Chicago Travel Guide

Will and I love to travel and Chicago has been a city we have wanted to check out for quite some time now. Last week we had the opportunity to visit and although it was cold and rained the majority of the time, we defiantly enjoyed ourselves and did as much exploring as we could fit into our schedule! Below I've put together a small travel guide of things we did that I find worth noting and highly recommend. Since Chicago is a large city, I know I've likely missed a bunch of other great places, so feel free to leave a comment with any other recommendations!

TO SEE
1. Magnificent Mile - Known for it's dining and retail, this area has it all! We particularly love that it's surrounded by so much architecture and photo-worthy buildings.

2. Navy Pier - It rained most of our trip so we didn't get to check out this hot spot.

3. "The Bean" at Millennium Park - The park as a whole is really nice and the "Bean" is one of the most known Chicago tourist spots. I wish we had come later in the year though so we could have checked out their Summer Film and Music Series at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

4. Chicago Riverwalk - Because well, the views of the waterway are great and the atmosphere surrounding are lively and fun.

TO DO

1. Zanies Comedy Club - This was a spur of the moment idea we decided on and so worth it! It was also our first time going to a standup comedy show and it won't be our last. Before the show began, they had two comedians; Calvin Evans and Denise Ramsden come out to "loosen up the crowd" as they told us before the main performer, Nick Vatterott, came out. He was HILARIOUS!

2. Shopping wasn't high on our list of things to-do but I did read a handful of reviews before our trip that said you can find unique shops for souvenirs and antiques on Oak Street, Armitage Avenue, and State Street.

3. Museum of Science and Industry - We went here on an afternoon when it was raining and probably spent about three or so hours there. Aside from exploring the museum as a whole, we also signed up to see the Coal Mine and U-505 Submarine exhibits. If we had to pick our favorite experience it was hands down the Submarine tour. I mean, who can say they've walked through a submarine? The ONLY German submarine in the United States on exhibit as a matter of fact. It truly was one of the coolest learning experiences. Oh, and the Yesterday's Main Street exhibit was also fun.

TO EAT

1. Kanela Breakfast Club - A Greek-infused American spot we went for brunch before heading back to North Carolina. We went to the Oldtown location and the atmosphere was cozy and the food very filling.

2. Kingsbury Street Cafe - This cafe was a recommendation and within walking distance to the Airbnb we stayed at. The service was quick and the menu options were perfect for what we were looking for. I got the lemon pancakes which were topped with fresh blueberries, creme anglaise and lemon sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

3. Lou Mitchell's - We didn't have the chance to eat here but it's been around since 1923 so it's obviously well established and is an affordable option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

4. Pequod's Pizza - We went here for dinner one night and arrived before 6:00 PM and it was already filled with people! The deep dish pizza stole a PIZZA my heart. Sorry had to add a pizza pun!

5. Homeslice - It was between here and Pequod's but if we're ever in Chicago again, and the weather is nice and warm, we will defiantly try to enjoy their fun patio!

 

6. Nando Milano Trattoria - This Italian restaurant is located in the Wicker Park area and had really unique dinner options. For instance, I got the Nido Di Paglia E Fieno Con Gamberi (aka fettuccine) and Will got one of the specials; the wild boar. 

7. Copper Fox - After exploring Magnificent Mile and Michigan Avenue we had walked up an appetite and came across this gastropub. Let me just say that the fried avocado is to die for and the baked gouda mac and cheese is delicious.

8. Sweet Mandy B's - Lord have mercy...this bakery in the heart of Lincoln Park is a MUST! After dinner at Pequod's Pizza we were in the mood for something sweet and our waitress told us about this place and said we had to go. I highly recommend any of their cookies (I had the chocolate chip) or the red velvet cupcake which is what Will got.

