It's My Kind Of Town...

Chicago is!

For my 30th birthday my dear husband Jon Jon sent me on a fabulous weekend getaway to what is pretty much my favorite place on earth: Chicago. The best part was that it was a COMPLETE surprise! I had absolutely no idea that I was going away for my birthday until 2 days before my trip, and absolutely no idea where I was going until I arrived at the airport!

He had created 30 envelopes (one for each year) filled with 30 different surprises for me to open according to a weekend-long itinerary he provided. My whole trip was orchestrated: reservations made, my favorite treats furnished, my best buddies contacted to meet up, and my sister Riann even flown out to party with me (she also had NO idea, apparently she couldn't be trusted with such a fantastic secret!). It was AMAZING to not have to make any decisions all weekend. I was so impressed at how my Jon Jon knew and had planned for every little thing I would want to do (with some extra free time for shopping, of course). Before I would open each envelope I would think of what I would want to do next and there it would be, neatly stuffed into my envelope with directions and cab fare included. It was a genius idea (my bro in-law's brainchild) + LOTS of work and planning which = constant surprises and delight! What a lucky 30 year old woman I am!

The entire weekend was filled with highlights, including (in no particular order, and yes, most of the highlights in my life have to do with food!) being picked up from the airport by a dear friend, a massage at the hotel spa, Garrett's CarmelCrisp, lunch with my fabulous work buddies from the ECC, wandering around the city taking pictures, the best bacon cheddar burger on the planet (RJ Grunt's), tear-inducing "my favorite Lindsay memories" collected from my family, dry-rub ribs from PJ Clark's, swanky hotels, shopping my little heart out up & down Michigan Avenue, deep-dish pizza, Lincoln Park, Molly's cupcakes, late night Guster concert in the park, the most INSANELY delicious Mexican hot cocoa at Xoco (has changed my life and completely altered my list of favorite foods), chic flicks, Chicago dogs from The Wiener's Circle, my first Tiffany's necklace, "wet" Cheezy beef sandwich, and an incredible architecture tour on the river. (Did I really just place Tiffany's between The Wiener's Circle and Cheezy Beef??? Hahahaha:)

Going on my 30th birthday adventure was truly one of the most amazing things I have ever done. I was trying to think back to Jon Jon's 30th to remember how we celebrated. hmmmm...I still can't remember:( I guess I must've whined about turning 30 a little bit more than he did!

After a fun-packed weekend with my sister and my friends I was shocked to review my photos. I had over a thousand pics, maybe 20 of which were of us! It was painfully obvious that I am in love with the city of Chicago, and yes, we probably would have married had it proposed;) I can't trim down my favorites to any fewer than these, so I hope you don't mind flipping through my love letter to Chi-town! Even more photos to follow on Facebook:)

Shakespeare statue near my old bus stop in Lincoln Park

Big Willy:)

Sears Tower reflection (I refuse to call it by it's new name!)

Picasso sculpture at Daley Plaza

The jelly bean in Millennium Park. I worked on the 26th floor in one of the buildings located behind the bean in this photo. I miss my fantastic view of the park and the lake! Once again, spoiled!!!

The belly of the bean or, if you prefer, the jelly's belly:)


The new Trump Tower. I was sceptical of the design when they were building it, but seeing it completed, it was a vision! Incredible.

My old building, The Willoughby Tower on South Michigan Avenue. It was originally Chicago's first convent.

This is one of my very favorite buildings in Chicago, the Carbide & Carbon Building on North Michigan Avenue. It is black granite with gold leaf & terra cotta on the tower. Also, you see the Wrigley Building just beyond it, with the clock tower.



The Water Tower on the Magnificent Mile. One of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire.


Sears (Willis) Tower


Marina City

The mouth of the Chicago river. In this picture alone I can see 4 or 5 skyscrapers that have been completed since we moved not 2 years ago!

And my all time favorite hot dog joint, The Wiener's Circle on Clark Street in Lincoln Park.

I. Am. Salivating.