While growing up in a small town, it was easy for me to daydream about visiting larger and grander locations. I’ve been to a few eye-opening places around the United States, but one of my favorite larger cities will always be the city of Chicago. Recently, I was able to spend some time in the city and experienced the culture, sights, and wonders of the Windy City!
I spent three fun-filled days in the city and was able to accomplish so many things from my to-do list. I met amazing people, saw a unique side of the city, and shopped until I nearly went broke! If you’re itching to get out of your hometown for a bit, might I suggest Chicago?
Day 1: Sights, Snacks, and Shows
When I first arrived in the city, I was dead-set on seeing the infamous bean-shaped sculpture in Millennium Park like every other tourist. The sculpture, Cloud Gate, was under construction a few years back, but is proudly open for all to see. The sculpture creates a disfigured mirror effect that showcases the unique buildings surrounding the park. It makes for goofy photos and amazing views of downtown Chicago.
After walking through Millennium Park, I wandered over to Shedd Aquarium, where I saw an array of lake and ocean fish. The aquarium proudly presented a spotlight show, allowing visitors to get an up-close view of a sea lion. The aquarium staff prided themselves on protecting the oceans, lakes, and the creatures that live within them. Inside was a food court that provided a variety of hot and cold foods, all perfect options for a quick meal in between sights.
As the sun began to set, I headed deeper into the city and discovered two locations that served wonderful food and drinks. Flaco’s Tacos is a family-owned restaurant that serves a variety of Mexican foods such as tacos, rice bowls, and burritos. To wash it all down, I strolled over to Uni Uni, a wonderful tea place, and enjoyed an amazing drink.
To end the day, I stopped into the CIBC Theater to enjoy a live showing of Hamilton. The theater was absolutely stunning, with a vintage interior and comfortable seating. The cast and crew of the production were extremely talented, creating the perfect ending to day one!
Day 2: Shop Until You Drop
Day two was all about shopping! Chicago proudly showcases a variety of stores along the infamous strip known as “The Magnificent Mile.” The street is lined with malls, luxurious stores, souvenir shops, cafes, and clothing stores. No matter which direction you turn your head, there’s a store hoping to catch your eye.
While wandering down the mile, I swung into a few shops like the LEGO store, various clothing stores, and (of course) a few souvenir shops. My most anticipated location, however, was the new Harry Potter shop. The store features an array of trinkets and merchandise on one side of it, and a cafe that serves authentic butter beer, inspired by the franchise, on the other side. Even if you’re dead-set on saving money, the store is still worth the trip because of the amazing special effects and decorations all around.
After walking and shopping for what felt like hours, I was starving! I spotted a McDonald’s and quickly ran inside, only to be pleasantly surprised to see that it served international menu options. I was able to try a few different foods from various locations, along with McPops, a hazelnut-filled dessert served in Spain.
When I was officially refueled, my urge to shop returned. I traveled to the west side of the city and discovered a thrift store with amazing finds! The store highlighted the various fashion cultures within the city, all at a discounted price.
Day 3: Wrigleyville
On my final day in the Windy City, I traveled a bit north to Wrigleyville. I explored the area on foot and discovered another wonderful side of the city. The surrounding water views were stunning as Lake Michigan showcased its waves.
A small cafe called Uncommon Ground caught my eye. There, I enjoyed a wonderful meal and a few drinks. Their diverse, vegan-friendly, and allergy-friendly menu paired nicely with their specialty beverages. After dinner, the cafe was only a short walk away from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
I was lucky enough to snag a few tickets to a Cubs game and was thrilled to experience the ambiance of Wrigley Field. The fans braved the cold temperatures and watched as their team fought. Although the Cubs didn’t win, the stadium was great, the fans were kind, and the staff was extremely helpful when I was absolutely clueless on where to go.
All in all, Chicago impressed me once again, and I can’t wait to go back! I’ve already started to curate another to-do list for my next trip. Hopefully, I’ve convinced you to do the same.
What's Your Reaction?
