As you may have noticed, I traveled to Chicago this past weekend, and while I spent a lot of time working, I did get a few minutes to soak it in! I’ve rounded up my Chicago must-see’s below, so if you have 24 hours to spend in the Windy City, look no further!
Stay:
I’m a sucker for aesthetic, and the boutique vibe of the Thompson Hotel is hard to beat. This Gold Coast gem has an amazing skyline view and the (hands down) the most comfortable robes on planet earth.
Eat:
I started my morning with a quick breakfast at Real Good Stuff (formerly Real Good Juice Co.) in OldTown before heading to explore the city. Their FlyGirl smoothie is a must try! For lunch, stop by City Mouse (located inside the Ace Hotel) for Midwestern-inspired fare, or Chicago Raw for a plant-based meal. With so many amazing restaurants, it’s SO hard to choose a dinner spot, but Girl & The Goat did not disappoint with yummy seafood options and dessert. Other notable eats include: Doughnut Vault, Aba, Bellemore, Barcocina, Publican, Parlor Pizza, and Chicken Soup.
Shop:
I’m sure everyone’s familiar with The Magnificent Mile, a truly magnificent shopping destination to make your designer dreams come true. When I say they have everything, I mean they have everything, which is perfect for a quick trip to the city. If you find yourself in Wicker Park, be sure to stop by Gather Home + Lifestyle, the most adorable curated shop you’ll ever lay eyes on!
See:
Chicago is full of sites to see, but with limited travel time, I always recommend a quick stop at The Bean and a zip through the utterly gorgeous and ever-inspiring Art Institute of Chicago.
Play:
Chicago is known for its rooftop bars, and if you’re going to get the full Chicago experience, I recommend trying a few out! I like DrumBAR at the Rafaello Hotel in Streeterville, NoMI at the Park Hyatt (also in Streeterville), The Allis at Soho House (in West Loop/Fulton Market District), and The J. Parker at the Hotel Lincoln (in Lincoln Park).
Work Out:
Try Orangetheory Fitness in Wicker Park or Old Town for a heart-rate-focused, interval training sweat sesh, SoulCycle in the Loop or Old Town for a music-based, endorphin-pumping cycling class, or AIR Aerial Fitness in Lincoln Park for a mix of yoga, ballet and Pilates while bound in aerial silk hammocks (sounds fun, right?).
Getting Around:
If you want an extra cardio kick, I highly recommend renting Divvy bikes throughout the duration of your stay, which can be found on nearly every corner of the city. It costs $9.95 for 24 hours of unlimited 30 minute rides, and I think it’s the most cost effective and fun way to see Chicago!
XOXO,
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