8.15.2013

Adventures in Chicago | Part 1

So D and I are back from Chicago and we seriously had the best time! Thank you everyone for the recommendations -- I tried to hit up as many as I could, but since we were only there for such a short amount of time, we tried to make it count. First off, I have to say I LOVE CHICAGO. It's such a great city. As a New Jersean/New Yorker at heart, its really hard to compete with the city of all cities, but I have to say --- Chicago is like New York, but cleaner, cool architecture, and amazing food. We were lucky enough to have a tour guide with us for most of our trip (D's best friend has lived in Chicago for 5 years now, so he knows the best places to go) so it made it a lot easier for us. Even though we did run around the city like two little tourists with our cameras, I wouldn't have had it any other way!
 Chicago is known for its architecture, so we went on an architecture/Great Lake boat tour of the city. We learned a lot about it's rich history, the great fire and so much more. Love those "corn on the cob" buildings and the classic "Chicago Tribune" sign.
 Trump Tower seen above.
And with our "tour guide" - D's best friend Ryan.
 Our boat tour took us from the river that ran through downtown Chicago right onto Lake Michigan. It was really cool to have such a great view of the city skyline (I rank it #2 under NYC) but ummmmm, I forgot I was scared of boats. The rocking back and forth, the feeling that I can't escape if I wanted to. 
See my concerned face above.
And D wants to get me on a cruise ship......
 {loaded baked potato soup}
heavenly.
 and we're back safe on land.
 Went up to The Terrace at Trump Tower for a drink, and more importantly, some pretty incredible views of the city....
 We were so blessed to have such gorgeous weather....hello 75 and sunny!
hello, chi-town!
 And did I mention the food? I was happy with every single meal I had in Chicago (so was D) and coming from two food snobs, D in particular having very high standards for Italian food, and both of us living in NJ/NY being the hub of multicultural foods -- I was very impressed. 
 I finally got my Chicago deep dish pizza!
This thing was the BOMB, but it sat in my stomach like a brick. And I only had two pieces. As delicious as this was, it definitely wasn't NY style slices. More like a tomato and cheese quiche.
#werenotinnewyorkanymore
One nice thing about having a friend living in the city (aside from the company) is that you can veer off the path and do non-touristy things. So we ventured off to other neighborhoods in the city including Wicker Park and Old Town for dinner two nights. Had more amazing food (including sushi, a lobster roll for me, and some great seafood) and some vino. While walking down the street to the next stop, Ryan mentioned to us that abandoned bar seen above is the bar serial killer Jeffery Dahmer lured one of his victims in the early 90's. So scary. Apparently the bar closed down ever since that discovery was made and no on has ever wanted to buy the property. They now have plans to demolish the building....rightfully so.
And now after you have that creepy story in you're head, I'll leave you with a happy photo of D and I enjoying drinks at the fabulous Trump Tower:
Stay tuned for part 2 of our Chicago adventures....
Also just realized I accomplished #1 on my Summer Bucket List. Score!

xo Steph

33 comments:

  1. OMG the food looks amazing! Looks like a great trip!

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  2. Chicago is such an amazing city! So glad that you enjoyed yourself!

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  3. I've never been to Chicago but if it reminded you of NY I would definitely love it! I'm not so sure about the their pizza though, haha. :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    JCrew Giveaway!

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  4. I have only been once... but would love to go back! Great pics!

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  5. yayy I'm glad you braved it through the boat tour! I felt like I knew so much more about where I was throughout that. ummm how creepy is that building! I guess it's more so the story than the building itself...but even so. yuck!

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  6. I went there once and loved it! Such great scenery!

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  7. Seems like you had a lot fun up there.
    I love your photos!

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  8. I'm glad you made it on an architecture tour!! This is making me excited for the boat ride I'm taking on Lake Michigan tomorrow. Sad that boats freak you out!!

    Kristina does the Internets

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  9. The trip looks like it was fabulous - so glad you guys had a good time! I'm super jealous, can't wait to explore that city, one day :)

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  10. Looks like a fun trip!! Chicago is a nice city!

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  11. Aww the city is fab! I was born in Chicago but never really lived there, I wish to return some day!! <3 <3 So glad I clicked on your comment, just so you know I followed you cause your blog is info and picture juicy!! So be prepared to see more comments from me! Btw, I just posted an outfit on my take on the STRIPE hype-trend even featuring a striped pink fur stole from Prada S/S2011, do tell me if you're wonderfully provoked! ;)

    xx The Provoker
    http://www.the-provoker.com/2013/08/stripe-tease.html

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  12. That potato soup looks so yummy! Love your adventures and you are way too adorable! :)

    I Pink i Love You

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  13. Ah looks like so much fun! Have to get back to the Windy City! That deep dish looks fantastic!

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  14. I live in this fabulous city and have been lucky to do so for my whole life. I live by the sears tower! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I also really appreciate a ny person noticing that it isn't that much different but a whole lot cleaner. I love ny too but I'll always love my chicago downtown more!
    HOTPINKstyle

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  15. Love these pictures and that deep dish pizza looks delicious!!

    xo,
    Sincerely Miss Ash

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  16. Looks like it was a great trip, and you took some beautiful photos!

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  17. Wonderful pictures! Would love to go there someday. :)

    http://www.stefanystrange.com

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  18. What an amazing city,I hope I will be able to go there one day,but from Italy is a long way! :)
    Love the pictures!

    Only a storm in a coffee cup

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  19. You took some gorgeous photos! I've never been to Chicago, but it's on my list!

    Lauren
    Fizz and Frosting

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  20. oh, steph!! the photos of the food was the highlight for me! that loaded baked potato soup looked amazing! also, the pasta? ah... i'm salivating!

    i was supposed to go to lollapalooza this year with my husband, but we had to cancel our trip since family stuff came up. it's been a while since i visited chicago, so i hope i can go back soon!

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  21. So much deliciousness! I looove Chicago in the summer! I've done a similar trip down the river and it's so fun!

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  22. All that food is making me hungry! Looks like you had a great time... I would love to go back to Chicago sometime. Great blog, Hun! Following you! xo

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  23. Lovely photos!! And that pizza looks so good!!! :)


    http://marsqn.blogspot.com

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  24. Love this! Please check out my newest post at http://www.loveolia.com! Hope you’ll follow via Bloglovin! :)

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  25. I want to try authentic Chicago deep dish pizza!

    http://initialed.blogspot.com

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  26. wow really awesome photos!!
    i cannot wait to go there one day
    xx
    http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au

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  27. I've never been to Chicago/NY/NJ, but it's definitely on my bucket list! The food looks amazing Steph! I want a slice of that deep dish pizza.....although...I probably wouldn't be able to stomach it either!

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  28. This post should have a "do not read while hungry" warning - that pizza looks amazing! I love all the Chicago architecture & it looks like you guys had a wonderful time!

    xx
    Here&Now
    Please vote for me to win a trip to NYFW!

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  29. Great pics! Bookmarking in case a trip to Chicago appears in my future :)

    http://amodeworld.blogspot.ca

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  30. Looks like such a beautiful city apart from what you hear. I cant wait to visit there someday.

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  31. I've only been to Chicago once- It was in April but the weather was FREEZING! Glad you had a great time!

    Brooke du jour
    www.brookedujour.com

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  32. So basically Chi is all food and buildings - haha.

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  33. Adventures is also my prefer . This is a great adventures .

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I love getting and reading all your comments and respond to most of them when I can. Love hearing from you all! xo

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