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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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Lifestylist + Blogger: KariSkelton.com
Mom to Wyatt, Moses🐾 + Monroe🐾
Babe on the way! (06/22)
❤ @ryanjespersen
motherhood | style | recipes 👇

Kari Skelton | Motherhood
when you feel like you've hit your max bump but th when you feel like you've hit your max bump but there's still nine weeks to go. 😳

It's truly amazing what our bodies can do. 💛

#31weeks #sunsoutbumpsout #beachball
Life update. ❤ I’ll be keeping this piece of Life update. ❤

I’ll be keeping this piece of art forever. Wyatt painted this for me back in January, when I was isolated with Covid. I taped it up on the wall beside the bed during my stay in our guest room. If you zoom in, you’ll see me in the front with the big baby belly. (Wyatt calls me ‘big belly’ these days!)

Rainbows represent promise, hope, and new beginnings. 

It's been a rough past few weeks for our family, hence my absence online. Thank you so much for your messages of love, concern, and support. They mean so much to us. I know I share a lot with you on here, but I’m not going to get into details this time. Just know we're doing alright. Junebug is great (and kicking and rolling around non-stop!), Wyatt is awesome per usual, and Ryan and I are rock solid.

I had to take a break from work. My main focus has always been (and will
always be) protecting the peace, health, and well-being of our family unit. 

Social media can be a beautiful place where connection and inspiration happens. Unfortunately, it can also foster hurtful and harmful attacks. I’ve learned so much over these past few weeks, and have deeply reflected on my presence and future plans online. I’ll share more soon, but for now, I just wanted to check in, say a sincere thanks, and let you know we’re all good. ❤️
The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll be honest - the first trimester wasn’t great. There were moments of joy (like this one) but it was filled with anxiety, scary moments, and a few hurdles. 

🤰I’m playing catchup on some pregnancy blog posts but I wanted to make sure this was up, especially for those who have been following our journey. 

👉 Head on over to KariSkelton.com for ‘Pregnancy Q&A: The First Trimester’ where I get into all of it. Link is in my bio.

❔️Please ask any questions. That’s the whole reason why I share about this. I believe sharing our experiences and personal stories helps all of us feel less alone and often validates what we’re going through. 

(If you can believe it, I took a video of the exact moment I found out but it disappeared from my files. Poof! Gone.💨 Of all the videos to lose…. 🙈 But very happy to have this photo).

#pregnancystories #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunites #Canadianblogger #Canadianmom
Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_q Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_quay! Thanks to all of you for entering! ❤

➡️ Giveaway! To celebrate @fresonbros first birthday tomorrow (Saturday, March 5), we’re giving away a $250 Freson Bros. GC! 🥳

You’re invited to pop down to the party between 11-5 to celebrate with us! 🎉There’s birthday torte, a whole bunch of perks, specialty tastings, and additional in-store giveaways, including a beautiful Camp Chef XT Wood Pellet Grill! 🙆‍♀️

To enter our $250 GC Giveaway:

👉 Make sure you follow me @kariskelton and @fresonbros.

👉 Like this post.

👉 tag some friends who would love this!

✨️ Bonus entry: Head to KariSkelton.com and leave a comment on my ‘Freson Bros. Turns One’ blog post (make sure to add your IG handle in that comment so we know who you are). 

*This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and is in no way endorsed or supported by Instagram. The winner must be able to pick up the $250 gift card prize at Freson Bros. Edmonton 5139 Mullen Rd. Contest closes Friday, March 4 at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be announced on this post before 9 a.m MST Saturday, March 5. 

🚨*PLEASE watch out for impersonation accounts that unfortunately sometimes pop up during giveaways. I will only reach out to you via DM from my account (@kariskelton) to confirm your win and then we’ll coordinate details via email only.
Load More… Follow on Instagram

kariskelton

Lifestylist + Blogger: KariSkelton.com
Mom to Wyatt, Moses🐾 + Monroe🐾
Babe on the way! (06/22)
❤ @ryanjespersen
motherhood | style | recipes 👇

Kari Skelton | Motherhood
when you feel like you've hit your max bump but th when you feel like you've hit your max bump but there's still nine weeks to go. 😳

It's truly amazing what our bodies can do. 💛

#31weeks #sunsoutbumpsout #beachball
Life update. ❤ I’ll be keeping this piece of Life update. ❤

I’ll be keeping this piece of art forever. Wyatt painted this for me back in January, when I was isolated with Covid. I taped it up on the wall beside the bed during my stay in our guest room. If you zoom in, you’ll see me in the front with the big baby belly. (Wyatt calls me ‘big belly’ these days!)

Rainbows represent promise, hope, and new beginnings. 

It's been a rough past few weeks for our family, hence my absence online. Thank you so much for your messages of love, concern, and support. They mean so much to us. I know I share a lot with you on here, but I’m not going to get into details this time. Just know we're doing alright. Junebug is great (and kicking and rolling around non-stop!), Wyatt is awesome per usual, and Ryan and I are rock solid.

I had to take a break from work. My main focus has always been (and will
always be) protecting the peace, health, and well-being of our family unit. 

Social media can be a beautiful place where connection and inspiration happens. Unfortunately, it can also foster hurtful and harmful attacks. I’ve learned so much over these past few weeks, and have deeply reflected on my presence and future plans online. I’ll share more soon, but for now, I just wanted to check in, say a sincere thanks, and let you know we’re all good. ❤️
The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll be honest - the first trimester wasn’t great. There were moments of joy (like this one) but it was filled with anxiety, scary moments, and a few hurdles. 

🤰I’m playing catchup on some pregnancy blog posts but I wanted to make sure this was up, especially for those who have been following our journey. 

👉 Head on over to KariSkelton.com for ‘Pregnancy Q&A: The First Trimester’ where I get into all of it. Link is in my bio.

❔️Please ask any questions. That’s the whole reason why I share about this. I believe sharing our experiences and personal stories helps all of us feel less alone and often validates what we’re going through. 

(If you can believe it, I took a video of the exact moment I found out but it disappeared from my files. Poof! Gone.💨 Of all the videos to lose…. 🙈 But very happy to have this photo).

#pregnancystories #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunites #Canadianblogger #Canadianmom
Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_q Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_quay! Thanks to all of you for entering! ❤

➡️ Giveaway! To celebrate @fresonbros first birthday tomorrow (Saturday, March 5), we’re giving away a $250 Freson Bros. GC! 🥳

You’re invited to pop down to the party between 11-5 to celebrate with us! 🎉There’s birthday torte, a whole bunch of perks, specialty tastings, and additional in-store giveaways, including a beautiful Camp Chef XT Wood Pellet Grill! 🙆‍♀️

To enter our $250 GC Giveaway:

👉 Make sure you follow me @kariskelton and @fresonbros.

👉 Like this post.

👉 tag some friends who would love this!

✨️ Bonus entry: Head to KariSkelton.com and leave a comment on my ‘Freson Bros. Turns One’ blog post (make sure to add your IG handle in that comment so we know who you are). 

*This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and is in no way endorsed or supported by Instagram. The winner must be able to pick up the $250 gift card prize at Freson Bros. Edmonton 5139 Mullen Rd. Contest closes Friday, March 4 at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be announced on this post before 9 a.m MST Saturday, March 5. 

🚨*PLEASE watch out for impersonation accounts that unfortunately sometimes pop up during giveaways. I will only reach out to you via DM from my account (@kariskelton) to confirm your win and then we’ll coordinate details via email only.
Load More… Follow on Instagram

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