When my bestie Victoria asked me to go to Chi-town with her for a quick trip, I jumped on it. If you haven’t noticed I try to travel once or twice a month. Not only to experience and make new memories but because I love sharing my favorites places and recommendations! It was a fast turn around but we had a blast, ate some amazing food and took some great photos. So, let’s dive in.
We checked into Loew’s hotel Chicago (the one located 455 N Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 ) – it’s affordable and beyond stunning. Between the decor and atmosphere it reminded me a lot of one of my favorite NYC hotels. A place where you can work in the lobby – also grab a bite to eat and a drink.
Soon as we arrived we headed straight into ETA Restaurant + Bar – ordered breakfast, a smoothie and felt recharged. I had my usual, the American breakfast (I ate it all, it was beyond amazing!) V had the avocado toast and chicken sausage! Highly recommend – service was also great. Even being busy they didn’t make you feel like it was a hassle. Much appreciated.
Checked into our room & the view was priceless. V was super excited cause she’s never had a room with a crazy view before. I think since she’s been to NYC afterward that’s now a thing…. a room with a view is a must!!
We got changed, fixed our selves up to be presentable and then headed out to explore. We did a little shopping at Moon Voyage, it’s a local boutique (2010 W Pierce St East) – I got a cute sweater and skirt, V purchased a gold ring with her initials on it “VIE” You can see it here. We explored and found some cool graffiti art – of course had a photoshoot LOL.
We decided to head to the Sky Deck — first off, if you guys don’t know I’m going to tell you: I’m afraid of heights. But I’m so glad I went and did it, def won’t be doing it again but I’m glad, HAHA. I think the scariest part was the elevator ride (60 seconds takes you up 103 stories) YIKES.
We then looked for the best pizza in town!! We landed at Gino’s East. We walked in there around 5:30pm right before the rush. I ordered everything basically, I was starving. We ordered: Pizza Breadsticks, Fries, Chicago Fire Pizza (Hot and spicy patty-style sausage, fire roasted red peppers, red onions) and Spinach Margherita Pizza (Spinach cheese blend, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil) & some beers!
Headed back to the hotel for some drinks at the hotel bar, watched the Steelers lose, got some computer work done and then crashed!
Day 2
Well after not having the best life choices and drinking each a bottle of wine the night before we were so sick we couldn’t eat the breakfast we ordered. LOL Wish I was kidding. We were pretty mad at ourselves.
V headed to her hair class for Bombshell Extensions (the ones I wear and love!) So I ventured out for a little on my own.
I got myself together and headed to meet my friend Roxanne for lunch! Roxanne is known as @glassofglam on Instagram and she moved to Chi-town from D.C. recently.
I was super excited she had time to meet up while I was in town! She recommend Summer House Santa Monica – Honestly she killed it. This place was stunning and the food was delicious to say the least. I just discovered as I’m typing this they have one in Northern Bethesda! Ok, I’m pumped and def diving to Maryland for this.
After, headed back to the hotel and decided to have myself a spa day. I went to the Spa on level 3 — booked myself a 50 minute massage and a 50 minute body wrap. Both were incredible. I fell asleep and twitched like 4 times, haha. Highly recommend their spa if you’re local or staying there.
We met back up after and decided to head to dinner! We used the hotels concierge service (which again, highly recommend). Ended up at Katana, only locations being West Hollywood, Chicago and Dubai! It’s tapas style eating which was perfect for us, we got to try so many different items. Our favorites:
- Sunomono – spicy marinated cucumbers
- Premium edamame
- ishi ebi no tempura (popcorn rock shrimp tempura, miso glaze)
- Shishito Japanese peppers (soy garlic sauce, bonito)
- SKEWERS wagyu kosho (american wagyu new york, black pepper sauce), Suzuki (chilean seabass) and Ebi bekon (jumbo shrimp wrapped in bacon, chili garlic sauce)
We also got sushi but it wasn’t anything mind blowing. We would of gotten more skewers instead! I honestly forgot to take photos of most so bare with me but I would 100% recommend you trying this restaurant. I wish we had one in the D.C. area.
After we walked a few blocks to the Chicago theatre for some photos and shopping. Stopped at a bakery and wasn’t a fan, I sadly didn’t even eat my cupcake and the place smelled weird when we walked in. LOL.
Chicago is so beautiful during christmas – all the lights, decor that the buildings put up is stunning. Even the display windows at Macys.
It was a quick and fun 48 hours – honestly much needed! Hope y’all found some new places to go while in Chi-town or if you’re local to the area. We headed back to D.C. and I’m already ready to go back for more.
A few of my travels favorites and must haves!
The luggage that I’ve been using for over a year now: Gabbiano Luggage
Comes in a 3 piece set! It’s held up from ALL my travel. No cracks, no broken wheels and etc. I highly recommend them. I also just got their new set is beautiful and made from Aluminum – Linked HERE.
xx, Tonya Michelle
Love you and this!