Travel Log: Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is hands down one of my favorite places to run around and explore. Lucky for me, I have a cousin who lives in the city and graciously lets me crash her at place often. . .which I did just a few weekends ago! Each day, we end up walking several miles while out exploring new museums and restaurants, and it's just the greatest thing ever. I'm now convinced that my husband and I should move to Chicago after he finishes grad school here in St. Louis. Without further ado, here's my list of places and sights to see that everyone should check out when they visit Chicago!

Lake & River Architecture Tour: This is my absolute favorite thing I've ever done in Chicago. The tour was quite informative, but definitely kept us interested at the same time. Going out on the lake and cruising up and down the shore was the best part; it gave us a different perspective of the city and the water was just so beautiful. Although it's a little pricy ($30/person), it is the best thing you can do to really see, and get to know, the city! I'd recommend going through this company.

Chicago Cultural Center: Located downtown, this building houses a variety of art exhibits. Open daily to the public (free admission), you won't want to miss out on this! It doesn't take long to walk through the whole building, but I can guarantee you'll be just as amazed by the architecture as you will by the exhibits themselves.

Millennium Park / Grant Park: This is a must. Famous for the cutting-edge architecture and art displayed in the parks, these (free) parks are one of the most popular stopping places in the city. Here, you'll find the famous Cloud Gate sculpture - also know as "The Bean." (Pictured at the top of this post.) Try standing directly under the bean and checking out the funky view from that angle.

Navy Pier: This (free) iconic scene has been featured in a million movies--including The Dark Knight and Divergent--and is something you won't want to miss out on. The fun and colorful atmosphere makes you feel like you're at an amusement park in the middle of the city - or maybe it's the fact that there's a 150 foot ferris wheel on the pier ($7/person) and other carnival rides. :) Don't forget to stop and pick up some funnel cake or Dippin' Dots as you walk along the riverfront!

The Magnificent Mile: This is probably one of the coolest streets (Michigan Avenue) in the United States. Located downtown and by the river, several high-end and department clothing and jewelry stores line the street. You'll pass famous buildings like the Trump Tower, the Tribune Tower, NBC Tower, and multiple others.

Tribune Tower: Located on Michigan Avenue, you won't be able to miss this massive, neo-Gothic building. The  architecture is breathtaking in and of itself, but the fact that pieces of famous buildings/sites around the world are part of this building makes it even more impressive. It's great fun to hunt and find a piece of rock from your favorite famous historical site. (Free to visit.) Take a peek at the NBC Tower right behind the Tribune Tower!

John Hancock Center: Okay, listen up people because I'm about to share a secret with you. Lots of people like to pay $20/person to go up to the top of the Willis (used to be Sears) Tower, which is fine, but why pay that much when you can pay $8-$15 to see the exact same sights from the John Hancock Building? Here's how it works: you take the elevator to the 95th floor, each person has to order at least ONE item from the menu (desserts are something like $8-$15 dollars), you get seated right next to the window so your view is fantastic, and you take some photos from the top. It's everything the Willis Tower will offer you plus dessert!

Art Institute of Chicago: I'll admit, I haven't been here before, but my cousin who was a Humanities major is in love with this art museum. Plus, I take it as a good sign that there are always a million people standing in line waiting to get in whenever I pass by. It's a little pricy ($23/person if you aren't a Chicago or Illinois resident), but I hear the exhibits are worth it.

Tutto Italiano: Picture eating delicious Italian food inside an old train car with lights strung across the ceiling, candles and old books beautifully arranged, and fresh flowers on your table. It's what dreams are made of. I'd put this location at the top of my list for romantic, intimate dinners, or a perfect place to have a dinner with a group of girlfriends. The bruschetta and ravioli are my favorite and I couldn't recommend them enough! (Moderately priced at $12-$18 a plate.)

Grand Lux Cafe: One word: desserts! This place is a slightly classier version of The Cheesecake Factory, but if I were you, I'd skip the food and go straight to the desserts. Chocolate cake with fresh fruit, Gooey Butter Cake, creamy cheesecake, and everything else you could ever think of. Grab your girlfriends or family and order a few desserts to split! ($8-$10 or so.)

Spanglish: The name of this restaurant basically describes the food perfectly; it's Mexican food that has definitely been Americanized. Their breakfast burritos are the best and so ginormous that they could easily fill up two people, and their Horchata can't be beat! ($4-$10.)

Giordano's Pizza: A classic. When I think of Chicago, I think of pizza. More specifically, Giordano's. When we stopped in to grab some dinner, it was almost 10 pm and we'd been walking around all day, so I don't know if it was marvelous because I was starving or because it really is that great. (I'm thinking it really is just that good...) Regardless, you have to try Chicago style pizza while in the city and this place is a great bang for your buck. ($10-$20 depending on the size of your pizza.)

La Cocina Mexican: If you haven't noticed by now, apparently I only eat Italian and Mexican food, haha. I just love it so and this place was no different. It was extremely cheap, conveniently located right off of Michigan Avenue, and the service was surprisingly fast for how busy it was. The burritos, tacos, and enchiladas were all fantastic. ($4-$9.)

Have you been to Chicago before? What are your favorite places to see and favorite restaurants? I need some suggestions for my next trip back! :)