Tattoos, Travels, and Tidbits

DAY 1

Arriving in O’Hare Airport

Farmer’s Market on Sunday

After some walking around the city waiting on our friend to join us who took a later flight than me, we finally met up at the hotel and went to the Farmers Market that only happens on Sundays. I would recommend getting there early if you are also into hot cheese overtop fresh bread, we were sadly too late to indulge. However, the other yummy smells were everywhere and I’m sure you’d be happy to come for other foods. Me for example, very content to try these non-alcoholic ciders (I’m sober) with my friends (pictured on the far right), as well as have a yummy glass of blueberry lemon juice. This was new to me but very tart and refreshing, would recommend.

Nature Walk

This walk was unexpectedly beautiful, we found it accidently while finishing up at the farmers market. It led us to the beach, which we didn’t have swimsuits for but inspired the schedule for the next day since it was a very peaceful first visit.

The Bean

Check-in to Hotel

The cheapest rate my friend and I got was at The Congress Plaza hotel, we were on the search for something under $700 for 2 nights located in the Loop. This was advised by our friend who lives there, that we came to visit. I will say, the location was great for a short stay because we were able to take public transit to a lot of different parts of the city.

The actual hotel experience was unremarkable. We were able to sleep comfortably with 3 people in a California king, had a kicking AC unit, minifridge, drawers, and a shower/tub combo. The locks worked and we had a TV that reminded me of my childhood box TV. It was certainly an interesting smell walking in, mildew? Paint? I couldn’t tell honestly.

It checked the boxes and we didn’t hangout there during the day, it was simply put, a bed to sleep in and a shower to use. Somehow it was also cheaper than the hostels we saw? Warning before following my lead, thin walls and interesting clientele.

Chicago Dog

I tried a Chicago dog at a place right next to the Bean and Congress Plaza Hotel. It was hot, fresh, and delicious. If you’re in Chicago you gotta try at least one!

Water Taxi to Chinatown

This was truly a unique experience for me! We took a water taxi to China Town in lieu of doing an architecture tour. Instead, we arrived at the top of the hour, immediately went to the deck of the boat, and photographed everything we could, absorbing the history told by Alice (our friend who we were visiting) who had been on the architecture tour before.

A problem we encountered was the boat filling up and having to leave without us. It was suggested by the man who checked people into the boat queue, that if you get on at the first stop: Michigan Ave you will have first dibs on where you sit or stand.

I would say if you’re okay waiting and taking up space, it’s okay to get on at a later stop like we did.

Dinner in China Town: MingHin Cuisine

This was the beautiful but crowded view after getting off the water taxi, entering Chinatown. We booked it to MingHin Cuisine, it has a constant line and a man yelling over what sounds like a big outdoor speaker numbers in the queue. It took us maybe 20-30 minutes to get seated on a busy weekend night, very worth it. The food had vegan options for my friend, delicious duck for the meat-eaters, and hot tea to wash it all down. I’d recommend trying something new, maybe share some Beijing Duck, or steamed rice noodle rolls (Cheung Fun). They were a hit for us!

Desert at Le’Amo and Mini-So

After a very filling and delicious meal, we ended the night looking around Chinatown for souvenirs and eating tanghulu (melted sugar coated fruit).

DAY 2

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s

The next morning, bright and early we headed to Lou Mitchell’s for a classic diner feel. If you want a fat stack of pancakes, or a classic eggs benedict this place had it all. A bonus! If it’s your birthday and you’re not shy, they do honor you. Loud and proud, with the whole restaurant joining in.

The Beach

After breakfast, we hit the bus and got headed to the beach closest to The Science Museum. As a science nerd, I will say I am typically hesitant to go to these places unless STRONGLY recommended. Since my friend who joined us from the burbs met up with us, and insisted we see it, I did end up going.

What is there to say about the beach? I come from the east coast, where the Atlantic ocean is choppy and we have nicknames for places like Ocean Shitty. Having never been to a Lake “Beach” I went full send.

I swam out pretty far and it stayed cold, sandy, and shallow for a very long time. No problem with me though, I love a crispy dip on a sunny day.

The Science Museum

I almost don’t want to say too much. I mean look! It’s beautiful, interesting, and I felt like I got an inside look into the history of Chicago through so many different lenses. Side note: I am obsessed with sailors currently and I did get to see a bunch of boat models and sailor stuff. You must go!

Fat Cat

Had an NA cocktail and an impossible burger at Fat Cat next to the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, good food, no notes.

Green Mill Jazz Show

And here folks, is the meat! This is what Chicago is about to me now! I had a magical time at this jazz club. The music, the vibes, the service. Spectacular. We even got to see where Al Capone used to sit to watch jazz. Beware, cash only for entry and if I can remember correctly drinks too.

Portillos

And that is Chicago for a weekend folks. Ended my night demolishing a chocolate cake slice from Portillo’s and then went to bed! Hit the airport the next day via Uber.

Thank you for reading!!!