Chicago is my kind of town. That’s a line from an old Frank Sinatra song, and after my visit there last week, I have to agree. Mr. Right had a business conference in the “Windy City”, and he asked if I wanted to tag along. He spent his time working which meant I had two full days to do whatever I wanted. I have only been to Chicago for a shopping trip years ago and to ride my bicycle there on another trip. Having two unstructured days sounded just perfect to me.
We stayed in the Hyatt Hotel, which is the largest Hyatt in the world, and our room had a wonderful view of the river. Staying there made it easy to walk to everything I wanted to see or do.
My first day there started with breakfast at the Drake Hotel.
Then I headed down the Magnificent Mile for my first visit to the Art Institute. The landscaping made my walk even more fun.
I spent hours and hours there just admiring the art. As always, my favorites were the works done by famous Impressionists.
I also enjoyed the furniture. There was a huge range of styles and eras. By the way, they also had their share of painted furniture.
At the end of my outing, I was so exhausted that I practically staggered into my hotel room where I stayed for the rest of the evening.
Shopping and sightseeing were the only things on my agenda for day two. When I am at home and need something, I run into a store and get out as fast as possible. I am just not a good shopper. It just seems so overwhelming to me. However, having the Magnificent Mile at my finger tips, I took total advantage of it. I stopped and browsed in practically every store, and it was somewhat therapeutic. After all, there is a phrase known as retail therapy.
Have you heard of Eataly, the retail store/restaurant owned by Mario Batali and partners in NYC?
They also have one in Chicago. Now, it really was really a sensory overload.
That night we ate at RPM Italian, the restaurant owned by Bill Rancic, the winner of the first Apprentice show. The service was impeccable, the food was delicious, the the decor was beautiful. On our way home to Lexington, we spent the week-end with Mr. Right’s mom and extended family in Indiana.
Now, we’re back home in Lexington and excited to have a month with no traveling before we take off again. Thank you all for stopping in. Have a great rest of the day!
Take care!
Impressionists…moi aussi. Sounds like a couple of nice days! Sheila E
Thank you for sharing these photos…..so interesting to see Chicago…..I’ve not been there in 40 years!
it is a great city. I love the landscaping long the streets!
The landscaping was great. I’m doing another post about it.
Sounds like fun! That big, white building toward the end of you post is the Wrigley Building (as in gum + Wrigley Field.) We took our grandlad to the Art Institute in July. He + I “bonded” over Vincent van Gogh’s bedroom painting. Great post!
I haven’t been to that museum…sounds like I must go! We’ve been to the Aquarium years ago! We usually don’t get farther than O’Hare or IKEA when we drive down to Chicago. Those gardens are beautiful. 😉
Donnamae, You’ll have to make it a long week-end trip next time.
Chicago is on my bucket list – I think I need at least a week there. There’s just too much to do. I would love to take part in the Frank Lloyd Wright Housewalk. I’m looking forward to your next post.
Oh, that FL Wright walk sounds great!