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You are here: Home / Travel / This is 40: Our Chicago Adventure Part #2

This is 40: Our Chicago Adventure Part #2

June 15, 2017 By Kari Leave a Comment

We’re still buzzing over our big adventure to Chicago! Did you catch Part #1? Read here.

I love to maximize my time when I’m in a vibrant city like Chicago. There’s lots to see and do and I want it all! We packed a lot into four days, yet still felt such a sense of chill. You know how it is. Life is busy with parenting, work, extracurricular commitments, maintaining your household, etc. Leaving for vacation, we resolved to sneak in a little R&R amidst the action.

In the planning phases of our trip, we found out Jack Johnson would be kicking off his North American Summer Tour in the Windy City while we were going to be there. There was no question, we were going! Neither Ryan nor I had the chance to see him live before, so it felt like it was meant to be. Bonus: The Bahamas would be performing too….and it was an outdoor venue… and there was wine.

Chicago Adventure Two-1We took a rickshaw from our hotel (Londonhouse) to the show at Huntington Bank Pavillion at Northerly Island. Jack Johnson anywhere is good, but at this stunning outdoor venue? Superb. Cruising the path along the Chicago River looking back at the city skyline was the perfect way to get there. I love to see a city from different vantage points.

Chicago Adventure Two-2 We grabbed our drinks and settled into our seats just as the show was starting. Cool fact: the lanterns for his tour are made of plastic collected from the beaches and waters in Hawaii (100% of his 2008 tour profits went to the Johnson Ohana Foundation to support environmental, art and music education). It’s pretty clear the guy loves Planet Earth.

Chicago Adventure Two-3The concert was absolutely surreal. When he sang ‘Banana Pancakes’ I had tears in my eyes (partly the wine?). It’s the song my son Wyatt and I listen to in the mornings while eating breakfast.

The next day we took the subway from Londonhouse to Wrigley Field to take in a Cubs game.

Chicago Adventure Two-4

Cosmic Dancer Tank (on sale, plus 15% off with my code ‘Kari15’ at RedRibbon.ca!)

In true tourist-fashion we suited up for our afternoon at “The Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field. Decked out head to toe in Cubs gear, hot dogs in one hand, beer in the other, peanuts in my purse… we had all our bases covered.

Chicago Adventure Two-5

Chicago Adventure Two-6

Chicago Adventure Two-7On purpose, we opted out of a dinner reso that evening because we knew we’d be stuffed from the game. We took a nap and then got ready for some comedy.

Chicago Adventure Two-8This was all Ryan. He insisted we go to The Second City, and I was thrilled we did. This place is legendary. We’re talking Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley…an amazing alumni. We booked in as part of a packed house for the 11:00 p.m performance of Fantastic Super Great Nation Numero Uno. These actors were ridiculously talented. When you go to Chicago, do not miss The Second City!

Chicago Adventure Two-9

Brixton Belmont Shirt | Scotch & Soda Chinos 

(Use my code ‘Kari15’ for 15% off your entire purchase at RedRibbon.ca.)

 

The next day and a half was basically spent cabbing or walking from reservation to reservation, doing our best to take in the best of Chicago’s restaurants. We got a ton of recommendations before we left and had a tough time narrowing down our list. Here’s a few of the places we went:

RPM Italian, owned by Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Handcrafted pasta, slow roasted meats and fantastic cocktails. We loved it here.

Chicago Adventure Two-10

Chicago Adventure Two-11

Leaving RPM Italian

Heartloom Romper

Avec was suggested to us by multiple people. Set in Chicago’s West Loop this mediterranean-style restaurant with a minimalist interior and communal seating has fabulous shared plates and great wine. It was my favourite food experience of the trip. You must have the chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates! One of the best dishes I’ve ever had in my life.

Chicago Adventure Two-12

Chicago Adventure Two-12

Outside Avec

 

Girl & The Goat, had a lively vibe with super-cool modern/rustic-inspired interior. The decor was to die for and the food was great! Leading the team behind the open kitchen is Step Izard, the winner of Top Chef Season 8.

Chicago Adventure Two-13

Jack & Jones Bomber

We heard Toni Patisserie & Cafe had delicious crepes and stellar lattes, so the last morning of our trip we popped over. This old-school Italian shop did not disappoint and seems to be popular with the locals.

Chicago Adventure Two-14

Chicago Adventure Two-15

Outside Toni’s

Floral Dress

Before we flew back home to see our boys we stopped at Au Cheval. Dimly-lit during the day with dark wood panel walls, chocolate-coloured leather seating, and a vintage-vibe soundtrack, this diner-style bar was superb. Au Cheval has a thing for eggs: my fries had a fried farm egg on top, and there was an egg on my cheeseburger. Glorious gluttony at it’s finest. Go to Au Cheval!

