Travel Diary: Chicago

Though I was never a huge fan of the Nickelodeon show Victorious, there's one scene my brother and I notoriously bring up: Trisha's one act play. Whenever anyone even mentions Illinois in general, we burst out singing. "Chicago, Chicago. It's a city that's exciting. It's a city that's inviting. It's a city made for a woman just like me!"

I've always found these lines funny and amusing, but never anything to dive deeper into. This past weekend, that line of thinking completely changed. I was lucky enough to spend time with one of my best friends downtown Chicago, amongst the hustle and the bustle of city life, and now, I'm already counting down the days until I get to return. In an attempt to entice you to visit the incredible Windy City (and you really shouldn't need any convincing), let's dig in to my 72-hour trip.

Night One, I hopped off the plane at LAX (O'Hare) with a dream and my cardigan (jean jacket) - Okay, but really, I flew into O'Hare late on Thursday night, where Selene and her family (plus her sweet friend Meg) were waiting for me. As soon as the welcoming hugs were over, we got down to business and drove right into the heart of Chi-Town. If you ever want to fall head-over-heels for a skyline, you have to see it after dark. There's just something breathtaking about the soft glow of skyscrapers filling the pitch black sky; it's an indescribable sight you must see for yourself. No pictures come close to doing it justice.

The next day, I discovered how incredibly lucky I'd been with choosing a weekend to visit. I just so happened to be in town during a local attraction known as 'The Taste of Chicago.' Ultimately, it's a giant taste-test of some of the best restaurants and food trucks in the city. I ate Bacon-Ranch Mac'n'Cheese, grilled between two slices of bread that was to die for. (Be sure to get your own at Doom Street Eats if you're ever in the area!) I also indulged in a slice of Chicago-style pepperoni pizza from Lou Malnati's, as well as one from Giordano's. I mean, hey, when you're in the city of deep dish, you can't opt out. For a side, we split cheese fries, and to feed my dessert craving, I cooled down with a paleta, which is an extra sweet, fruity popsicle. Although I, surprisingly, maintained decent willpower over my calorie intake, the options were endless. If you plan on attending 'The Taste' yourself, be sure to bring an empty stomach and a huge appetite.

The rest of the night featured catching up, lots of laughter, and delicious ice cream from The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor, located in Forest Park, IL. Just like anytime I go to an ice cream shop, I ordered the coffee flavor, which was impeccable, but to branch out a little, I sampled cinnamon, mint chocolate-chip, and cherry too. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any choice.

Despite all the food we'd devoured, the next day, we decided to journey over to the famed Magnificent Mile, hoping we'd still fit in our typical clothing sizes. As a word of warning, the sales tax is extremely high compared to usual (10.25%!), so be sure to account for that when doing the mental math of your purchase on the way to the register, or else you'll have a heart attack like I did. Although, I would say it was worth it for the great deals I found - Per usual, I had success at Gap and H&M, so stay tuned for some OOTD's featuring my new pieces soon!

As we all know, nothing works up an appetite more than a day of shopping. Maybe its all the walking or the extra effort it takes to actually pull clothes on and off, but no matter what the cause, I'm guaranteed to be completely ravenous by the end of the day. This weekend was no exception. I also knew I was craving a burger, which meant there was only one choice for dinner: the ultimate Chicago fast food restaurant, Portillo's. Since it's a chain, I went to one in Tempe, Arizona last year, but the atmosphere does not compare to the Chicago version. It's a Windy City staple for a reason. The cheeseburger and french fries are truly must-tries, and so is the chocolate cake. Please be sure to at least swing through a drive-through to appease the recommendation of all the locals. Beware: the line will be longer than you think!

On my final day, we stuck around the suburbs, taking in some other delicious Chi-town culinary hotspots. For the first time ever, I had Dunkin' Donuts, and while it can't top my first love, Starbucks, it was high quality coffee. Plus, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can purchase ANY size drink for only ninety-nine cents. That opportunity has me wishing I had a Dunkin' somewhere near me. So, those of you lucky enough to live within driving distance, please go pick up an iced coffee with hazelnut and cream in my honor.

As soon as you get you get your morning caffeination, I'd recommend heading over to a cute place called Nu Crepes in Elmhurst, IL. Before this trip, I had never eaten a crepe. After freaking out the way my college friends did when I told them I'd never tried Chipotle (yes, I've since realized the tragedy, but I can't help that my state is 'doba only), Selene's family decided I had to have one while I was visiting. So, true to their word, they drove me to Elmhurst, where I ate a G-Thang, aka my very first crepe. Filled with caramel, chocolate sauce, white chocolate sauce, and pretzels (usually it has peanut butter too, but my taste buds don't appreciate that), it was the perfect mix of salty and sweet. 10/10, I'd recommend.

I know this travel diary is mostly food, but I love to eat, so sue me. If you're sick of it, I promise this is my last word of advice in regards to cuisine. For those of you who find yourself in North Riverside, IL, there is one place you need to remember: Polar Bear. I'm telling you, this place is home to the BEST cheese fries you will ever consume. If you go and hate them (which you won't), send me the rest of your order. I promise to finish them for you.

Overall, my trip to Chicago reignited my love for city life, especially the desire to know the story of every person I pass in the streets. It's overwhelming, and strangely beautiful, to realize that everyone has their own story and that brushing by them on the sidewalk is probably the only moment you'll ever be in it. (which is exactly why I look as good as possible on vacations; if I only get one second in a person's life, I hope I'm at my best - ha!) Though my mind is full of new ideas from the trip, I had one major mindset change. Trina was right. Chicago is exciting, inviting, and made for a woman just like me (and all of you). The Windy City has not seen the last of me, nor of you guys. Save some money. Book that flight. Go walk among buildings that look like they touch the sky. Fall in love with Chicago. It's way too easy.

thanks for traveling with me!

xoxo madison

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