With my extended family hailing from the Chicago suburbs, I've come to appreciate one of the most thoughtful gifts you can send someone whom is from Chicago: edible treats from Vesecky's Bakery. If you're from Chicago and Vesecky's was not an institution in your family, it probably should have been and consider that hereby rectified. Vesecky's is a small, 100-years-old authentic Czech bakery in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn, Read More
Chicago’s Stunning Night Skyline
Hi Friends! I've recently returned from Chicago where my nephew graduated from college (!). Together we went on a photography excursion to capture the beauty of the city at night. It's really the most stunning skyline I've ever seen. We had a lot of fun running around getting shots from the beach, bouncing bridges, rooftop bars, and the 100-story Hancock Building. Did you know that at night little bunny rabbits run Read More
Visiting the Elephants in Chicago
Despite having been to the city of Chicago several times before, this time I had a local guide so I could explore things you might only know about if you grew up there. What a fantastic city to explore gems off the beaten path! First stop was a very special place just outside the city: Showman's Rest Memorial. Set in Woodlawn cemetery at Forest Park, surrounded by five granite Read More
Chicago River and Lake Michigan Tour
The Chicago skyline, in my opinion, is the prettiest in the US. Whether you've been to Chicago or not, seeing the city from Lake Michigan is the one thing you should definitely do. Wendella is one of the only companies that do a combined tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Don't get jipped and take a cruise that only takes you on the river! Wendella's tour lasts 90 minutes and I found it to be informative, Read More
The Road Less Traveled: The Berghoff in Chicago
Here is a great suggestion if you're going to Chicago and like me, you prefer the road less traveled with a little bit of history. The Berghoff is the oldest restaurant in Chicago and the oldest continuously operating business in the city, having survived the Chicago Fire of 1871. It's right near the center of the Chicago Loop. Amazon.com Widgets They were originally famous for their homemade Beer and later Root Beer, Read More
Chicago’s Priceless View from the Top
One of the best ways to see Chicago is from 1,000 feet high at the John Hancock Observatory (aka Chicago 360), and yes, it's better than the view from the Sears Tower. There are interactive kiosks and historical murals throughout so you can learn exactly you’re looking at if you want to know. I personally just have fun checking out the 360 degree views and taking pictures. Did you know that Chicago has a beach? Like, a real Read More
The Road Less Traveled: Chicago’s Palmer Hotel
'The Road Less Traveled' is a series from me with recommendations of things to see and do that are lesser known or off the beaten path. If you’ve been to Chicago, you know that the city is filled with exceptional museums, restaurants and sights. One of my favorites is the historic Palmer Hotel. The hotel was built in 1925 and at that time was famous for being the largest hotel in the world. In 2009 it was renovated Read More