Wine Hour at Hotel Palomar Chicago

Wine Hour at Hotel Palomar Chicago

A GUIDE TO NYC

Anytime I hear someone mention NYC I think of the song 'Welcome to New York' by Taylor Swift. From the bright lights to the hustle and bustle, I can confidently say that NYC is a pretty exciting place to visit (or live) and my first trip a few weeks ago was one for the books thanks to the hubs for gifting me the trip as an early birthday present! There is so much to see and do and we checked off most of the items on our itinerary. I quickly learned however that there is just SO much stuff to see and do that you can't possibly accomplish it all. No way Jose!  At the end of the day though, the trip was so much fun...plain and simple!

Below is a guide to some of my favorite things we did, places we went and recommendations I gathered from fellow bloggers, friends and family. Let me know if y'all have been checked out any of the items from the list or if there is anything I should add for future trips to the big apple!

Stay

The Pod Hotel 39 (Between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue) - We stayed here the first night we arrived since we didn't land in New York until after 8:00 pm. The rooms are small but we didn't want to spend a lot of money since we only planned to stay for one night. While doing research, I saw that the hotel was in a great location and had a rooftop bar and restaurant called Salvation Taco that made this place all the more appealing.

Airbnb (We stayed here in the Lower East Side/Bowery area) - Will and I had previously stayed at an Airbnb when we went to Savannah, Georgia and had a great experience. You can read about that experience and see where we stayed here. I love the feeling of living like a local and wanted an authentic experience while in NYC so what better way then to do it again, this time in a different city. Our experience was wonderful and our host was so easy to work with. He gave us a tour of his place the day we arrived, told us about the area, recommended a few places for us to check out and was available by phone anytime we needed him.

See & Do

 

One World Observatory - The views! I'll be sharing more about our experience here in tomorrow's post along with a guide to Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge!

Central Park - For obvious reasons...it's amazing. I wish we could have explored the entire park!

The Plaza Hotel -I've seen many photos of the Plaza Hotel and was excited to see it in person. Ahem, it's beautiful and really hard to leave! But to be honest, I was most excited to find Eloise! This was my birthday present after all so Will had to suck it up and deal with my little girl excitement haha...

 

Time Square - To be honest, Time Square was too touristy for me and way to crowded which I knew it would be. Granted we went at night when all the buildings were shining bright and ton's of people were stopping every few seconds to take photos. I did some research before our trip and found out that if you want to see panoramic views of Time Square, you can go to the cocktail bar called the R Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel (at 48th and 7th) which we did and that I don't regret! We even stayed awhile and ordered cookies and ice cream as a late night snack.

Birchbox in SoHo -A few years ago I subscribed to Birchbox so getting to visit in person was really fun. The store has a downstairs area for guys and for in-store services where you can get your hair and makeup done too.

Barney's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Century 21 - Our favorite department store was Bloomingdales! I got the Kate Spade hat I'm wearing in my photos from their and Will got a few things for himself as well. Our second favorite store we visited was Saks. I got a really pretty Rebecca Taylor cocktail dress (this one is very similar) to wear to Will's company Christmas party!

Brooklyn Bridge - We walked from the Brooklyn side back towards Manhattan and I'll go into more detail and include photos in tomorrows post.

Flatiron Building - For a good view head to Broadway and East 23rd Street.

Lord and Taylor Holiday Window Displays - A lot of stores hadn't finished setting up their holiday window displays but Lord and Taylor had and it was to die for! Everything was perfectly done and so beautiful.

Bonobos - We were able to go here for Will (it's mainly a men's clothing line) without making an appointment which was awesome! This is their flagship store where you view all their merchandise in person and work with a stylist to see what best suits you and then order online. I think Will had a great time and walked away with a herringbone wool blazer that arrived at our house within days!

Eat & Drink

 

Penelope - We went here for breakfast and I got the french toast which was so good! If you decide to go here, make sure to go first thing in the morning because there isn't much room once you are inside and they are always busy from what we were told. We got there before 9:00 am and as we were leaving there was already a long wait...and it was a weekday!

Tisserie - We stopped here for a quick pick-me-up coffee and pastry after shopping at Bloomingdale's and Barneys.

