Chicago, Illinois

Anyone who grew up in Detroit has been to Chicago a million times, and I’m not exception. Chicago is only 4 hours away by car (my American readers will know that that’s nothing, while everyone else will think that’s an insanely far distance. The U.S. is huge, so a 4 hour car ride really isn’t bad.)

However, I’m going to be completely honest. Even though I’ve been a million times, I don’t get the appeal. To me, it’s kind of like an artless Detroit, or a less- fun/magical NYC. Usually when I go, it’s because I have something I need to do there, like get my visa for France. Anyway, much like my post on New York City, this post will be more like a compilation of all my visits.

• Sky Deck Chicago: so touristy, but the view is really cool. Be warned if you’re scared of heights like I am. I was a complete baby compared to the rest of my friends, but I still managed to get “the shot” and then some.

• The Bean: Again, super touristy, but of course you’ve gotta see it if you’ve never been to the city.

• Art Institute of Chicago: Like all museums I recommend (short of the Detroit Institute of Arts, which I think is incredible no matter the exhibit… you can read more on that here.) I think you should check out whatever exhibit is going. (unless you’re a huge art nerd and can go no matter, but that’s not me.) When I visited this museum, they had a Magritte exhibit going on, and it touched me on such a deep level- Magritte became and stayed my favorite artist after that visit. You never know when that kind of thing is going to happen to you.
• Shameless/The Gallagher House: You know I love visiting sets/houses in film/TV or houses where inspirational people were born/raised. I recognize that this is not everyone’s thing, but if it’s yours, the house from the TV show Shameless is actually in the South Side of Chicago. Super cool to see, and the neighbor actually does live right next door, and he was happy to talk to us about that experience.
• Take a bike ride around the river! I recommend doing this in Detroit as well.
• Drinks: I highly recommend The Violet Hour in Wicker Park. A bit fancy-schmancy… I’m pretty sure you can’t wear a baseball cap or anything like that in here. But the atmosphere is incredible, the waiters are very attentive and the music is great.
• Chicago China Town: Fun to walk around, take cool photos, and definitely to eat.

• To eat:
  • In general: try a Chicago style hot dog, there’s even an Instagram sticker for it

• Vegetarian/Vegan spots: Bad Hunter was delicious restaurant with adorable deco in West Loop. You can get a pitcher of rose for pretty cheap if you’re in a group or just feeling boozy. Brunch was another spot that had vegan options. Note that neither of these restaurants are 100% vegan/vegetarian.
• I’ve gotta shout out the bar my friend works out, 25 degrees! It’s good in general, but they also have good drink specials. We drank like, 2 bottles of champagne here.