This post is a little over due! Last month when we took our kids to Medieval Times, we decided to get touristy in Chicago for a few hours. We go frequently, but Chicago is so big, we haven't fully explored it yet. Last year we did the tourist bit too, visiting hot spots like "The Bean", but this year we stuck close to Michigan Avenue and hiked it on foot.
Even though the first stop we have been to on pretty much every visit (Navy Pier), it just wouldn't be a trip to Chicago without traveling the boardwalk for some cinnamon nuts, ice cream and lots of photo opps.
From there we explored the shopping district on Michigan Avenue, stopping at American Girl, Lego, Disney, and the best smelling store in the world- Hershey's!
The thing I think I love most about a big city is the characters you come across walking down the street. There are some truly amazing artists like this guy (His sign says grandma told him to get a job, so his job is selling his drawings on the street.)
And you never know what kind of street performers you are going to come across.
Of course, there's beauty in the buildings as well.
There are still many places we want to visit in Chicago, like the Art Institute, Field Museum, etc. But we still had a blast walking around the city, and best of all, being touristy on foot was practically free!
What's your favorite thing about big cities?
I am totally jealous. Chicago is one of those places I have always wanted to visit. It looks like there is a ton of cool stuff there.
ReplyDeleteLoved the ones with the buildings and the river!
ReplyDeleteAnd see how the hubs looks dashing without the silly beard thing :)
Ha! The scruff is still there. It's just hard to see under the glare of the sun.
DeleteGreat shots indeed, the buildings are sure a sight to see. That must be sooo boring pretending to be a statue all day
ReplyDeleteChicago is a wonderful city
ReplyDeleteMy favorite things? The people. I am a big time people watcher. I think I inherited it from my mom. She is from a large (extra large Mormon family) and so she was always looking for relatives in the crowds. I started doing it to help her and it stuck. I am always looking at the people in crowds. Sometimes I make creepy eye-contact and these days that is not so cool. But ya, the people.
ReplyDeleteHey, and I love how you want to flip off chemo! Ha hahahaha ha haaaaaaaa! I don't feel that way about chemo. I learned to respect it. I saved me. It made me damn sick in the meantime, but it saved me (it had better have saved me). My nurse said it kills all the cancer in my body, so it had better be true from her words. I still have radiation and herceptin to deal with but they won't make me sick like chemo did. I am feeling oddly really well today. Hmmmmmm? Should not feel this good til Monday. Early? Yes I'll take that!!! ♥, Renae
Oh my gosh I love Chicago. We went there a few years ago. It was so fun! It looks like you had fun to.
ReplyDeleteI like that in big cities everything is in walking distance so you can enjoy nature.
ReplyDeleteOh, I sure love Chicago! I love the big city "feel"...but only for a few days. Then I'm ready to go home LOL
ReplyDeleteI've been to that Haagen DAaz!! I loved Chicago but it was a bit too cold when I went.
ReplyDeleteI love Chicago, and your pictures took me right back there. That architectural boat ride tour was so much fun.
ReplyDeleteI like the diversity in big cities and that there is always something going on. I live in a small town, and have to travel quite a distance to get to any big cities. I guess there are good things in both.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a real big city, except Atlanta when I was little.
ReplyDeleteThe sky line is beautiful. What a great day to play tourist
ReplyDeleteChicanos such a beautiful city. My favorite thing about big cities is the variety of food and shops! There's always something to do or see.
ReplyDeleteWe visited Chicago last summer and it was such a beautiful city. I hope to go back there sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteChicago is such a beautiful city. I've been there twice and can't wait to yo back.
ReplyDeleteIt's my favorite city ever! I used to live in the suburbs so we were in the city all the time!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I made the mistake of visiting Chicago in the Winter. It was so cold I didn't do as much siteseeing as I normally do when I travel.
ReplyDeleteI love your pics! Some fantastic shots Theresa. My niece went to the university there a few years ago and loved the city. I kick myself that I didn't take the opportunity to visit her while she lived there. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy brother went to school in Chicago. I have never been there, with the exception of inside the airport on a layover half a dozen times, but I do have it on my list of places to go.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful day and gorgeous pics. Oh My, I am reading this mid-night and craving of Hagen daaz haha...
ReplyDeleteBeing touristy on foot saves you a ton of parking fees! I love Chicago. We've a million things to explore there still too.
ReplyDeleteI love Chicago. I've been there a couple of times and there is just so much to do. Plus, everyone is so nice there!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful sounding time you had - I would love to visit Chicago one day. I love the history behind the big cities and just the ability to see so much.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about big cities is the huge dose of culture. The people, the food, just everything!
ReplyDeleteWould love to visit Chicago one day! I like playing tourist in my town too! I always learn of some new places that I didn't even know were here.
ReplyDeleteThose are all great photos! I've been to Chicago once, for BlogHer, so I didn't have much (if any) time to sightsee. I can't wait to go back one day!
ReplyDeleteI love big cities, and especially miss "home" - Pittsburgh. Such a great city. Big cities always have such stories to tell!
ReplyDeleteI always stare at the big and tall buildings. They make me feel so small. I soooo want to go to Chicago. I've only been inside the airport..
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had an amazing time! I've always wanted to visit Chicago since I have a couple friends who visit often & maybe someday I will.
ReplyDeleteI like the water running through those photos, between the tall buildings. I wouldn't have pictured Chicago that way. It's very pretty.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Chicago suburbs and am surprised how little I recognize. It wasn't until I got to the shot with the Wrigley building that any of it looked familiar, and I am pretty sure it has a different name now.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Chicago is that pretty. Love the water and the buildings surrounding it.
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