Catch- This restaurant is a MUST! The atmosphere is what caught my eye but the food is just as good. It's on the pricier side but worth every penny, I promise. Will got east coast oysters and the fresh catch of the day and I got the macaroni and lobster cream. For dessert we got the "Hit Me" chocolate cake.

The District - We went here for dinner one night and got burgers. It's pretty small on the inside but looked a lot bigger in the photos just a heads up.

Refinery Rooftop - The best rooftop bar we went! You had a great view of the Empire State Building and lot's of outdoor seating. It was cold outside the night we went but we sat outside anyways because they had the heaters turned on and the views were worth the frozen faces and hands.

The Bluebell Cafe - There was a line of people already waiting to be seated when we arrived here for breakfast but it went quick and the food was pretty good.

Rosa Mexicano - We went here for dinner and Will thinks they had the best guacamole he has ever had. One of his coworkers/friends told him about this place and Will made reservations for us before our trip and besides Catch, this was defiently a favorite food place for us. Who doesn't like Mexican food?! Oh and we went to the one near the Lincoln Center on Columbus Avenue.

Cafe Lalo (dessert) - You guys...this place is like a dreamy slice of Paris and was featured in the movie You've Got Mail. Inside there are tons of French posters, marble tables to dine at and twinkly lights both inside and outside. We went pretty late at night and decided to get dessert to go.

Photo Op's!

Kelsey Montague's "What Lifts You" Mural on the corner of Kenmore Street and Mott Street in the NoLita area.

West 10th Street in Greenwich Village has beautiful townhouses and elegant architecture.

Another street with well-kept townhouses is known as "The Beautiful Block" on East 19th Street between Irving Place and 3rd Avenue.

There is a waterfall tunnel on 48th Street between 6th and 7th Street, along with a large waterfall display at Paley Park on 53rd between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue.

I didn't check this one out but I hear if you want a photo that has a magical feel to it then there is a tunnel of vines that are intertwined with lots of twinkling lights that can be found near Perry Street.

Eat & Drink (for our next visit) 

 

Serendipity for a sweet treat.

Drinks at Tipsy Parson.

Cafe Cluny - I hear it feels like you are being transported to a small french town and the waiters wear breton stripes.

The Spotted Pig.

Two Hands and Happy Bones for coffee.

Hamilton's Soda Fountain.

Levain Bakery - I hear they have amazing cookies.

Savannah, GA: Part 1

Happy Thursday, friends! Sorry I haven't blogged since last week! After returning from Savannah I had A LOT to catch up on (both at work and at home) so I took some time to focus on what had to get done. But I've been very excited about telling you all about my trip and decided to do it through different posts! Obviously today will be Part 1, then I plan on sharing Part 2, a post on Savannah shopping, followed by places to eat and lastly and one of my favorites, my first Airbnb experience.

So first, let me just make a few things known...Savannah is full of beauty, history and charm. And how can one not stop and stare at all of the Spanish moss trees that literally surround you? They are spooky and mesmerizing at the same time and make for some great backdrops in photos. As soon as we arrived in Savannah it started to rain, and it didn't stop until we left. Okay, it cleared up for a few hours on Saturday afternoon but that was it. The weather was far from perfect, and I didn't get to bring my camera out, but I did try to capture some photos on my cell phone to share!

Even though the rain got in the way of taking outfit photos and being able to spend more time outside exploring, we were able to stroll through downtown Savannah, Broughton Street and The City Market on the first full day there. And one thing that was new to me was the "To Go" cup. It really is what it sounds like. Basically you are able to get a beverage of choice, say the GA Peach Sangria, and have it poured in a plastic cup so that you can take it with you when you leave! It has to be in a plastic cup though.

And so, Savannah is a city full of all things Southern, hospitality and is very pedestrian-friendly. No matter what you want to do or where you want to go, there is always something for you to do. It's very similar to Charleston, SC but different in it's own ways. It's a city I wouldn't mind escaping away to every once and a while when I got the chance!

Next week, be on the lookout for my Part 2 post! I can't wait to share other experiences I had with Will on River Street, more exploring, getting caught in the rain and much more!