Windy City Livin’

I get so many requests for recommendations on what to do here in my hometown, CHICAGO! So, I decided to write a blog post and share some of my favorite things to do, what to see, where to eat, where to shop, etc…

 

As you may already know Chicago is very cold in the Winter. Although the snow is beautiful and all, I prefer Chi-city in the Spring, Summer or Fall. There is a reason why Kanye said “Summertime Chi” because there honestly is no place like it. He even went on to name his daughter Chicago, haha!

 

If you want to have great weather I would suggest coming from April-October. You can really enjoy the city on foot that way and take in it’s beauty. Malick and I lived in the city the first year of marriage and we would walk everywhere! We love walking and it really made living in the city more enjoyable in my opinion. You can spend hours exploring the various neighborhoods in Chicago, and public transportation makes it a piece of cake to get from point A to point B. Uber, Lyft, Divvy (bike rental) and other ridesharing services are also very accessible.

 

THINGS TO DO:

 

Millennium Park and Visit the Bean (Cloud Gate). These are Chicago monuments you aren’t going to want to miss. Millennium Park is a staple where the Bean can be found, but also where you will see a stage with theater style seating, and of course the beautiful skyline views of downtown. In the Summer they offer movies in the park every Tuesday! It’s a great place to have a picnic and take in the city views. In the Winter they have an ice rink located in the park, so you can ice skate with a view! As for the Bean, you are not going to want to leave without a picture here. It tends to get very crowded no matter the weather, so I would recommend visiting the Bean early in the day to avoid the foot traffic. If you travel further south on Michigan Ave, you will eventually run in to Grant Park where the famous “Taste of Chicago” is held. Here you can take a picture at Buckingham Fountain and view the evening light and water show!

 

If you prefer indoor activities you can visit The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, The Adler Planetarium, or even The Art Institute of Chicago. All of these have wonderful offerings throughout the year no matter the time of year. Another Chicago staple is visiting the 95th floor of the Willis Tower, previously known as The Sears Tower. The views are breathtaking and you can definitely get a view of the ENTIRE city from above. I would recommend going on a clear day, otherwise you won’t be getting the best out of the experience.

 

If the weather permits, definitely walk along the river or take the water taxi. Chicago within the last few years has extensively built out the Chicago Riverwalk. There are plenty of staircases in downtown that will lead you down to water level, and you can visit numerous restaurants along the water. There is so much to see along the way and it will take you all the way down to Navy Pier. In the Summer you can catch a free fireworks show at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday night.

 

WHERE TO EAT:

 

Now as a Chicago native who LOVES pizza, I am bias to say you have to try deep dish pizza! There is a reason Chicago is known for its pizza because it is delicious. My favorites are LouMalnatis and Pequod’s, but here is my list of a few other famous Chicago spots:

 

LouMalnatis: Deep dish pizza with the spinach mix, giardinera, and roma tomatoes. Their butter crust is ahhhhmazing!

 

Pequod’s: Deep dish pizza with ground beef and giardinera. They have a brunt cheese crust that you just have to try to believe.

 

Portillo’s is as a must here in Chi-city. The italian beef with cheese fries is my go to, but you can also give the Chicago style hot dog a go also.

 

Brunching is huge here in the city and here is a list of my favorite places that just so happen to be Instagram worthy as well!

 

Brunch spots:

Hampton Social

Beatnik and Beatnik on the River in the Summer

Summer House Santa Monica

Restoration Hardware

Beatrix

 

If you are looking for a party scene with your brunch plans, I would check out Fremont. Get there early because they tend to book up fairly quickly

 

Dinner Spots:

RPM Italian, one of my absolute faves

Sienna Tavern

Quartino Ristorante is casual, but so yummy and in the Summer/ Fall they have outdoor seating.

Maple and Ash

Au Cheval

The Allis

 

Rooftop Bars and Restaurants:

London House

IO Godfrey

Z Bar

Cindy’s, across the street from Millennium park

Cerise

 

Happy hour:

Zed 451 (also has a rooftop)

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba!

Cantina Laredo

 

Nightlife:

Underground

Tao (New) also great for dinner

The Wit

Prysm

WHERE TO STAY:

 

I have had the pleasure of working with so many Chicago hotels, so although I live in Chicago I have done my fair share of staycations here in the city. This list has been personally vouched!

 

The Conrad Chicago, located in River North and around tons of things to see and do. There is also a rooftop restaurant attached to the hotel called Baptiste & Bottle which has delicious options for brunch!

 

The Wyndham Grand Riverfront Chicago, located on the Chicago River and also near a bunch of attractions. The views are spectacular and walking distance to the River.

Hotel Zachary, located in Wrigleyville which is not in the heart of the city but just a quick train ride away. Such a beautiful hotel and space and I mean very photogenic. Mordecai, is a restaurant located on the second floor of the hotel and their crackerjack beneigts were to die for! If you are here during baseball season, going to a Cubs game is a great activity to do, across the street from the hotel.

 

WHERE TO SHOP:

 

Two words: Michigan Avenue. Any shop you are thinking about is most likely on Magnificent Mile and you should walk it as much as you can to really enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city. You can actually walk down the Mile from Millennium park and head North.

 

State street is another shopping attraction with endless shopping opportunities. If you are more into boutiques, then you will want to head to Wicker Park. If you want high-end luxury shops, then head over to Oak street!

 

Well there you have it! Please let me know if there is anything else you would like suggestions for and I’d be happy to share! Hope you all enjoy my hometown as much as I do!

 

XOXO

Farh