Our last full day in Chicago took us back to early 20th century Chicago. We rode out to Oak Park to explore the grounds of Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio, explore the architecture of the neighborhood, and stalk the old stomping grounds of Ernest Hemingway. Being that the era these men lived in is a personal favorite of mine, I was over the moon to be so close to homes they once lived in. A connection I won't soon forget.

Stepping forward in time a couple of decades we went out to lunch at a Chicago hotdog stand. Ryan's one request before hitting the road was consuming tube shaped food like a true Chicagoan and I couldn't resist his adorableness. We landed on Superdawg as our hotdog pit stop and as Ryan will tell you it was "the best." I stuck with a chocolate malt milkshake and onion rings, but you know.

After heading back into Chicago proper, we rested a bit before getting all dressed up for our Anniversary dinner. Ryan likes to surprise me with fancy food every year, and I'm all too happy to let him. This year we ate at a Michelin Starred Restaurant called Takashi, a first for both of us. The food was incredible! I didn't snap any pictures this year because I really wanted to have that special time with Ryan without the hubbub of the camera. It was worth the sacrifice. 

The next morning we hurriedly packed our things to skip town for M&M's wedding. Before making our way south to Indiana though we had one last stop to make. Calumet Fisheries is a local institution, legendary food spot, and the location of some of the most delicious smoked seafood you'll ever eat in your life. Their specialty is smoked shrimp and rightfully so. Just go there, that is all. - b.

Out of the handful of times I've been to Chicago, I've never taken the time to visit Millennium Park and the bean. Not sure if that's what it's technically called but it sure does look like a giant metallic bean. With this latest visit it was on the top of my list of sights to see, and happily Ryan was into too. What I could have never anticipated was just how much fun this thing is! 

There's something magnetic about watching your body morph into clown shaped blobs, and humorous about sharing your reflection with a sea of strangers. We played outside the bean, inside the bean, beside the bean, and on top of the bean. Okay not on top of the bean but I wish we could have. We instantly became 10 year olds again and I'd go back tomorrow if I could.

The inside of the bean is an artistic masterpiece and I loved watching people blur in and out of form and transforming into a whirling tornado of humanity. We all blended together and left individuals. This may have been the highlight of Chicago for me, but it was only the end of day one. Tomorrow there's more. - b.

Well we're back! We had the most amazing vacation away and I'm pretty sure I'm mentally still on it. We spent three amazing days in Chicago and every time I visit I fall more in love with that windy city. We of course partook in all sorts of touristy things, but thanks to our AirBnB hook up we stayed in a trendy Wicker Park apartment and felt more like true Chicagoans and less like the lost visitors we actually were. We arrived Sunday afternoon and immediately hit the streets, orienting ourselves and checking out the neighborhood we'd be calling home until Wednesday. We ate delicious tacos, looked at maps, and plotted the next day of sightseeing. 

We started the morning extra early with a delicious breakfast at Milk & Honey Cafe just soaking in the warm sun and drinking too much coffee. We then made our way north to the Gold Coast to visit the BHLDN Chicago store and meet some of the fabulous women I work with on the daily in person. It was amazing getting to see one of the big stores up close and personal. If you're ever in the area the Chicago store is worth just looking around in even if you're not looking to buy. It is stunning. 

After visiting the store we made our way down to Navy Pier. I promised one of the girl's in the office we'd try the Chicago style Garrett's Popcorn (carmel & cheddar mixd) so we picked up a bag and watched the seagulls over Lake Michigan while we munched away. The pier was nearly empty because of the lateness in the season but it didn't stop us from having a good time. I'm a sucker for carnival ride pics.

We continued down along the shoreline finally making our way into downtown and Millennium Park. I'm saving the "bean" pictures until tomorrow because we took a lot, but needless to say it was fun. We talked, rested our poor feet by a man made creek through the park, and through pennies in to make a wish. All before dinner time. We finished the day with a scrumptious meal at the Girl and the Goat and a cozy evening walk "home."

I have at least two more Chicago posts and then on to the wedding in Northern Indiana! A bus week of posting is ahead of me. - b.