As I type this, I’m singing the “She-cago” song from the fabulous Victorious tv series circa 2011. Unfortunately my kids have made me watch each and every episode a minimum of 57,982 times. Kids are fun like that.
Jess has an office in Chicago so we have fortunately tagged along to many an adventure in the Windy City. It’s about a 5 hour trek up to Chicago from Cincinnati and, if you time it right, you can arrive at the Magnificent Mile (511 N Columbus) Embassy Suites just as happy hour rolls out! The girls love their Sprite and crudités and I love their house wine. If it’s free, it’s for me!
We have had so many amazing, family meals in Chicago that I think that may be a future blog post in and of itself. An absolute favorite and must do of our family is to visit Greektown, namely Athena Restaurant. In warmer months, the walls open up and you can almost feel the Grecian airy breezes. Just ignore the Chicago traffic! Every item we have ordered was a hit, even with our picky middle child Reese! Grilled octopus, chicken skewers, calamari and saganaki are sure fire hits. Who doesn’t love a flaming cheese?!
Afterward, as we all are completely stuffed, we usually manage to fit in a dessert run to our daughter’s favorite Sugar Factory. Envision shakes the size of Montana dripping in candy. A full bar to boot so try a chocolate martini to top the night off! We also love their selection of fun, hard-to-find candies you can purchase to take home.
A trip to Chicago wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Michigan Ave., the Magnificent Mile. American Girl (try lunch as a family, with the dolls, there – it’s amazing), Disney Store and all the swanky armed-guards-are-watching-you shopping palaces welcomed us as we would stroll for hours shopping without a care. My step count for Chicago trips makes my Apple Watch very happy!
A must-visit store for us every time we visit Chicago is Eataly, a several story culinary delight. Gelato, espresso, paninis… oh my! Just the freshest and best quality items you would hope for in a setting that pays homage to The Greatest Country (part of my heritage, of course). My grandma used to tell us “Everyone is Italian, or they wish they were.” She would’ve been Eataly’s #1 fan.
In future posts, I’ll highlight some of our more touristy adventures in the Windy City, along with some of our other must visit restaurants and shops. And now, my other job calls. Have to get ready for the ever exciting world of “Kindergarten Screening” for my PreK friends.
All in a day’s work, folks.
Until next time!
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