Chicago: The Windy City Day One

Having been to Chicago now a handful of times...I have to say it is one of my favorite places on this earth. It holds such a special place in my heart and I would love nothing more then to live there at some point in my life. The architecture, the weather, the outdoor to-do's, the coffee, the shopping...the list just goes on and on! 

I have compiled my favorite things to do, eat, and see while  you are in The Windy City ! Day one anyway. (more on that to come)

CHI TOWN DAY ONE 

Stay at the oh so darling Hotel Lincoln in Lincoln Park. You are so close to everything here and this place will ignite all 5 senses.

Just take the elevator to The J Parker as soon as you check in. If the weather is gorge do take advantage of the patio view of the water.  I highly recommend anything from the champagne portion of their menu or their tequila cocktail named "Let's Get Lost."

Inside the beautiful hotel Lincoln is also a fantastic coffee shop to help you with your caffeine fix called Elaine's Coffee Call. The lattes are fabulous and I love the old time decor. 

Do brunch at Longman & Eagle in Logan Square (this is an area of Chi-town that I have a huge crush on). Order the "Chocolate City" and thank me later (it's iced coffee on draft and yes I am a coffee addict). The house made challah french toast with spiced ganash, candied pecans, brulee'd marshmallow, graham cracker, and rum panna cotta will simply be everything you dreamed of it being. They have a ton of great whiskeys on hand and even have a few rooms above them that you can rent in case you just want to stay here all day and night! 

Do walk off that brunch and tour all the beautiful local shops in Logan Square after that! One of my favorites is Fleur. They do beautiful floral arrangements and have the best gift selection.

 Make sure to visit the beautiful Owen and Alchemy for some cold pressed juice! You will fall in love even if you are not a juice lover. 

Take a nap and then get yourself ready for some T I K I cocktails at the fabulous Lost Lake. (same owners of the very well known Three Dots and A Dash).

 Their dolphin garnishes are unreal and I cannot even begin to tell you what to drink because the cocktails are all delicious and quite frankly I cannot even remember!! Dying to get back on that tropical island asap!

After that get into your uber and have them safely take you to Wicker Park where Francesca's Forno will await you! All I can say is linguine x bacon x oregano x arrabiata x parmesan.

Love you Windy City, more to come soon!

(Winters are cold, Springs are rainy so definitely check the weather forecast when packing !

xo,

Sam