Travel Diary: Chicago

Hello there! I just returned from a trip to Chicago and wanted to share a quick travel diary of my favorite experiences because it was such a wonderful trip! I went to visit my boyfriend, Johnny, who lives in a suburb outside of Chicago, therefore there were lots of opportunities to explore and hang out in the city!  I honestly love Chicago so much– the sidewalks are lined with mini gardens, the buildings are gorgeous…

Hello there! I just returned from a trip to Chicago and wanted to share a quick travel diary of my favorite experiences because it was such a wonderful trip! I went to visit my boyfriend, Johnny, who lives in a suburb outside of Chicago, therefore there were lots of opportunities to explore and hang out in the city! 
I honestly love Chicago so much– the sidewalks are lined with mini gardens, the buildings are gorgeous and not too overwhelming, the streets are clean and the air is fresh, and even on a “crowded” day in the city there is still so much space to walk and do your own thing. Here are a few of my trip highlights that I wanted to share: 
Must-Dos: 

We spent a half day in the Shedd Aquarium, which is a Chicago staple. Definitely get the full pass so you can see the Aquatic show, a 4-D movie, and the new amphibian exhibit (you know I loved the mini, brightly colored tree frogs!!). 
We saw the show “Fool Me Twice, Deja Vu” and it was honestly one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Think: SNL but completely unfiltered. It is so. good. Big-belly-laugh good.
Shop. Shop. Shop. Shop. Shop. I didn’t do much with the boyfriend (he’s much more of a golfer, ha), but I did do a little of window gazing and *slight drooling.* The so-called “Magnificent Mile” pretty much covers any store you can dream up. 
Must-Eats: 

This restaurant has Santa Monica vibes and an amazing menu and cocktail list. Definitely get the calamari and hang at the bar for a bit before dinner! Then get a rice krispie chocolate chip mega cookie for desert… you can thank me later. 
On the lookout for the best deep dish pizza in Chicago?? Start here and try to compare everything else to it (it’s hard to beat!!). 
If you like nautical decor, lobster rolls, or rosé then you definitely need to stop by for a bit to eat here. The ambiance is laidback-east-coast meets Chicago cool. Think: hanging rope chairs and live music. It’s totally manageable to walk to from Michigan Ave too! 
We looked up the best donut shops in Chicago and this one (plus the one below) were on the list. We ran into them while walking around so we just tried them both! Get the vanilla iced one! Extra delicious with coffee.  
Red velvet donuts. (yes, we hit up multiple donuts in one day, don’t judge) 
I also had the wonderful experience of meeting Carly, of the College Prepster, who was doing a meet and greet at the Vineyard Vines in Chicago while I was there! She is absolutely even sweeter and more darling than I could have imagined!! 
Take a look at our Chicago adventures… 
That girl who carries a bouquet of peonies on her flight… #sorrynotsorry 
The “Vitamin D room” at the Summer House

My handsome date:) 

Carly! I mean, how adorable is she?! 

The vibes in Hampton Social were everything. 
Rosé + a red velvet donut from Glazed and Infused (yes, I went there and it was as delish as you can imagine). Also, I had a bite of this donut as an appetizer to my lobster roll. I was on vacation, okay. 

The decor and ambiance of Hampton Social was unparalleled!! Like, I need this sign. 

Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have definitely captured my heart. It truly has so much to offer and is just my speed!! Thanks for following along:) xxo

xxAmy