My last trip of the summer came and went and we had THE BEST time! I felt like we packed 1000 things into two very short days. We went with my friend from college, Donna, and her husband Jeff. We had never traveled with them before, however I think after this trip.....we just might find ourselves traveling more together!
This is year number 5 for me doing this summer trip to Chicago and even though I have been there that many times, there is still so much to see that I have never seen.
I forgot to take my camera. I regretted it. As much as I hate hauling that thing around, I hate it more when I get home and have nothing to edit and post. So, all pictures were stolen from Donna's cell phone!
We flew out late morning on Spirit airlines. This is a new airline and I didn't quite know what to expect. I can tell you, expect lighter luggage (they only allow 40 lbs as opposed to 50 lbs on the other airlines) and we had quite the turbulent flight on the way down. Still, it was fun to fly with each other. We are used to meeting friends when we get there.
We stayed at the Millennium Knickerbocker hotel. We pick the hotel based on where we get the best deal off of a website that sends us updates weekly about the greatest deals around the country. There always seems to be some deal on a hotel in Chicago. We liked the hotel a lot. Super comfortable and good location. I always like a hotel with a nice lounge so we can come back and sit in some comfy couches and visit with a cocktail. This lounge was huge.
Jeff and Mike
We had dinner that night at J Alexanders. I had canceled a reservation at an Italian restaurant I had because I had read some recent bad reviews. I made this new reservation and hoped for the best. The place was huge and there wasn't anyone eating when we got there so I was a little nervous. We all had good food though. Mike and Jeff both ordered prime rib and had excellent meals. I ordered margarita pizza and Donna had chicken. The cocktails were flowing and a good time was had by all!
Then we headed to the play Rock of Ages. We ALL loved this play. With it's 80s rock music, it was perfect! I am anxious to see the movie now because I have heard people really liked that too.
Donna and I sneaking an illegal picture
That night after the play we hung out in the comfy couches and talked and talked until a late hour! So nice to relax and hang out without worrying about time, kids, or getting up early!
The next day we headed out and explored the city. You can't do Chicago without a visit to Navy Pier. We browsed, bought souvenirs, and snagged a bag of Garrett's popcorn. I had woken up with some vertigo that morning, so I needed to take it nice and slow. I tried not to let it wreck our trip and it lasted the whole rest of the time (and still this week) so it was pretty exhausting.
It rained some that day and we got stuck in it when we stopped at Sprinkles cupcakes to partake in a few treats!
That night we were supposed to go on a progressive dinner. Mike and I had done with the year before with our other friends and had such a great time, we wanted to do it again. However, two days before leaving I got a call that it was canceled. Not enough people. After frantically searching for plan B, we decided on a dinner cruise with fireworks!
Again, we had a great time! The food was good, there was dancing, and of course who doesn't love fireworks!
I was glad we tried this as it was something I had wanted to do. Although I didn't love it as much as the progressive dinner, it was still a nice evening!
The next day we took a later flight so we were able to check out, leave our luggage at the hotel, and have some lunch and explore some more. Jeff and Mike took a little tour at the John Hancock Observatory and were able to check out the city from up high. I guess Chicago's own David Schwimmer from the TV show Friends does the narration and you can see everything from the 360 degree views.
Donna and I chose to shop! We walked around and got sucked into a cosmetic spiel from some 20 year old trying to make us look like teens. It was cute, but the $300 price tag was a little too much for us.
Then it was home again, home again jiggity jig! A short trip but packed with lots of stuff.
Until next year Chicago.......
Smooches,
LB
2 comments:
It sounds like you had a wonderful time! Some day I am going to get to Chicago and see and do all the things that you have done! I hope your feeling better!
You have been having a busy but fun summer! I love Chicago and how fun that you have gotten to do it two years in a row with good friends. Yuck that you have been dealing with your Vertigo again. Hope you are able to enjoy yourself yet still this summer.
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