Our first trip was at the end of January, and we stayed at one of the Wyndam properties in the downtown area. Our room was nice and big and the concierge was very helpful in finding us a spa, and setting us up with free coupons to take in a Comedy show at Zanies. The location was quite convienient as well, with a nice cafe close by.
We chose the Renee Day Spa which was close to the hotel. There were four of us that went and everyone was happy with their treatments which included a pedicure, facial or a massage. The spa was small but cozy and the staff treated us very well.
We also enjoyed a fun evening at Zanies Comedy Club. Our tickets were free with the purchase of a drink. We were given front row seats so of course we were picked on a bit, but it was all in good fun! Check them out if you ever have a free evening.
Make sure you take a walk along Michigan Ave and do some shopping. The views along the river are beautiful.
Make sure to stop by The Millenium Park and check out The Bean! We had so much fun looking at all of the reflections from different angles and got lots of great photos.
During the winter they have an outdoor skating rink. They play host to lots of other events throughout the year as well.
A little further down, we found these sculptures on our way to the John G. Shedd Aquarium. We had a great but beware of scams out front! If someone asks you for money to support a local school program, I would advise you to continue on your way.
The Navy Pier is another fun stop. When one of my girlfriends was visiting from back home, we enjoyed the views from atop the ferris wheel. There are lots of events that take place here so check out their website for more information.
For truely amazing views of the city, I suggest that you go to the top of the John Hancock Observatory. Make sure to get the audio tour as it gives you lots of information about the city and the buildings you will be seeing. It is impressive to see in the day...
Or at night...
The Baha'i Temple is both beautiful and peaceful. The inside is amazing, and there is a Welcome Center where you can learn more about the Baha'i Faith. The gardens are also very pretty and I would recommend taking some time to walk around them.
If you are in Chicago during the winter, you have to take in a Blackhawks game! Of coure you can check out the Bulls, White Sox, or Cubs depending on when you visit.
Perhaps the highlight of my trips to Chicago was getting to go to a Live taping of The Oprah Winfrey show. We got to go a day early and take in a pre-screening of Robin Hood, with free popcorn and drinks. The next day we got to see Russel Crowe AND Elton John, who perfromed live for us at the end of the show. This was such an amazing experience that I will remember for a lifetime! I am glad that I got to go to a show before Oprah moved on to new things. Check out part of the interview with Russell Crowe, or watch Elton John's performance. At the performance, we were given tickets to Elton John's Musical, Billy Elliot. I was lucky enough to go to it twice and greatly enjoyed both performances.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Chicago and know that I only scratched the surface of what there is to do in this amazing city. I hope to make it back there again sometime soon!
Have you ever been to Chicago? If so I would love to know your favourite thing to do or place to eat. If not, let me know what you would be most interested in seeing! Thanks for stopping by.
I've never been to Chicago but it is on my list of places to go. Your post has made me want to move it up on my list of vacation spots.
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