The Windy City

Just before Thanksgiving, the Mr. and I had the opportunity to pop down to Chicago for a couple of nights and get a taste for the Windy City.  We had so much fun staying bundled up and exploring the city.  We even got a few snow flurries while in town, which for us San Diegans is a real treat!

We got into Chicago super early (benefits of a red-eye), and we right away checked into out hotel for the next couple of nights, the Palomar.

After getting settled, we bundled up (I take bundling up very seriously), and started off for a spot of breakfast.  When in Chicago, I am pretty sure that you are required to eat doughnuts for breakfast, and there is truly no better spot than at Doughnut Vault.

 

When we got to the register and were told about their doughnut flavors of day, we did what any health-conscious traveler would do, and we ordered one of everything ;)

 

The doughnuts were every bit as good as they look, some still warm!  But our favorite…

…the famous half calorie doughnut of course!

After thoroughly doughnut-ing ourselves, we headed around the corner to grab a cup of joe in hopes that it might offset our sugar coma.  Just around the block from Doughnut Vault is an equally famous stop, Bow Truss.

The coffee is all made to order here, and worth the wait.  It was smooth and delicious, and just what we needed to keep our day going.

After grabbing our coffees, we walked South through the city towards the Art Institute of Chicago.

 

We spent hours exploring the Art Institute, and yet it felt like there was still so much more to see.  It was amazing to see so many famous pieces of art all in the same place.

When we left the Art Institute, our next stop was just a walk bridge away (literally).

Cloud Gate, famously nicknamed “the bean.”

We had so much fun taking silly pictures, trying to catch our reflection in the bean, and the reflection of the city skyline.

After a lengthy photo session, we were both starting to freeze a bit.  Luckily for us, the Drake had invited us for their famous Holiday Tea.

The whole hotel was decked out in Christmas decorations.  It was so cheery and warm, and such a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

The tea room was beautifully appointed for the holidays.  We sat by the fountain and enjoyed our tea and cakes while the harpist serenaded us with some holiday music.

We were both feeling a little jet-lagged at this point, so it was great to be able to sit down and relax for a little bit before braving the cold again.

Our next plan was to walk the Magnificent Mile (code word for shopping!).  While we did do a little holiday shopping, we mostly enjoyed all of the beautiful lights and holiday decorations.  Chicago does a great job of decorating the city, some of the best I’ve seen.

While walking the Magnificent Mile, we passed by the Hancock Tower, which we had heard had some of the best views of the Chicago skyline.  We stopped in for a quick drink, and loved getting the chance to soak in the sparkling city.

Then we were off to meet my cousin for dinner at the famous Lou Malnati’s.  Chicago deep dish was high on the list of things to do (a.k.a. eat) in Chicago.  Sadly, my picture barely does the pizza justice.

We tried a few different pizzas, but the Malnati Chicago Classic was the clear winner, and also some of the best pizza we have ever had.  We spent our next 24 hours in Chicago trying to figure out when we could squeeze in an extra pie (it was that good).

Delightfully stuffed, we walked back to our hotel, ready for a good night’s sleep.

~

Although the Drake gifted us the afternoon tea, no financial compensation was received.  All opinions expressed and written here are my own, and are an honest account of our experience.