Hey guys! I am SO excited to talk about this recent trip to Chicago. Chicago was a city I had never been to before, and I didn’t think there was much there that would be exciting. But, I was totally wrong! Chicago is a beautiful city that I now can’t wait to go back to. We had 3 days to experience it all and everything we recommend from where to stay from where to get your coffee is all below!

WHERE TO STAY

We love love loveeee the Fairmont. This time the Fairmont Chicago welcomed Justin and I for a 2-night stay at their downtown location. If you haven’t seen our post from out Quebec getaway at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac yet, check it out here!! Their downtown Chicago location is just as stunning!

The Fairmont is located right in Millennium Park so it is very close everything you will want to do and visit, like the riverwalk! On Friday morning we ordered room service for breakfast and enjoyed our view of the Lake Michigan shoreline. All of the Fairmont Hotels also use Le Labo products in all of their rooms, and if you’re anything like me, you will love that. Hahah

Our next stay took place at the Fairmont’s sister hotel the Swissôtel! We were greeted into their beautiful Premier Lakeview Corner King room, which was one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever stayed in. We couldn’t wait to review our experience at the Swissôtel and it was an honest 10/10. To the location, the staff, the views, the room AND The Palm Restaurant downstairs. It was so so romantic and it was truly a day and night we will never forget.

The room had a stunning panoramic view of the Chicago skylines, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago River. Justin and I were in awe of this room and never wanted to leave! All the big Chicago items you will want to see were visible from all angles of this insanely beautiful room. We felt like we were living in a movie.

WHAT TO DO

Everything Justin and I had planned to do in Chicago were all downtown. With our hotels easily located to all downtown amenities, we walked everywhere and took a couple of Ubers. Since we only had 3 days in Chicago our schedule didn’t leave much room. Justin is a planner, and basically booked everything we did. Lol. He knew as long as I was somewhere pretty for sunset that I would be happy!

View from sunset on the Architectural boat tour

DRYBAR

I started my weekend off with a blowout at Drybar (I went to the River North location) before a busy day out in Chicago. My blow out was perfect for the entire weekend! Definitely recommend Drybar to treat yourself and hair while away. If you aren’t familiar with Drybar, I highly recommend it. You book your appointment online, show up with your hair as is, sign in, and have your hair washed, blowdried and styled in less than 40 minutes. It’s a dream. LOL. I wish so bad that we had a Drybar in Saint John. It’s so perfect for having your hair last for days and having that fresh salon feel.

Chicago Cubs Game

After our appointments finished up we attended a Chicago Cubs game. I’m not the biggest sports fan but the drinks were good! Lol! It was cool to be able to be around so much history at the Cubs game. The fans are loyal. It was obvious even when driving through the blocks approaching the stadium. The atmosphere was infectious and was a really cool experience. Even if you aren’t a huge sports fan, this is a really fun afternoon activity.

The Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is exactly what it’s like in the movies. It’s so insanely beautiful and cinematic. I was so happy with how close our hotel was, so we could just duck out, go for a walk and explore. Chicago is so romantic!! That was totally something I wasn’t expecting and that’s like the only word I can think of to describe it. There are tons of places to eat along the riverwalk, picturesque spots, fountains, lots of amazing architecture to enjoy, kayak rentals, and the architectural boat tour which I go into more detail on next!

One of my favourite things during our Chicago getaway had to be the architectural boat tour we went on at sunset. The sunset was gorgeous and reflected off the glass of all the tall buildings we were surrounded by. I highly recommend you plan this for an evening you’re visiting Chicago! It was such a cool way to get out on the water and was really really informative and cool. We love architecture so we geeked out a little, but it was pretty awesome to learn about the history behind the styles of buildings when they were built and the architects who designed them. We learned a lot about why they were initially built, how it’s evolved and what they are used for today.

The Bean

You can’t go to Chicago without visiting the Bean!! Which I was surprised to find out is actually called Cloud Gate! Lol. It’s another one of those things that are pretty cool to be able to see in real life. We tried to stroll by in the early morning before the rush of tourists. I bet it would be cool at sunset too.

WHERE TO EAT

There are so many great places to eat in Chicago!!! Justin and I enjoyed a variety of meals all over downtown Chicago. Our first night in Chicago we enjoyed a yummy spread of food at the Columbus Tap which is a gastropub inside the Fairmont. We also got a taste of home with a giant lobster roll! Supper was topped off with an amazing piece of S’mores cake!

A great way to start your Chicago exploring is stopping into Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea. The building is beautiful which is why I originally wandered in! I was just as happy to see marble counters and hex tile flooring. We grabbed a coffee and were just a quick walk from the bean and other Chicago tourist spots.

While walking on the Navy Pier we stopped into Offshore Rooftop Bar. We had an amazing view eating out on the deck of Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline. Our lunch was also amazing. I highly recommend a walk along the Navy Pier and lunch or supper at Offshore! The atmosphere at Offshore is cool and beachy. It’s brand new and just opened this summer. It had live music and insane views of the city.

View from rooftop at Offshore on the Navy Pier

Our last supper in Chicago was at The Palm Restaurant which was conveniently located inside the Swissôtel. I ordered a filet mignon and Justin ordered New York strip! It was delicious and the service was amazing! A great way to celebrate 3 years since we met! It was so romantic and the food was delicious. This might have been the best meal of our entire trip. The whole time we were just trying to soak it in because we knew it was one we were going to miss.

On our last day in Chicago we could not leave the city of deep dish pizza. After much consideration, we decided to indulge at Giordano’s Pizza! It was highly recommended when I asked you guys on Instagram and the pizza was huge and delicious. Don’t leave Chicago without ordering a slice yourself! It is truly an experience. Lol!

We had such a great time exploring Chicago and wish our trip could of been a little bit longer! Next time you’re considering where to go on a weekend getaway, book Chicago! We cannot wait to go back.

xx

Allie