A weekend of prep
By · May 13 2011
This time next week I’ll be taking a girls trip to Chicago. See my pal Brooke is pregnant and when I emailed her asking when her family was coming into town post-baby so I could schedule my trip, she said “let’s do something before the baby.”
And that is when I realized why we were such great friends.
Even better — when I told her that I wanted to go to Illinois to see my grandparents on their mission, and offered to meet in Chicago, she topped me. She’s coming on the 4-hour roadtrip with me to Nauvoo, and then we’ll spend a few days in Chicago.
I felt so grown up reserving the car rental. “Why, yes, I am over 25 years old.”
I think it is my sheltered upbringing because going away on a girls trip seems like a huge deal.
So, I need your Chicago tips, tricks, whatever. What should two girls see in the windy city?
Planning an itinerary is on the list this weekend.
Also on the list?
– Relaunching and possibly changing hosts for my mom’s website – need a therapist in Utah?
– Wine Steals for negotiations club. Maybe. Wow, that makes me sound like an MBA student right there. Negotiations club and wine. I only partake in one.
– Preparing an emergency kit for my puppy. We have one, I think she should too.
– Running with my new shoes. I’m really excited to try them out! I more look the part than I am the part of an athlete, but hey, when you look good doing it that’s half the battle.
–Writing my posts for tree.com. Do you have any higher education-related questions?
– Sleeping. I have no finals. I have no class. I plan to enjoy this until it starts again on May 31.
Oh, and seeing my dad, who called last week and asked if he could take me to dinner this weekend. He lives in Utah. I’m a lucky girl.
Have a good weekend! What is on your list?
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A girls weekend in Chicago sounds like so much fun! I haven’t been in years so I have no tips. But have a blast without classes and such! Take pictures!
I just went to Chicago a few weeks ago! We had a BLAST. Check out my recap here: http://lifeafterthevows.blogspot.com/2011/04/adventures-in-windy-city.html
for some good ideas.
Kim recently posted..Royal Perfection
Definitely go on the architecture boat cruise in Chicago! It’s so much fun and also, a nice little tour of the city.
http://www.chicagotours.us/?event=offer.detail&offerId=1854&startDate=05/01/2011&endDate=05/31/2011
I keep trying to think of what restaurants I like in Chicago, but I’m blanking! Ugh! If I remember any of them, I’ll email you.
Have fun Natalie! I loveee Chicago. One thing I’ve never done but always wanted to was go on an Oprah tour and see the HARPO studios and her house! Kind of dorky but if you’re as big of an Oprah fan as I am I thought that’d be fun
A coworker of mine just got back from a short vacation to Chicago with his wife. He said his favorite part was getting a tour from a “Chicago Greeter” (http://www.chicagogreeter.com/) they are volunteers that will take you anywhere you would like to see. He said it was really neat!
I hear the Chicago greeter tours are great – thanks for the tip!
Architecture tours are cool. Also, re: ShellyK–go for the Chicago Greeter tour! They give you coupons for things in the city, are fun and entertaining. It’s a great thing to do your first time in the city and is a good overview. I think it’s best to get there early in the day for those.
Millennium Park’s bean and Navy Pier are worth seeing, albeit touristy. they are must-see’s. Going up the Sears Tower (or, willis tower, ugh) is neat, but pricey. For me it is a take it or leave it.
Shopping is all on North Michigan ave. Enjoy!
My favorite place to walk around is near Water Tower Place & the John Hancock building. I also love stopping by the big news studios. In the morning and evening you can see the live news broadcast through the street window.
Must have Chicago-style deep dish pizza: Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East or Giordanos. My vote goes to Gino’s East, E prefers Lou Malnati’s.
I would definitely recommend the place where Anni, Jenna and I met up-Carnivale, in the West Loop (it’s a little out of the way of The Loop, depending on where you’re staying.
there are so many things, but hopefully this is helpful!
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Thank you! I am adding these to my list of places to see! Thanks for your insider tips.
