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Chicago 2019

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Girls Road Trip 2019 is a wrap! My mom, Ava, and I had a fantastic time in Chicago...we walked, we ate, and we saw so many neat things. The weather was perfect, and the hotel accommodations were excellent, just one block off of Michigan Ave.

Day 1: Thursday, July 25, 2019

Turns out that most Wisconsin rest stops look the same...we stopped at three different ones, and they all had the same entrance. Interesting!





The trip TO Chicago was uneventful; however, when we got to the outskirts of Chicago, it then took us 2+ hours to drive 15 miles. My car kept re-navigating us (rightly so) and took us off on I-90 through little neighborhoods with tiny streets, tons of pedestrians, and never-ending left turns.

By the time we got to our hotel, I was happy to valet my car, and not see it again for three days. But, it did a great job in getting us there safely, and that's what matters!

First night out - had to get some deep dish pizza!


Our view from the rooftop pool of our hotel


This is what 40 flights of stairs looks like. Ava was terrified I was going to drop my phone...which then made ME nervous to take this pic!



Day 2: Friday, July 26, 2019

Good morning, Lake Michigan!


Garrett's Popcorn Shops - of COURSE we had to stop there and by some "Garrett" mix (caramel and cheese) for G!



After a busy morning at American Girl, and shopping at Water Tower Place, we decided to have lunch at The Windsor, which was attached to the hotel. Turns out our server's name was "Deidra"...even though she spells it differently, everyone kinda freaked out when they learned we shared a name. :)



Ava and my mom decided to have the Nutella brownie for dessert, while I opted for the lemon cheesecake (I took this pic specifically for Grandma Deb!)



Walking/tripping our way to Millennium and Grant Park(s)!




Stairs to nowhere...(although, there was a tiny door that I didn't see until after I took this shot)


Bean time!





Setting up for a classical concert this evening...



Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park




Ava so badly wanted to get into Lake Michigan. This was the closest I would let her get...it's certainly not clear and pretty like Lake Superior!


Resting, just watching some boats come in...


Walking back to the hotel...tired and thirsty


Nursing our wounds with wine


And, more wine with dinner!




Day 3: Saturday, July 27, 2019

After resting up on Friday evening, we took a really neat "crimes of Chicago" tour. Our tour guide was fantastic, and we learned many different things about Chicago that we wouldn't have gotten from any other tour!




This is the theater where John Dillinger was shot and killed


A secret safe, in the basement of a popular Chicago restaurant




One of the hotel employees was very friendly, and gave us great suggestions about what to see/do while we were in Chicago. She took this great pic of us!


After a relaxing lunch at M Burger, we decided to trek over to Navy Pier. Ava had fun cooling for a a bit in this fountain.




Stitch Fix was giving away free ice cream cups and personalized goodies. Yes, please!






We were all pooped from the day of touring and walking, so after a bit of a rest, we ended up at an Italian restaurant for dinner, and then discovered a Sprinkles (cupcake) ATM on the walk back to the hotel. YUM!


Love this little oasis in the middle of a busy city...a courtyard of the 4th Presbyterian Church



Goodnight, Chicago!



The drive home on Sunday was much faster than the drive to Chicago...we were all ready to get back to a bit of normalcy, and our own beds!

It was a great getaway, filled with funny moments, memories, and stories we're share forever. Can't wait to see where the next road trip takes us!

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