I took a sip of that summertime chi this past weekend and I finally understand why everyone is so love drunk on the city – she was a beaut!
I flew in Thursday afternoon and hopped on the “L” and subsequently, a cab (don’t ask) before getting to Sarah’s cute little walk-up in Wicker Park.
After settling in, we made our way to Soho House for some serious catch up, bubbly and the best garlic bread of my life. They poured melted butter over the loaf at our table and I’m pretty sure my eyes lit up like a real life heart-eyed emoji.
Post carb-loading, we ventured over to Green Street Meats for a few patio beers before making our way home in the rain. Day 1: Success.
Needless to say, it was green juice for breakfast. We popped in to Real Good Juice Co. and after taste-testing just about everything on the menu, I landed on the Whitney Juice-ton. It gets two thumbs up from this gal.
Juice, tote bag, espadrilles and sunglasses in tow, we made our way down to the water (seen at top) before meeting Jess for a rooftop lunch at Rock Bottom. I ordered an adult beverage and a kid’s meal, naturally.
There is something to be said about good conversation with someone you’re meeting in person for the first time and catching up with Jess felt much like chatting up a girlfriend back home. Translation: endless laughs.
Later that afternoon Sarah and I took Hallie’s SoulCycle class (killer) and then walked down to Millenium Park to enjoy a bottle of wine and rest our my tired, swollen feet before turning in for the night.
Saturday evening we met up with Lauren, Megan, Katie and a few other gals for dinner at Tippling Hall. You know the conversations that lead to laughing/smiling so hard your cheeks hurt? We had those. But it was also nice to talk about blogging and gain a little boost of inspiration/motivation that I’ve been needing as of late.
(This sunset view from the porch later that night was a vivid reminder: Midwest is best.)
Sunday morning we had breakfast at Summer House Santa Monica and I’ve gotta hand it to them, it wins best dining venue in my book. If you’re looking to be transported to the West Coast without leaving the city, this spot exudes the vibe.
My order: two eggs – scrambled, an english muffin with house made grape jam, hashbrowns and their sunrise punch. Boring? To you, maybe. Delicious? Yes! Sarah had an order of the breakfast tostadas and by the looks of her plate when we were finished, they were a hit.
After a leisurely breakfast, we toured Lincoln Park on foot and ooed and ahhed over all the curb appeal. In hindsight, I would have liked to get more photos, but I was too busy trying to get a peek inside. 😉
Wanting to make the most of our day (and craving a sugar rush), we jumped on a divvy to Sweet Mandy B’s. I had a frosted sugar cookie and I’m certain my life will never be the same. I also have all the regret that I sent my leftovers home with Sarah. No matter how full you are, always take the leftovers! #rookiemistake
Sunday afternoon I checked into a hotel downtown and spent the day wandering by myself – something I don’t think I’ve ever done before in my 28 years. Crazy, right?
Spending time alone is a rare concept these days, but it offered up peace and quiet, time to reflect, explore/do as I please – not to mention there was prime people-watching potential. I hadn’t made it to NoMI Garden yet so I treated myself to a glass of the good stuff on the rooftop before heading to dinner. Table for one, please!
I ended the night down by the water watching the boats soak up every last minute of their Sunday Funday.
Monday morning I got up early for a Flywheel class, did my last little bit of wandering and headed back to the city (and guy) that holds my heart.
There is so much more I want to see/eat/do. Chicago, I’ll be back!
SHOP MY LUGGAGE:
Chicago is one of my favorites cities in the summer! It’s the winter that certifies that I’d never to be able to live there. That sugar cookie… I want that!
It’s one of mine now, too! That winter wind is HARSH…I don’t think I could do it either. But never say never 😉 Hope you had a great weekend!
I’ve only been to Chicago a few times when I was younger and had a cousin there, but never got to experience it during the summer months! I’m dying to take a little weekend trip – looks so fun!
Sounds like a fantastic weekend full of good food and friends! So glad you had fun:)
Sounds like a perfect Chicago weekend! I love that you fit in two cycling classes. 🙂
I love this recap and the weekend — can we redo that every month or so with a new list of adventures to try!! ahhh, I had so much fun hanging out with you this weekend and can’t wait for your next trip back!! 🙂
Chicago is so awesome! I’m actually thinking about heading to school out there next year! Also, that bread with the garlic butter sounds absolutely divine… trying to control my jealousy right now!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Looks amazing! One of my favorite parts about moving to Denver alone was getting to explore by myself and then share that when people came to visit. I’m still trying to learn KC!
Annica
http://www.lifemodifier.com
It’s so refreshing! KC has such a special place in my heart and I love coming back to this city 🙂
Wow what a fun and busy weekend! It sounds like you really fit everything in! Also, I loveeee Summer House Santa Monica. I went there for dinner when I visited my sister and it was so good!
xx,
Susie
http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com
What a fun weekend!! Chicago is such a fun city, especially in the summer! I love those white espadrilles!
C’s Collection
http://chelseascollection.com
It is 🙂 Girl, they’re my new favorite shoes. I normally don’t like close-toed in the summer, but these work!
Ahh love the post! It was so great to finally meet and glad you enjoyed the city:) Come back again soon!
It was so great to finally meet you too! Next time you’re in KC, we will have to meet up 🙂
After hearing about some of your trip talking to you on the phone, I love seeing the pics! It looks amazing and I am so glad you enjoyed the company of good friends, good food, fun and a little exercise! Love you bunches! Mom
I’ve never been (such a loser!) but hope to one day. Especially in the summer…
Well, you have a longer trek than I do! But you should definitely make it happen 🙂
I LOVE Chicago – especially in the summertime, looks like you took advantage of all the fun things to do!
I love Chicago! Your pics are great! I felt the same way last time I was in Lincoln Park — like the curb appeal was so pretty I should have taken more pictures. You’ll have to go to a Cubs game some time; Wrigley is one of my favorite spots in the city!
Only if they’re playing my beloved KC Royals! haha, but really, I need to make that happen 🙂
“Like a real life heart-eyed emoji” – love that hahaha. Great re-cap on Chicago!
Hahha, glad you got a kick out of that.
Those cookies from Sweet Mandy B’s look so delightful! Adding that to our Chicago to-do list now.
http://www.velvetcrate.com
I saw all your snaps, what a fun trip. Now I need to visit chi town.
xo
PinkSole
Yes, you do!
I absolutely love Chicago!! It looks like you had an amazing time!
xo,
Angela
Oh man, melted butter over the loaf at the table… my kind of place. Beautiful photos. I love the ceiling with the hanging plants.
Heavenly, let me tell ya. 😉 Thank you!
Summer is by far the best time to live in Chicago. Your post made me miss it! Sarah lives in the same neighborhood that I used to. We lived really close to that beautiful church. I’m glad you had such a great time! And spending time in the city by myself is one of my favorite things. When I go to visit friends, I love to take some time to myself to wander. xo
Ahh, I loved it! Hope you had a great week 🙂
It all looks amazing! And a good balance of healthy and indulgent. I love that you did a night by yourself, staying in a hotel room alone is one of my favorite luxuries!
Elle
It’s definitely one of mine now, too!
Would love to go there some day! This looks amazing <3
Have a great day!
x Fiona THEDASHINGRIDER.com
Oh you know it 😉
omg you did a lot in your weekend here! really great choices all around + some new things for me to try! (ahem garlic butter bread). we used to live about a block from summer house and it is THE BEST decor, especially mid-winter when you’re questioning why you live here.
glad you enjoyed the city!
Looks like it was such a great trip! I want to go back to Chicago now and take the Jess tour!