Weekend Recap: Chicago

This impromptu weekend trip was just what the doctor ordered. Not only have I been dealing with a travel itch, but I've been wanting to head there because this city reminds me so very much of my husbands and I early love and a time when we would visit more frequently. He brought me here to see Cubs games, introduced me to so many restaurants/foods (even if at the time I was too picky to even try something out of my comfort zone), and showed me the city life that we subsequently fell in love with. 

I have always been a mover and shaker, occupying my days with task after task with a to-do list in hand. When visiting Chicago, I actually feel like I slow down because it's moving a millions miles a second. I love the hustle and bustle, the professional atmosphere, the city's fluidity, coffee shops around every corner, the mix of so many different cultures, the active lifestyles, and the list goes on and on. Now when we visit, we often talk about our possible future there and where we will eventually find ourselves one day. 

This weekend was about getting away, enjoying some of our favorite spots for grub and a few new ones, and really just getting outdoors and walking/running the streets. We don't do too much shopping and we aren't big drinkers. Usually every trip involves a visit to the Shed or The Art Institute, but this being Memorial Day weekend, we knew the crowds would be overbearing so we stuck to the simple things we enjoy the most. 

First stop, Shake Shack. We arrived and this was the first thing on the hubs list. He really enjoyed the burger, it was somewhat late and I don't normally eat that late due to upsetting my stomach so I just ordered a small cyclone which I must say was quite disappointing and didn't even finish it. 

The next morning, we were up early to hit the streets and get our 3-miler in. We decided to get 3-4,  3 mile runs in every week, so we brought it with us to Chi-town and went to my most anticipated restaurant that is hands down my favorite in the city.

I search near and far for cinnamon rolls that meet Ann Sather's quality and I have never found one that even comes close. A few years ago, Chris and I ran to the same location on one of our visits, so I think we have started a tradition! If you are ever in Chicago, you must visit this amazing restaurant. They serve breakfast/lunch, but I go for the cinnamon rolls. 

After breakfast we walked about downtown, visiting a farmer's market & parks along the way for a few hours. Temps this weekend were crazy for May, 90's and sunny. We stopped back at the room for a shower, to rehydrate, and then headed out to Pastoral for lunch. 

I ordered a turkey on sourdough with sun dried tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, pesto, and cheese. We continued our walk about the town and visited a few shops until dinner. We decided to try and new spot to us called the Public House right around the corner from our hotel. I got these awesome chicken tacos and Chris ordered the nachos which were right up his alley. 

Day 2 turned out to be our longest and busiest day! We were all over the city walking in the heat without too much water so we were whooped, but not without dessert. If you guys are new here I love desserts, it's just who I am! So Chris found an awesome spot to check out, and as always- it was amazing. He is the king of finding new and amazing places! 

Above at, Amorino! This is such a unique place, you pick your flavors or sherbet or gelato and pay for the size and number of scoops and they shape and scrape it to look like a flower! 

I chose coconut, hazelnut, and hazelnut + chocolate gelato in a waffle cone! It was truly amazing! I loved this place! The next morning we enjoyed the very nice breakfast that was included with our hotel stay which was awesome. We got our 3-mile run in, did a bit of walking at the riverwalk, and showered to head to one of Chris' favorite spots, Eleven City Diner. 

This place is so awesome and their menu- even better! HUGE sandwiches and they are known for their awesome deli, shakes, cakes, and of course bloody mary's. 

I went with the quinoa scramble bowl with chicken and it was amazing! Of course afterward, I had to satisfy that sweet tooth so we walked a block to visit Stan's. 

I love the way donuts look and are always so beautifully decorate and have sprinkles (my fav), but I don't really enjoy them. I gravitate more toward fritters and this blueberry one was calling my name! It was so delicious & almost the size of my face! Sweet tooth APPROVED! 

Picked up these retro glasses (Chris doesn't love them, but I do!) 

Bonci pizza! This place was so neat! If you are a lover of the ZA- this is a must see! I am a boring pizza person (It's not a food I enjoy- not a huge lover of cheese), I picked pizza with fresh basil and Chris got a couple others to try. Bonci has a revolving menu of different style pizzas that you can select the amount, they "slice" it with scissors, weigh it, and heat it to perfection in a pizza oven so it's hot and fresh! Such a unique spot!

For dessert, we hit one of the places I've always wanted to try for a couple years now- Bombobar. It's a walk up dessert window on the side of a restaurant. I ordered birthday cake gelato & lemon sorbet with sprinkles in a waffle cone with sprinkles. Perfect after days of walking about the city. 

The last morning we visited the Navy Pier which I have never been before. Only ran down and around it. So it was a nice location to see. They had awesome views, really neat boardwalk, and some great boats.

We have checked out the architecture of the library downtown, but never made it in for a visit until this weekend! There are 9 floors to this place! Each is separated by different sections. It did seem a bit dated, but the building features are just beautiful! It was great to finally check it off of our list. 

Stopped into La Bodega to try an Oreo churro. I was not a fan, which was such a bummer. I love cinnamon and sugar so I thought I would absolutely love them, but they tasted just like an elephant ear and I just wasn't feeling it. But the shop was super cute and had this awesome floor! 

Walking about the city, Grubhub had these awesome advertising that rolled and were really neat! Gotta love the sushi rolls! I hope we will be back again this time next year at the latest! Chicago is just a second home to us!