Summertime Chi

My love for Chicago knows no bounds. This was the work trip I had been waiting for, and the windy city did not disappoint. Even the traffic wasn't the hellacious mess that I oft hear about. It was also the first trip in a while that I wasn't counting down the hours until I would be home, (twenty weeks on the road makes you crave being home in a way you never thought you could). I think this was partly because I had friends with me on this trip, but the city itself was a big factor.

WHERE I STAYED: The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites was very clean, had a great view and was incredibly easy to access. My qualms with it all pertain to parking; It was insanely expensive, (to me), and even though I'd call down ahead of time to get my vehicle, it still took >15 minutes to see my car. This resulted in me almost being late to work two mornings, which left a sour taste in my mouth.

WHAT I DID: I purposefully flew in as early as possible, so I could be a tourist for the day. I met up with my friend Tiffany, and we trekked to the Shedd Aquarium. I had been wanting go to the Shedd ever since my first visit in 2008, and I finally had the opportunity. I would be so bold as to say that we both thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and for me, the Jellies exhibit the most. We then headed to Cloud Gate in Millennium Park for the quintessential Chicago photographs, and then finally to Ceres for a drink before I headed to dinner with my colleagues. Throughout the week, I ended up going to The Signature Room at the 95th and Streeters, (the latter was a mistake).

WHAT I ATE: We ate at Hub 51, Tree House at Tavern at the Park, (solid patio with a fantastic view), The Gage, and we finished up at Yolk for breakfast before heading out on Friday. My friend Stephanie was the best; she was up for any and everything, no matter how long her day had been. I don't think the trip would have been quite as fun without her, and I'm so glad we were both in the city at the same time.

WHAT I DRANK: Again, tried to keep my brews local, so they included: Anti-Hero IPA (Revolution Brewing Company), Mad Hatter (New Holland), Tank 7 Farmhouse (Boulevard), Edmund Fitzgerald (Great Lakes), Juke 'N' Luke (Goose Island), and Lagunitas IPA. For full thoughts on the beers I had, add me on Untappd (mkmcanin)!

TRIP THEME: I am in love with the city of Chicago and I don't care who knows it.

TRIP SONG: "Tear You Down"- RAC (feat. Alex Ebert)

FAVORITE MOMENT: Sitting on the roof at the Tavern, sun setting, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. I fell in love with Chicago all over again in that evening. I've been trying to figure out to which city I'd like to move once this gig is up, and every city I've visited thus far, I can see myself in. But Chicago, Chicago was different. I spoke to me in a way that no other city has, and I could feel it in my bones. I will live in Chicago one day, mark my words.

Alright, so I'm west coasting for most of the coming months, so look out for posts from Sacramento, San Diego, LA, and the great state of Washington.

Wander on,
Melanie