Wednesday Wanderlust - The Windy City
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I am seriously overdue in sharing a post on one of my favorite cities in the country...
Chicago
My husband lived in Chicago when we first got together so I practically commuted there for a while. We have tried to get back at least once or twice a year. With amazing restaurants, excellent shopping and an endless array of things to do for the whole family, Chicago is the perfect place for a weekend escape or a family vacation.
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DO:
Art Institute of Chicago - One of my favorite places to spend a day in Chicago. The art is impressive whether you are into French Impressionists or Contemporary Art. Don't miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms downstairs.
Field Museum - Excellent natural history museum and a great place to visit with kids. Don't miss "Sue" - the 57 million year old, 40 foot long T.Rex skeleton.
Museum of Science and Industry - Yet another great museum in a city filled with them. You could easily spend the day here - don't miss the actual coal mine that you can "descend" into and the real World War II era German submarine.
Wrigley Field - For anyone used to gigantic ball parks, you will be amazed by the "friendly confines" of Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs have played since 1914. You feel like you have gone back in time to another era when you go to a game here.
Millennium Park/Grant Park - From the iconic "Bean" (Cloud Gate by Anish Kapor) to Frank Gehry's bandshell to Buckingham Fountain, there is plenty to do in this gorgeous park.
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise - See the incredible architectural feats that make up the Chicago skyline from a cruise on the Chicago River.
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EAT:
RPM Italian - My new favorite restaurant in Chicago and one of my favorite Italian restaurants any where...a MUST if you are in Chicago.
Q Chicago - Excellent barbeque and other southern food.
NoMi - At the Park Hyatt, this is an excellent choice whether you are staying at the hotel or not. Spectacular views and delicious food - the last time I was there I ate breakfast next to Larry King! The bar is outstanding here as well.
Rosebud Steakhouse - Tucked away down a side street of Michigan Avenue, you might miss this tasty steakhouse started by the founders of Rosebud, the legendary Italian restaurant (which is also very good). Stop in for the lunch - the chopped salad and burgers are top notch.
Food Life - If you are shopping at the Water Tower, this is the place to stop for lunch...it's the mother of all food courts and everything is delicious.
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STAY:
Park Hyatt - This is my favorite place to stay when visiting Chicago. It is right on Michigan Avenue at the Water Tower and the service, rooms and amenities are all five star. Try to get a lake view room.
The Peninsula - Another of my favorites across the street from the Park Hyatt...you can never go wrong with the Peninsula service.
Fairmont Chicago - Sometimes the rates at the two above hotels are ridiculously high (if there is a convention in town, particularly). While not as luxurious and well located as the Park Hyatt or The Peninsula, the Fairmont can be very reasonably priced and their suites are huge, so this would be a good option if you are traveling with kids and want a suite with connecting room.
At Home Inn Chicago - Recommended by fellow blogger, Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo, this is an option for anyone interested in renting an apartment while visiting Chicago.