Chicago “The Windy City” A Birthday that will blow you away!
It’s always so important to celebrate your love one not just on holidays but every day of the year. However, on holidays I make it my business to show my husband that the world is his and I’m only here to make it more enjoyable for him. Birthdays have always been a big deal in our household and every year I always try to come up with a clever theme. This year my husband turns 29 and that means another year closer to the big 30. I decided to let this year’s birthday lead into his next birthday with a passport theme. I called it his Exit 29 which means it’s his last exit before reaching his destination making it his journey to 30. There are three parts to the idea which include first stop for this year, second stop which is the layover and his 29 ½ birthday, and finally the last stop is his destination for his 30th.
We decided to make our first stop Chicago. We randomly chose this city by finding the most inexpensive plane tickets for a quick getaway. When we first landed we were in awe over the architectural design in the buildings because it was not like anything we ever seen before. The beauty of the city made us realize we had chosen the right destination to have a birthday celebration. When visiting Chicago, we knew to expect lots of adventures, amazing food, and great entertainment, but we didn’t anticipate just how peaceful and pleasurable the area would be. The city was ours and we were ready to explore it one footprint at a time.
How to get there
Chicago leads the way when it comes to accessibility. The city rest conveniently in the center of the country with two first class airports. O’Hare lies 17 miles from downtown and one of the busiest airports in the country. Then there is Midway which is 10 miles from downtown and in our experience the better one if flying domestic. The easiest way to get downtown from the airport is either take the train(O’Hare take the Blue line and Midway take the orange line) or Uber (about $30.) The ease of travel to Chicago makes it the perfect getaway.
Where to stay
We stayed at the W Chicago- Lakeshore and they exceeded our expectations! The view from our room was amazing and the staff was friendly and helpful.They are nestled near Lake Michigan offering easy access to Navy Pier, downtown, and the rest of the city.We booked our hotel through Priceline’s express deals because it was a budget conscious trip and we were looking for a good deal. Always check multiple sites before making your booking to save money. Our favorite site is booking.com, and by our surprise you can save money as well by just booking directly with the hotel on some instances.
Where to Eat
• Wildberry Pancakes and Café- But first, let’s eat. Breakfast will never be the same again!! Their menu is filled many great options, but our personal favorite is the signature berry bliss waffle. The waffle is topped with fresh blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. It is scrumptious, and this place alone is worth the flight to Chicago.
• Portillo’s Hot Dogs- You can’t go to Chicago without getting one of their world-famous hot dogs. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a great time, amazing food, and an awesome atmosphere.
• Pequod’s Pizza- Have you ever had deep dish pizza? You’ve never had it like this before and you can’t just eat one slice. It’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and your wallet.
• Molly’s Cupcakes- If you’re visiting the Navy Pier and craving something sweet then this will hit the spot. We tried the crème brulee and the strawberry shortcake. They both were baked to perfection! It’s the cutest little shop and definitely worth a visit.
• The Signature Room at the 95th- A luxurious experience! The perfect late treat with mouthwatering deserts, amazing drinks, and a spectacular view.
What to Do
• Millennium Park- The perfect place to take a stroll or have a romantic picnic with your loved one. The views alone of the city will make this trip worthwhile. Lastly, don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic Cloud Gate “The Bean”and the Crown Fountain.
• Navy Pier- Awesome place to visit. There are tons of restaurants and make sure you catch a ride on the Ferris wheel. It’s just a magnificent place to capture the beautiful essence of Chicago.
• AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago- Unbelievably breathtaking!! Get ready to embark on a journey that leaves you relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed. This bathhouse is the perfect disconnect from the fast pace city life and is much needed after a long day of exploring.
• Magnificent Mile- Work hard so you can shop harder! A wonderful walk down Michigan avenue with a mile of high-end stores, restaurants, street vendors, and street entertainers. It’s really refreshing enjoying the architecture of all the Chicago buildings while gazing at the beautiful views of Lake Michigan. It’s definitely worth the visit.
