Ready to escape the summer swamp that is Washington, DC? Lots of ideas for you but today's is for a weekend getaway to Chicago. Here's an itinerary for a trip we took earlier this spring. Special thanks to our friend Seth for the recommendations/foundation for this map and itinerary below, and cousin Rachel for meeting up with us!
FRIDAY
- Take an early flight in and check in to the Aloft Downtown River North
- Late morning: Shopping along the Magnificent Mile
- Lunch at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (North Wells Street)
- Snack: the original brownie at The Palmer House Hotel
- Happy hour at Cindy's rooftop
- Dinner at The Berghoff (historic German restaurant)
SATURDAY
- Morning: Chicago Line Architectural River Cruise
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Lunch at Giordano's (pizza)
- Dinner at Uncommon Ground (vegan-focused restaurant and organic brewery)
SUNDAY
- Breakfast: Hannah's Bretzel (pretzel breakfast sandwiches)
- Morning: walk The 606
- Brunch/lunch at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (tapas and more)
- Musical at Drury Lane Theatre
- Fly back to DC
Other things we had on our list but will have to save for next time: burgers at Au Cheval, Green Mill Jazz Club, the Sears/Willis Tower, and a Cubs game!
Here's extended version: my commentary and pictures from the trip.
FRIDAY
- Take an early flight in and check in to the Aloft Downtown River North
Very millennial hotel by Marriott. Cool restaurant on the bottom floor, and we appreciated the accessible Ben and Jerry's and beers next to the front desk.
- Late morning: Shopping along the Magnificent Mile
Sometimes I like to pretend I can shop at Tiffany's!
- Lunch at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (North Wells Street)
This was our favorite meal.
Fun museum for bookworms!
The Bean. Obligatory stop as a Chicago tourist.
- Snack: the original brownie at The Palmer House Hotel
Apparently this was where the brownie was invented! Delicious.
- Happy hour at Cindy's rooftop
Awesome view of Millennium Park.
- Dinner at The Berghoff (historic German restaurant)
Very basic, home-style German food. We enjoyed it even though we were still stuffed from lunch and the brownie!
SATURDAY
- Morning: Chicago Line Architectural River Cruise
An architectural river cruise is a must-do in Chicago!
- Chicago Riverwalk
Pleasant walk along the river.
- Lunch at Giordano's (pizza)
Another pizza giant--TBH this was too much cheese for me but obviously a hit with many!
Great museum with lots of famous works of art.
- Dinner at Uncommon Ground (vegan-focused restaurant and organic brewery)
I had my first "Impossible Burger" (a vegan burger that looks and tastes like a real burger) and it was amazing!
SUNDAY
- Breakfast: Hannah's Bretzel (pretzel breakfast sandwiches)
I'll never say no to pretzel bread!
- Morning: walk The 606
This was a nice leisurely walk through a different part of the city--would also be nice for a morning jog!
- Brunch/lunch at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (tapas and more)
Delicious recommendation by our friends.
- Musical at Drury Lane Theatre
We saw Matilda the Musical! This was a bit of an Uber drive out of the city but worthwhile.
- Fly back to DC
Hope you get a chance to cool off in the Windy City!
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