Chicago is without a doubt my favorite summertime city. I can’t tell you exactly why, but it’s a mixture of the beautiful lake, the stylish people, the large buildings, and the rooftops accompanied by champagne that make it feel like the perfect place to be. It’s an all around feel-good place. Anytime between May and August is the perfect time to visit.
Unfortunately for me, it was a short stay. This time around I was in town because my cousin Jennifer received her masters degree, but it was a first for my sister and cousins so I acted as a tour guide. Outside of the graduation we got to enjoy a few of Chicago’s gems while we were in the city. The first being, Giordano’s which is a local staple. We got into the city just in time to enjoy the sunset at Cindy’s Rooftop Bar at The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. The view and ambiance is unlike any other.
The view from Cindy’s Rooftop
The next day after the graduation we had lunch off of the river at The Kitchen before sightseeing downtown. The Skydeck, Cloud Gate (the bean), the Chicago Riverwalk, and bike riding or boating at Lake Michigan are all musts.
Zara dress | Jimmy Choo Anouk Pump
The besssst french toast, house potatoes and bacon, ever @ The Kitchen. All local farmers and ingredients.
Sunday after brunch we went to The J. Parker for Sunday Funday and had a little bit too much champagne before heading to the airport. It was worth the headache, this was the one daytime spot that we went to that actually had a mixed crowd and a DJ so naturally we had the best time here (especially after requesting some UGK and reggae and creating our own dance floor). I’m from Houston which is a huge city, but it’s always enlightening to see how other cities operate. We saw a handful of young people spending their Saturday’s talking to strangers on the street while holding these “Free Intelligent Conversation” cards so I stopped to compliment them. As minor as it seems, intellectual conversation with strangers is more of what the world needs.
The view from the roof at The J. Parker
Shake Shack, because I love you.
Had we had more time we would’ve definitely spent some time at Castaways, a daytime beach party; and a Chicago Architecture Cruise. Make sure you take the cruise at night, they have fireworks!
Chicago looks like a beautiful place, from the scenery to the food. I’m even more excited to visit in August. Again love your outfits!
Thank you boo! I have a long list of attractions, rooftops, restaurants etc. that I can email over to you if you’re interested. Thank you for reading! xx
I love the food in Chicago. I try to use yelp but find it a bit too much at times. How do you locate such great restaurants?
I actually have a friend who lives in Chicago who served me much better than Yelp could’ve. I have a long list I can email over to you if you’re planning to visit anytime soon. Thanks for reading! <3
The food looks amazing! And pair that with a rooftop setting probably makes it taste even better. If that makes any sense. It’s a mind thing I guess. LOL!
I’ve never been to Chicago but it looks like a really beautiful place.
Yes to all of the Chicago-style pizza! Amazing.
It’s the besssst! I might have to get some overnighted all the way to Houston, I’m having withdraws. Thanks for reading!