Chicago: A Visitor's Perspective

Chicago's downtown from The John Hancock Center's Signature Lounge

Chicago is a beautiful city with so many cultural delights for foodies and history nerds, which are best found on exploratory walks away from the highly trafficked Michigan Avenue. Mikael and I tried out staying through AirBNB for the first time and had the best experience. We stayed in a building ran by FLATS Short Stay Chicago and our room was about a 250 square foot apartment designed by CB2. It was just north of downtown Chicago and since we were removed from the tourist-laden areas, that really pushed us to explore the neighborhoods outside of the downtown loop.

Beautiful skies over the Midwest | Heading in on the L wearing J.Crew chambray and JcPenney pleather leggings

Our cute room through AirBNB!

As we explored our neighborhood, we tried out this well-rated restaurant for lunch, called Inspiration Kitchen. It wasn't until we looked at the menu that we realized how special the concept is for this business. It sits across from a community center and this restaurant takes in parolees and the indigent, trains them to be chefs and servers, where they can earn a living wage. It was such a wonderful place with delicious food. Definitely a well-worth visit for us!

Beautiful murals at the community center.

As we worked our way to Millenium Park we wandered off of the main roads and ran into this hidden dive taco restaurant, named Flaco's Tacos. Hangry and worn out, we stopped in for a bite. Lo and behold they had the most delicious margaritas I have ever tasted. Their special for the day was the "Sangrita" - aka the sangria margarita. Definitely something I want to recreate at home!

The Sangrita

J.Crew Factory dress, J.Crew belt, Sofft sandals

Our little flat was only a quick twenty minute walk away from the beach, so on Sunday we took the day off to enjoy the sunshine and 70 degree weather. Montrose Beach was peaceful and perfect with its golden sand and breathtaking view of Evanston. With my fair skin, I made sure to bring along my 50 SPF sunscreen and new hat I picked up at H&M to avoid a sunburn!

Montrose Beach | Target bikini and H&M hat with J.Crew sunnies

We took in the Chicago History Museum while in town, which had some fantastic exhibits. There were the interactive dioramas of significant points in Chicago history, an exhibit that dates back to the early 1900s. I personally loved the Facing Freedom exhibition on how we've confronted the concept of freedom throughout American History. The visit definitely gave me some ideas for classroom activities for the coming school year!

One of my favorite little places we ran across was this cute little cupcake ATM just north of downtown. It was in a fun entertainment district with great restaurants, but it's bright pink exterior just drew my eye immediately. We tried the toasted marshmallow cupcake and it was one fantastic little dessert!

Banana Republic eyelet shirt, J.Crew neon skirt, Sofft sandals

Finally, one activity we did and really loved was the architectural tour on the Chicago River. The boat offered a much-needed rest for our weary feet and breathtaking views of downtown landmarks. I loved learning about the history of Chicago's architecture and how the design of buildings changed so much within the past two hundred years. Definitely a must for any trip to Chicago!

Downtown Chicago from Lake Michigan

We had the most wonderful visit to Chicago and cannot wait to go back! We know it will be soon because we just love the always entertaining windy city!