And I ain't afraid to say it! I fell in love with Chicago–it was so clean compared to other major cities (*cough*LA, anyone?), the architecture was awesome, people friendly and helpful, lots to see and do, plenty of culture…I had a blast!! I cannot wait to return with my family for a vacation!!!
I had 3 days of Chicago adventure while I was in the city for the CHA show. I already told you abotu the first day with Karen Taylor and Sarah Mullanix!! So fun!!
Day 2 of adventure was with Katrina Hunt and Suzy West!!!! I was big chicken and did not bring my camera downtown on the train. Now I know better. I think I scared the bejesus out of Katrina when I told her to be careful with her camera walking around downtown! LOL I am from California, what can I say?!
We hopped the L Train from O'Hare to downtown and explored blocks and blocks of the city. We stopped at Garrett's for popcorn. I had been so good on my diet up until this point. That Suzy sure knows how to put the perr pressure on! LOL Actually, it was the smell of the popcorn. OMG it is making my mouth water even now!! Divine!! It was well worth cheating ;)
We hiked up to Cloud Gate, aka “the Bean”, and got some pics, saw the Crown Fountain which was the coolest thing ever and then made our way to Willis Tower (formerly Sears) to visit the SkyDeck. We got out on the glass bump out things at the top of the building and got a photo. FREAKY.
Dinner at Giordano's was delish!! Deep dish pizza so yummy and filling I could only eat one piece. It was so fun to chat and eat and share together. We made our way back to the L and then “home”.
And Day 3 was with the generous Betsy Burnett and her kidelts. We went to the Art Institue of Chicago, to the Bean again, and to Garrett's for me to get popcorn for the fam. They even took me to the airport!! So nice — Betsy is the bestest :)
Isn't this Library so cool!? I love how these 100+ year old buildings are sprinkled between modern architecture. Beautiful!!
Betsy and I with Cloud Gate, aka “the Bean”.
The Crown Fountain was very cool – I loved seeing all the kids playing in it.
Great art at the Art Institute — boy, that building was a maze inside but we were able to find some gems like work by Picasso, Georgia O'Keefe, Matisse, and others.
This was both Betsy's and my favorite — I didn't catch who did but I loved it!
They actually MOVED this Chicago Stock Exchange building and put it inside the museum. It was wonderful!
America Windows was gorgeous–way better than in these photos.
On the flight home, I met a wonderfully sweet lady and we chatted for hours. We just became Facebook friends. Guess what? She is from Chicago! So the people there really are nice. I had just the greatest time and cannot wait to go back.
—Jennifer
