I had never been to Chicago before. ND had been once. What better time to visit a place nicknamed the “Windy City” than in the heart of February? Luckily (not so luckily for skiing) we’ve had an uncharacteristically warm winter for the northeast, which has seemed to translate out to the midwest. We spent three days out there and the temperatures barely went below 40 and there wasn’t a cloud to be found in the deep blue sky (actually sounds like good skiing weather, if there was only snow).
Chicago is a beautiful city. Around every corner you find yourself staring up at the amazing architecture. Old buildings nestled in between huge sky scrapers, without the “closed in” feel of New York. Being right on the shore of Lake Michigan adds to the beauty of the city, and I can only assume makes it even more awesome in the warmer weather. Restaurant Week was starting when we arrived and we were able to get a few last minute reservations to some great spots. Between amazing prix fixe menus, deep dish pizza and brunch at The Drake (which you should really go to if you’re in Chicago), we had our fill of great food. On top of a good deal of walking, shopping, eating and drinking, we were able to fit in a quick trip to the Art Institute to see some famous works of art and spend our day off like Ferris Bueller.
The Chicago river – looking towards Lake Michigan
The John Hancock Center and The Whitehall Hotel (our home base for a few days)
Entering Millenium Park
Cloud Gate Sculpture
NoMI on the 7th floor of the Hyatt for lunch and Marilyn
John Hancock Center, the Bean and looking west along the Chicago River
Millenium Park
The Bean, the city and ice skaters
Chicago gangster Tours
Ferris Wheel @ Navy Pier
Deep dish pizza @ Lou Malnati’s and beer @ Rock Bottom Brewery
Pano looking west along the Chicago River (wish we were out there for St. Patty’s when they dye the river green!)
Spending the day like Ferris at the Art Institute