All of my life I have answered the question, “Where are you from?” with the answer, “Asheville, NC”.
That’s where I was born. That’s where my parents retired 17 years ago. There are parts of it that will always be home to me.
Then I got married. Maryland became home. Then we moved to Iowa where our two oldest kids were born. Two moves and two kids later, Illinois became home.
We have lived in Lemont, Illinois – a southwest suburb of Chicago, for a total of 10 years. The longest we’ve lived anywhere since we got married.
Now I answer the question of “Where are you from?” with a big smile and say, “Chicago”, knowing full well, the place called home is who not where.
We love Chicago for its history, architecture, food, traditions, sports teams, lake, and did I say the food?
But what we love most of all—the people.
The people of this amazing city are friendly, hard-working, tenacious, and loyal. And we quickly learned the answer to this question, “Sox or Cubs?” within a few days of living here. Since we live on the southwest side of town, we say “Sox” but that doesn’t mean that we didn’t celebrate with the Cubs last year when they won the 2016 World Series along with a few million other fans!
When’s the best time to visit?
There’s a saying here – “There are two seasons in Chicago: winter and construction.”
It’s no surprise that the season of winter is harsh here so if you want to take advantage of all the city has to offer, the best time to visit is mid-May to mid-October. But if you decide to come in the winter, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do, just bring bring plenty of layers.
What’s the most obvious must-see place/landmark to visit?
• Wrigley Field – a beautiful stadium, steeped in history, and of course, the 2016 World Series Champions, the Chicago Cubs.
• Millennium Park – No matter the season, there is something to do and see in Millennium Park. Let yourself be mesmerized by the Cloud Gate, also known to locals as “The Bean”. People watch for hours and in the summer, let the kids splash around in The Crown Fountain.
Walk over Columbus Avenue on the BP Pedestrian Bridge towards Lake Michigan, to the Maggie Daley Park. A beautiful park for families and kids of all ages. There’s a 3-acre Play Garden for kids, tennis courts, and mini-golf.
From November through March, you can ice skate on the Skating Ribbon. It’s free to use if you bring your own ice skates but they have rentals available too. In the warmer months, take turns cheering each other on as you attempt the Climbing Wall.
Walk south to Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Further south, if you are up for a decent 20-30 minute walk, take the Lakefront Trail to Museum Campus. The Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium are all there together. Once you’re out there, turn around and look at the view. I guarantee you’ll either get goosebumps from the wind coming off Lake Michigan or from the stunning views of the city.
If you are a Chicago Bears fan, or just a fan of history, go on a tour of Soldier Field if they’re available that day.
• Willis Tower – it used to be called the Sears Tower and many of the locals still refer to it by that name. On a clear day, make sure you purchase a ticket to go to the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. You can see for miles.
• Union Station – It’s not as impressive at NYC’s Union Station but you can sit on one of the wooden benches & pretend you’re Julia Roberts in My Best Friend’s Wedding!
• Navy Pier – this is definitely a touristy spot but we love to walk down to the end of the pier and sit on the benches & stare at Lake Michigan & people watch.
If you’re not afraid of heights, then a ride on the Centennial Wheel is a must. You get amazing views of the city in an enclosed gondola.
Where’s a favorite place of yours to eat out with family or friends?
• Giordiano’s – you can have arguments with Chicago natives about their favorite Chicago style pizza. We love Giordiano’s! If you go, you have to order a stuffed pizza BUT be prepared to wait 45 minutes…but it’s worth it!
• Thai Aree House – if you love Thai, this is the place to go!
• The Berghoff Restaurant – for its great German food and long history with the city.
• Lou Mitchell’s – this is a classic breakfast/lunch spot near Union Station that has been around since 1923! It only takes cash.
• The Purple Pig – off Michigan Ave Mediterranean tapas, cheese & wine.
• Eatly – there are restaurants there but also food counters, desserts, cafés & a market. It’s a unique Italian experience in River North, just 2 blocks west of Michigan Ave on E Ohio.
• Need a donut? Silly question! Find one of the three locations of Do-Rite Donuts for a delicious treat.
My favorite way to spend $20 in Chicago
Quickly.
Unfortunately, like most big cities, $20 doesn’t go a long way, but my absolute favorite thing to do is to ride the water taxi.
From May through September, hop on a Shoreline Water Taxi near Willis Tower and enjoy the amazing skyline & beautiful architecture for around $10.
Hop off at Michigan Ave, walk south and grab a snack of delicious Chicago Mix (cheese + caramel) popcorn at Garrett’s in a bag & stroll through Millennium Park.
A great holiday to spend in Chicago
Christmas!
Grab some friends, get all dressed up and go on a Holiday Lobby Tour. Most of the hotels in Chicago decorate their lobbies with beautiful Christmas decorations – the best part? It’s free! I’ve done this with some friends the past two years, and it’s so much fun.
Here are a few of our favorite lobbies:
• Palmer House – take some extra time here, grab a drink at the lobby bar. Sit back, relax, people watch, and stare at the breathtaking ceiling fresco by French painter Louis Pierre Rigal.
• Chicago Athletic Association – this historic hotel has goose-bump worthy views of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan. Don’t miss the photo opportunity from the rooftop terrace of one of their restaurants, Cindy’s.
• Four Seasons
• The Peninsula
• The Drake
Other favorite things:
Renegade Craft Fair – takes place 3 or 4 times a year. The fall and winter fairs are free admission! {fun news – they have fairs in other cities too: New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Detroit, Denver, Austin, London, and Miami!}
Taste of Chicago – the world’s largest food festival and the admission is free! The food and beverage vendors don’t accept cash so you’ll have to purchase tickets that can be redeemed at each vendor. The crowds may be large, but you won’t regret sampling all the delicious food that Chicago restaurants and food trucks have to offer.
p.s. – Other highlights in our I Love This Place series: Austin, Canmore (near Banff), Bavaria, Encinitas, San Diego, Chattanooga, Beirut and Little Rock.
