Chicago Getaway :: Day 2

After lounging around for awhile (which really felts great -- remember, we have a puppy), we packed up and spent another day wandering. We picked up falafel from Oasis Cafe (located in the back of a jewelry building), and decided to eat in the park. As we were walking over, we heard music coming from the pavilion. Turns out the Grant Park Orchestra was rehearsing for this weekend. So we sat on the steps and just enjoyed it. Later, we went to the Art Institute of Chicago. Brian's been dying to get back there, and it really was great. It's been awhile for sure. Afterwards, we were hoping to grab a quick snack from Eataly, but it was too busy. Ended up having a lunch at The Purple Pig before swinging by the hotel one last time to grab our bags, and catch the train back. Chicago is such an amazing city. We sure do miss it. 

Chicago Getaway :: Day 1

Brian and I were able to get away to Chicago for a couple days. We woke up early on Wednesday and took the train down. After dropping our bags off at our hotel, we took the "L" to Bucktown and wandered the streets all afternoon. It's nice to see the city back in action, but can definitely see some of the businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic, which is so sad. Grabbed a quick lunch (and margarita of course) at Big Star, then walked! We honestly didn't have many plans, and just wanted to soak it all in. Dinner was at Momotaro, and one of the favorite meals we've had in a very long time. It was so beautiful and so good. Such a treat. Afterwards, we walked around the West Loop - where it all started for us. So much fun to see so much activity all around. Even walked by our old loft building. So many amazing memories. We finished the evening by having a cocktail at our hotel (we stayed at the Chicago Athletic Association) and admiring the beautiful skyline. Then we went to the game room to watch the Bucks in the playoffs. Such an exciting game too. A perfect day. 

A Few Hours in Chicago

Oh my gosh, what a fun day! Brian planned a little trip to Chicago, and I decided to join him for a few hours. We both took the train down --  so much more relaxing than driving. He actually took an earlier train, so it was fun meeting up in the city a few hours later. Once we connected, we wandered around for a couple hours before it was time for our reservation at the WNDR Museum. I totally apologize for the photo overload, but what a fun place! It takes about an hour to get through, with surprises around every corner. When you entered, there were a couple resident poets who write a custom poem for you. Brian's topic of choice was German Shorthaired Pointer and Gretel, mine was sunshine. Here's how ours turned out. Of course. That little stinker. After the museum we went to Publican for lunch. Then it was time for me travel back to Milwaukee! It really couldn't have been a more perfect day. I'm not sure why I don't do little day trips like that more often.

Chicago :: Day 2

The next day, we went to the Chicago Cultural Center to go to the Strandbeest exhibit. I really wasn't expecting much, but the entire visit to the center was amazing.


We lucked out by getting an unscheduled viewing of the Strandbeest in movement. It was truly magical. We were all completely mesmerized by the entire thing.


We also walked around the Chicago Cultural Center. I used to pop in there once in awhile when I worked downtown, but I forgot how absolutely beautiful that building really is.


We also walked through some of the art galleries.


We stopped into the Chicago Athletic Association to check it out. It so amazing, and one of these days (without the boys) we are hoping to stay there to really get to experience it. After that, we went to Block 37 to Latin City. The idea is similar to Eataly, but without the grocery or retail part. We tried a bunch of different dishes -- tacos, ceviche, empanadas and calamari -- and everything was really good. I sure wish it had been there when I worked down the street. That, and the Target that was down the street. That would have been a game-changer! Anyhow, afterwards, we made a quick stop at Room & Board, picked up some food at Eataly for dinner later, and headed on out, just making it to the kennel to pick up the dogs in the nick of time before they closed, and to get H to his final futsal games of the season. It was such a great surprise. A perfect way to end our Spring Break, and much needed pick-me-up after a long winter/early spring season. Thanks Brian!

Chicago :: Day 1

We were planning on going to Chicago for a day over Spring Break, but Brian surprised us with an overnight trip. He arranged for everything, and it was amazing. Our first stop was the Museum of Science & Industry. We used to take the boys there a ton when we lived there, and it really brought back a ton of great memories. H just had a huge smile on his face, and C kept saying "I remember this!"


We also went to the Brick by Brick exhibit. Thankfully, Brian purchased tickets for everything ahead of time. In all my years, I've never seen the place so busy.


There were some hand-on exhibit, but also some incredible pieces designed by Adam Reed Tucker.


We had a snack at Eataly before checking into our hotel. Then we walked up and down Michigan Ave. Two boys forgot winter jackets, so we had to do a little shopping. Brian had made reservations for an early dinner at The Publican, which used to be one of our go-to places. It was so good, and the kids loved it. We even ran into one of our friends there, so that was fun.


Afterwards, we walked around the first neighborhood I lived in when I moved to Chicago 22 years ago -- the West Loop. Here's the boys outside our very first apartment together. We also got to show them where we had our rehearsal dinner and our second apartment (which was right across the street). We lived in that neighborhood for four years, and absolutely loved it. After that, we went back to the hotel and hung out. Nice.