If you have been following along with my stories and Instagram, you know I recently visited Chicago for the first time! I was so excited to finally be in “The Windy City.”

Even though I was visiting Chicago for a work conference, I was determined to make the most of my trip and stay a few extra days to explore the city. However, I started to feel a little under the weather the first day (ugh!) but I still tried to enjoy my trip even though I did not get to see everything I wanted to.

I stayed at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Chicago near Michigan Ave. in Downtown Chicago. The hotel was amazing with a large open lobby and the fun “BIG Bar” located on the second floor. The food was great and it was an awesome environment for my first trip.

For dinner one evening I went to the highly recommended “Cindy’s Rooftop” in downtown. This restaurant is located on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and has a pretty awesome rooftop area with three firepits. When we arrived it started to rain so we did not stay outside too long, but the view was amazing. Inside they had a fun open area for dinning with big communal farm style tables. I enjoyed some bubbles and delicious Bolognese pasta. 

One morning I strolled down Michigan Ave. where there is some pretty great shopping. I really loved how the streets were decorated for the holidays and it seemed like every store had a Christmas tree up. With the brisk cold air that morning it really felt like winter and I was ready to do some Christmas shopping.

Afterwards I headed to Millennium Park where I checked off my touristy photo with “The Bean.” Surprisingly, it was not that crowded in the morning and it was so pretty to just walk around. Later that day I had to try my first Chicago deep dish pizza at Giordanos and I must say it was DELICIOUS. There was no way I could finish the small individual pizza on my own as it was so filling, but I definitely recommend going to Giordanos if you are visiting Chicago.

Another great place I went to was the “Eataly” also in downtown Chicago and walking distance from the hotel. Although I did not get any photos of this place (total fail) I really wanted to write about it as it was so fun. They have different small restaurants all in one big area. Downstairs they had a market for shopping to buy some products including some great wine! The atmosphere was great and a perfect environment to go for a glass of wine or a full dinner with friends.

I had such an amazing time in Chicago for the short amount of time I was there. I definitely plan to visit again soon, hopefully in the summer months!

Cheers

XOXO BB