Here are the AWESOME thing that I did when I went with my friend and her family to Chicago:
1. The Museum of Science and Industry
2. The Field Museum of Natural History
3. The Adler Planetarium
4. The Shedd Aquarium
We had a blast!
We went last summer and had a great time – here’s my blog post about it from last year –
http://legallymarried.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/chi-town-review/
I loved Millenium Park and of course, the Cubs and Wrigley. So fun – hope you have a great time!
Legally Married recently posted..Great Date
Thanks! I’ll be checking this out tomorrow, I really appreciate it!
Look into theChicago River & Lake Architecture Tours, a-mazing!
Oh, and sign up for Chicago’s Groupon page before you go/plan… whenever I travel now I like to see what their deals are.
Hi Natalie! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I would love to feature you. Just shoot me an email at shasielove@gmail.com, so that I can send you interview questions. Also you’ll want to have pictures ready to send too. Have fun in the windy city!
Thanks!
Shasie
Live Life in Style
That Chicago print is by Matte Stephens, who is one of my favorite artists! I featured his work for my 100th post, and he was kind enough to drop by and comment!
http://www.freshoutoflemons.com/something-to-talk-about/2010/12/10/100.html
As fot what do do in Chicago, I’ve never been to the City but, like Star, I think of Oprah! I’d want to at least get a photo outside of the Harpo Studio!
Have fun and safe travels!
I’m so glad you recognized it! I loved it… and I hate how Pinterest doesn’t trace you back to the source.
Yea, a lot of via-via-vias on Pinterest, but still a great and addicitng site!
Leslie *Fresh Out of Lemons* recently posted..Pop-Pop Pup-Pup!
i adore chicago! i might be going later this summer. thanks for the lovely comment!
http://styleaccordingtome.blogspot.com
Mary Louise recently posted..White Vest and Semi-Vintage Bag
Girls trip – yay! Have fun and give those grandparents a hug! I loved our city tour there and also walking around the mag. mile – i hope i’m remembering the name right – and it was fun to walk through the shops by the water and eat something fun.
becky recently posted..Lululemon Thoughts
A girls trip sounds like fun! And I totally relate to that jogging shoe thing!!!
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I miss road trips with friends!! I miss going to Chicago for a trip! But most of all, I miss San Diego! Moved from there 3 years ago. Sigh…your life is much cooler than mine! Enjoy your trip!
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I’m sure our lives are equal on the coolness, but I hear you on San Diego. I don’t know how I’ll ever leave. It is beautiful here.
Visiting from FTLOB! I grew up in Chicago and think it’s a great city! Whatever you do, make sure to eat an Italian Beef sandwich…it will change your life! Hope you have a great time
Great blog! Found you blog hoppin’ and wish I had some Chicago tips for you, too!
But it looks like you are well on your way with the great tips in these comments!
Have a wonderful trip!
Cherie @ Lots of Jewels’ Blog recently posted..Birthday Girl
I love Chicago. It is one of my favorite cities. One of my favorite places to eat there is the Athena Room in Greek town. It’s been almost two years since I’ve been there last, but I really miss it especially the Lincoln Park area. It is so beautiful. P.S. Thanks for stopping by blog!
Ah! I’ve never been to Chicago, but this is a great way to have a girl’s weekend! Can’t wait to see the pictures!
Sarah recently posted..sometimes- all you need is some retail therapy
hi there! thanks for passing by wandering spice
i used to live in chicago… this time of year there should be some nice things to do, as hopefully the winter weather has cleared up! the skyline view from shedd aquarium is a nice photo-op.
Santorini, in Greek Town, is a nice spot for dinner especially if you can sit outside.
if i were you, i’d just head to Bucktown/Wicker Park area — pop in and out of stores + cafes and take it easy.
have fun!
yasmeen {wandering spice} recently posted..street food- south melbourne market-style
A good many vaulblaes you’ve given me.