Chicago Adventure Two-16Before heading to the airport, we spent our last couple of hours strolling the Magnificent Mile, taking it all in one last time. I have no doubt we will return again to this fantastic city, if for nothing else than its culinary scene. Until next time, Chicago!

Chicago Adventure Two-17

Flowy Cardigan | Willa Denim Dress

 

xx

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What Valentine's Day treats are you making this ye What Valentine's Day treats are you making this year? How about these mini treat trays?!💕

Perfect for Galentine's Day porch-drop offs. Pair with your favourite drink and Zoom date with your girls! (Swipe to see the main tray version).

Fun tip: use cookie cutters to hold your candy. 😊

I hope this give you some Valentine's inspo!  Get the full shopping list and a few more styling tips at KariSkelton.com. Just tap the blue link under my bio @kariskelton. #kskitchen
Before + After: our dining room lighting! (swipe t Before + After: our dining room lighting! (swipe to see). So excited to finally show you this project!

Find before and after photos for our entire main floor: living room, kitchen, entryway, and dining room at KariSkelton.com. Just tap the blue link under my bio @kariskelton to check it out. 

We’re so thrilled to partner with @simoneandivy.ca -a beautiful local shop -for this and a few more revamp projects (more to share with you in the coming months)! They ship anywhere in Canada, so be sure to peruse their website for lighting, furniture, gifts, and more! #ksdecor 
📸 @dallascurow
Before + After! Under the Kitchen Sink organizatio Before + After! Under the Kitchen Sink organization ✔! Feels SO freakin good! Do you want more organization posts? Let me know! ⬇️⬇️

At KariSkelton.com I've shared my how-to, a few tips, some amazing products to maximize your space, and a whole bunch of photo inspiration for you to Pin! Head to the link under my bio @kariskelton to check it all out. Happy Saturday!
#showmeyourdiy
A peek into our master bedroom! Where the magic ha A peek into our master bedroom! Where the magic happens.😅 Typically covered with piles of laundry, two dogs, and likely a few Hot Wheels, but here she is in all her glory looking fine.

There are five unique decor features of our room that I’ve shared at KariSkelton.com, including a trick I used to elevate (and make portable) our bedside tables. Click the link under my bio @kariskelton to read!

I organized our Master this week and next up - my closet! I’ll be sharing that process on stories later this week. Are you on an organizing mission this month too?
Load More… Follow on Instagram

kariskelton

Life with our three cuties 👦🐶🐶 in our 1913 home 🇨🇦
Cocktail + food recipes
Home + life tips, tricks, + DIY's!
#shoplocal
Watch + read ⬇️

Kari Skelton
What Valentine's Day treats are you making this ye What Valentine's Day treats are you making this year? How about these mini treat trays?!💕

Perfect for Galentine's Day porch-drop offs. Pair with your favourite drink and Zoom date with your girls! (Swipe to see the main tray version).

Fun tip: use cookie cutters to hold your candy. 😊

I hope this give you some Valentine's inspo!  Get the full shopping list and a few more styling tips at KariSkelton.com. Just tap the blue link under my bio @kariskelton. #kskitchen
Before + After: our dining room lighting! (swipe t Before + After: our dining room lighting! (swipe to see). So excited to finally show you this project!

Find before and after photos for our entire main floor: living room, kitchen, entryway, and dining room at KariSkelton.com. Just tap the blue link under my bio @kariskelton to check it out. 

We’re so thrilled to partner with @simoneandivy.ca -a beautiful local shop -for this and a few more revamp projects (more to share with you in the coming months)! They ship anywhere in Canada, so be sure to peruse their website for lighting, furniture, gifts, and more! #ksdecor 
📸 @dallascurow
Before + After! Under the Kitchen Sink organizatio Before + After! Under the Kitchen Sink organization ✔! Feels SO freakin good! Do you want more organization posts? Let me know! ⬇️⬇️

At KariSkelton.com I've shared my how-to, a few tips, some amazing products to maximize your space, and a whole bunch of photo inspiration for you to Pin! Head to the link under my bio @kariskelton to check it all out. Happy Saturday!
#showmeyourdiy
A peek into our master bedroom! Where the magic ha A peek into our master bedroom! Where the magic happens.😅 Typically covered with piles of laundry, two dogs, and likely a few Hot Wheels, but here she is in all her glory looking fine.

There are five unique decor features of our room that I’ve shared at KariSkelton.com, including a trick I used to elevate (and make portable) our bedside tables. Click the link under my bio @kariskelton to read!

I organized our Master this week and next up - my closet! I’ll be sharing that process on stories later this week. Are you on an organizing mission this month too?
Load More… Follow on Instagram

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