We started our long weekend with tickets to the Cubs versus White Sox game. Wrigley Field was right up my alley - old, charming, and full of history. I love the ivy covered outfield wall and the manually updated retro scoreboard. The day started out with stormy skies but it eventually cleared up and became HOT.
After the game, Vince and I took a looong walk to Lincoln Park. On the way, we bought delicious 50 cent lemonade from some neighbourhood kids, tried to get close to some wild bunnies, and took a quick detour to a lovely lily pad covered pond.
We walked to Lincoln Park because I wanted to go to the zoo. It was already past the opening hours but we managed to slip in before the gates closed. There were very few people there but some animals were still out and about.
We walked back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. I read about a well-reviewed small plates restaurant called Sable Kitchen & Bar and it did not disappoint!
The next day, we walked through the Loop and craned our necks up to look at all the tall skyscrapers.
We had booked a segway tour but we were really early so we headed to nearby cafe and were pleasantly surprised by the selection of flaky savoury croissants and delicious coffee.
I was really nervous about the segway tour - especially after watching the 6 minute safety video - but it was a piece of cake.
The segways are so much fun but, you gotta admit, they're a little geeky looking. Even more reason for me to like them. :)
We had an authentic Chicago Dog and I was addicted. I love hot dogs as it is but this one was something special. The celery salt in particular really added a nice flavour!
This was a busy day - our concierge had also booked for us a river cruise with the Chicago Architectural Foundation. We learned so much about Chicago on this tour but it's too bad I don't remember most of it. I would take this tour again.
After the cruise (or maybe it was before), we did some sightseeing and shopping on the Magnificent Mile. The Chicago Tribune lobby was gorgeous.
The AllSaints store was expensive but I was really drawn to the vintage displays and unique merchandise. In hindsight, I wish I had bought something. Maybe next time. :)
The next day was our last day... already! Weekends pass by so quickly. We headed to the John Hancock Observatory to have a look around.
The next attraction was my favourite - Cloud Gate or more affectionately known as "The Bean" - what a wonderful sculpture!
We spent a lot of time at The Bean and only had a little time left before our flight. So we walked quickly through Millenium Park, while I wished that we could lie on the grass and people watch.
The weekend that we were in the city happened to coincide with the annual Taste of Chicago festival. Hundreds of food stalls were set up in the middle of Grant Park!
Vince took these photos of me with his spy cam. Man alive, is this what I look like when I'm trying to decide where to eat? Scary. Very scary.
Prior to our trip, a friend had recommended Lou Malnati's pizza but we didn't have a chance to try it. I was ecstatic when I saw the food stall at Taste of Chicago. Vince really enjoyed the pizza. It looks like he ate it all but I'm sure I had half. Ok, maybe a little less than half.
We stopped to gobble down a pulled chicken sandwich when I suddenly heard someone call my name! We ran into a sweet couple from Toronto-based Ellumin Photography - we had met them at Leanne & Jason's wedding and I cannot believe our paths crossed again in Chicago. It's such a small world!
We used our last tickets to try deep dish pizza from Reggio's. It was yummy but not as yummy as Lou Malnati's.
And then, it was time to go home. Our long weekend in Chicago was so much fun and I can't wait to visit again!
