Windy City, I love You - Travel Blog

Happy Hump Day! Last Friday I skipped my Friday Favorites because I was in one of my favorites cities, Chicago. If you know me, you know Chicago has a special place in my heart. I took my first trip to Chicago with my Mom when I was in Middle School (#girlstrip) and we've continued to go back over the years. My Mom and I took my fiancé along with us in 2012, and since then, he and I have been back 6 times. Total, I've probably been there 9 times. And no, I don't have any family there lol.

Anyway, you get the point, I love it. It never gets old. I often joke that it is my second home, aside from my actual home in my small-ish town that I'm from in the Mitten (which I also love).

I'm going to break down why Chicago means so much to me and the things I love to do whenever I go!

1. When we go to Chicago, we always stay Downtown on the Magnificent Mile. There are some pros and cons though. It's pretty pricey to stay directly downtown but you're right where you need to be! Parking is super expensive (we typically pay $69 a night) but again, since you're right where you need to be, you don't have to worry about driving around the city (which can be hectic). We usually park our car and walk the entire trip because everything is in short distance from the hotel. Basically you're paying more money because of "location, location, location" and in this case, it's worth it to us. I like to be right where the action is. We are always a 15 minute walk from Navy Pier, 10 minute walk from the Major Museums, steps away from the Water Tower Place Mall (of course this is also dependent on how fast you walk). Over the years we've ventured out and walked 15-20 minutes from our hotel and found even more cool stores and places to eat!
2. Once we get to our hotel and check-in, we always head to the Water Tower Place Mall and eat at one of our favorite spots, M Burger. Let me tell you, it's good stuff. We also of course go to Cheese Cake Factory, because we are cheesecake loving folks and the food is amazing. Love their fish and chips!
3. The Magnificent Mile is literally magnificent. Blocks and blocks of shopping. We usually find some great deals depending on what time of year we go.
4. Navy Pier is awesome and this time around we noticed they're adding hotels to the Pier; pretty fancy. They've totally revamped the shopping/food area inside as well. Most importantly, the view of the water is amazing (I took the picture above). You can even get a boat ride there. As my fiancé and I were walking the Pier, we noticed a duck 🦆 walking along with us lol. Of course we named the duck, and created a whole story line around him just for added fun.

Overall, we had a great time last weekend in Chicago, as we do every time we go. It's something about all the hustle & bustle that is exciting. Totally opposite of the town I live in, so it's nice to get away and experience the fast paced living for a short while. Most importantly, since it's the first vacation my fiancé and I ever took together years ago, it holds a special place in our hearts. I see us continuing to go for years to come. Still enjoying the things we've seen a million times. Making each time new again. Until next time, Windy City. I love you ❤.

"Happiness is a well deserved vacation"