Chicago

By Ashley Rudolph

If you've been following me for awhile, you know that I've taken my fair share of trips to Chicago. I'd even go as far as saying that it's one of my favorite cities in the US (and for good reason). I've never had a bad trip to the city, even in the depths of winter and the wind is so cold it burns your skin :) I love Chi-town, especially in the summer, because there's so much to do and see, it's a foodie paradise, the architecture is amazing, and I love the art scene. Here's my take on what to do and see in Chicago!

TOP 9 things To do In chicago

Visit a museum (or two): I've only scratched the surface by visiting the Field, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Art Institute. The Art Institute is one of my favorite museums in the world, I could spend hours on end in the Modern wing.
Go to Millennium park and take selfies with The Bean: Yes, you'll have to wade through a sea of tourists taking selfies (and groupies), but it's worth it!
Spend an afternoon in Lincoln Park (and visit the zoo!): Lincoln Park is beautiful, as is the neighborhood that shares the same name. You'll want to spend half a day at the park, walking around the zoo and waving hi to all the cute animals on a nice day :)
Laugh your ass off at an improv show: Chicago is known for its improv comedy scene, it's home to some of the best comedy clubs in the country. I saw the Improvised Shakespeare Co at iO but there are a handful of other great clubs and shows to choose from.
Go to a Cubs game: One of my favorite summer activities in Chicago is watching a Cubs game from a rooftop. If you're a huge baseball fan, nothing beats watching a game inside of Wrigley but if you're like me, and a sucker for a good rooftop, drinks, and company then watching a game from one of the rooftops near the stadium is perfect!
Hang out at Navy pier: I loved watching the fireworks from the Lake one year on July 4th. The pier is great on off times during the summer (Monday-Thursday afternoons while everyone else is at work!); you'll be able to avoid the long Ferris Wheel lines :)
Take an architecture tour: Chicago has some of the best architecture of any major city and the best way to take it all in is an architecture tour on the river. You'll enjoy enviable #views while getting a history lesson on some of the city's most famous buildings. Even if you're not an architecture buff (like me), the tour will probably end up being one of the best things you do in the city.
Visit the Skydeck in Willis Tower: I'm sucker for a sweeping city views and the Skydeck in Chicago offers just that. Stepping out into one of the glass observation boxes is surreal. Just like Navy Pier, I prefer visiting during off times. You'll beat the crowds if you go early on a Monday-Thursday.
Walk (and shop!) the Mag Mile: Most major cities have famous shopping strips and The Magnificent Mile is Chicago's. There's plenty to do on this section of Michigan Ave., I spent many trips there just taking in all of the shops, restaurants, bars and sights.

Where to Eat

In all of my trips to Chi-town I've never once taken a photo of my food (oops!) but I can confirm that the city definitely is heaven for foodies. Here are my faves:

Breakfast and brunch: Try Beatrix for its trendy and healthy breakfast menu, Kanela Breakfast Club for the insane red velvet French toast, and The Gage for a classic weekend brunch, it's one of my favorite spots in the city.
Cocktails or dinner with a view: I love NoMI for its Michigan Ave views and the food and cocktails are incredible. Grabbing a drink at The Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Building is touristy, but since you know I'm a sucker for #views, I think the trip is worth it.
Dinner: Try Maple & Ash if you love a posh steakhouse but prefer more of a trendy, new school vibe. You'll love Knife & Tine and Sable Kitchen & Bar for their New American menus. RPM Italian is known for its pasta, steak, and seafood, if you're in the mood for any of the above, you'll be happy there :)
Drinks with good company: My favorite bars in Chicago are Side Door, Three Dots and a Dash (an underground tiki bar with inventive cocktails), Gilt Bar , The Berkshire Room, The Broken Shaker (an award winning cocktail bar inside of the Freehand hotel), and Henry's Swing Club (for a casual happy hour).
Desserts (or sweets): Scooter's Frozen Custard is the best (and maybe only) frozen custard I've had, hands down. Donuts are having a moment, so if you like crazy (and delicious) flavor combos visit Firecakes Donuts.