We took this picture of the famous Trump International Hotel & Tower from the Chicago River. We didn't stay there, but our accommodations at the riverfront Sheraton Towers were really nice. And, as you can see below, the breakfast was yummy!
But, now that I'm familiar with the area, I think I'd stay closer to the action....definitely somewhere on the Magnificent Mile! A wonderful strip of shopping & dining on upper Michigan Avenue.
Our first day in the city was the only day it snowed, which was fine for us southern gals! Nonetheless, we were troopers and managed to navigate around the city via bus & train with the help of Google Transit on my cell phone! All I had to do was put in the addresses and it told me what methods of public transportation to take--much better than any paper map! I consider it a must have for future trips anywhere!
Our first stop was to the Museum of Science and Industry. Let me start with OMG! It is absolutely fascinating! It had multiple floors of exhibits, all of which were interactive to some degree...and perfect for kids! It would definitely take more than a day to complete all this museum has to offer! I think one of our favorite exhibits was of Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle.
Later that night we made our way up to Wrigleyville-home of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. We had a nice dinner at a pub called Rockit, and then made our way over to the Briar Street Theatre to see The Blueman Group! I got the girls front row tickets for Christmas, and if you're not familiar with the show, that means poncho area! We had a blast and I definitely recommend seeing it, but be prepared for anything...especially on the front row!!
On day two, we decided to visit the Field Musuem and Adler Planetarium & Museum. The Field Museum is a must see--home of Sue, the world's largest, most complete and most famous T. rex and the Lions of Tsavo, better known as the maneaters in the movie The Ghost and the Darkness! We also saw a beautiful exhibit on Diamonds...oo-la-la!! The Planetarium was nice, but I think it we could have skipped it. But, if you're into space and whatnot, you'd probably enjoy it. It was just a little over my head! Good thing it was a beautiful view of the city!
Later that night, we got a little dressed-up and headed over to the John Hancock Center for a fabulous dinner at The Signature Room on the 95th and drinks at the Lounge on the 96th. There were gorgeous views of the city every way you turned...even in the powder room! I would suggest this rather than visiting the observatory, especially in 14 degree weather!
Our last day in Chicago was spent shopping! Nordstroms was our first stop--I could have stayed there all day! But, we went from there to all the other shops along the Mile: Forever XXI, Tiffany's, Saks, Macy's, Feline's Basement (great bargains!) H&M, American Girl and many more! We stopped off for a late lunch at Rosebud on Rush, an authentic Italian restaurant. It was definitely the girls favorite! Then, we moved south to State Street and shopped at Nordstrom's Rack. They had a few deals, but that store is nothing like the real thing! So, we back to the real Nordstroms one more time before dinner! :) Finally, we summed up our trip with Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at Uno. Yummy!
I think the four day, three night trip in Chicago was the perfect getaway! It's a fabulous city: clean, safe, friendly and beautiful! I will definitely be going back during warmer weather to visit: The Shedd Aquarium, The Skydeck at Sear's Tower, The Frank Lloyd Wright Tour, a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour, and Navy Pier! Thanks girls for a wonderful vacation!! xoxo Hannah
