chicago was open late on Thursdays but I did not know until I arrived in Chicago and heard from the shuttle driver that it is also free that evening.  After walking through a wing of ancient Asian artwork, I was thrilled to find the ‘Fabric of a New Nation’ exhibit- I love doing needlework of my own and was very inspired by this exhibit of textile and needle arts.

After wrapping up the coursework and taking the certification exam on Friday morning, I headed home.  As I got on the highway, I thought about my week of evening excursions around this warm and welcoming city and how I look forward to visiting again soon.  There is so much more to see and do in Chicago- museums, music, theatre, art, shopping, food and nightlife.  The friendliness of Chicagoans should not go unmentioned.  While eating dinner one night I talked with a guy that said although he loves his native Atlanta he now calls Chicago home.  A man on the El platform and I chatted about our travels.  Anyone I asked for directions was more than happy to help.  To me Chicago has all the culture, sophistication and indulgences as New York City but with the friendliness that the people of the Midwestern states are known for.