On Chicago
The more I visit big cities, the more I find myself itching to move to one. Nevertheless, a girl can dream— or road-trip. Recently I traveled to Chicago by myself for some research for a few days and found myself falling in love with the parts I saw. Here is my mini-guide to the “city of brick and rod iron fences”.
Stay: AirBnB your way through Chicago and don’t forget your CTA train pass. I got a 72-hour pass for $20 and it was so worth it. I stayed in the McKinley Park neighborhood near the 35th & Archer train stop.
Eat: Everywhere I go in the States, I must stop by a 24-hour diner. A french fry should never ever taste the same as another. A milkshake w/ almond milk is a must. My go-to order is always a single pancake w/ an order fries. Depending, I might try other options, like if you ever find yourself at the White Palace Grill, their mozzarella sticks and veggie chili is amazing. You're welcome.
For my UNCA folks, Argo Tea is a small chain and there are many in Chicago!
Oromo Cafe: two life-changing drinks you must try if they are on the menu when you go: Pistachio Matcha and a Lemongrass + Ginger Vietnamese Iced Coffee.
If you are going to spend money, shouldn’t it be towards something empowering? Each year the Obama administration sends out a list of local community heroes, and last year the founder of Sip of Hope was listed! This is the world’s first non-profit coffee shop where all the proceeds go to support suicide prevention and mental health education. Not only is the place beautiful on the inside but the mission is just as significant. If you don’t go anywhere else on this list, promise me you’ll go there!
The Wormhole Coffee Shop: an eclectic 80’s cafe that puts Cup of Joe’s (beside Nice Price Books) in Raleigh to shame!!! They have a Honey Pear latte that is a must!
If you are looking for classic French Dining in Chicago with wonderful views, Robert et fils was a divine and pricey experience. Don’t like French? The Laurel Room has skyline views with Californian cuisine! I think they have a wonderful cheese plate.
LH Rooftop is a perfect way to end the night if you want drinks with friends.
Looking for a great Korean spot in Chicago? Check out Parachute, and thank me later.
One of my favorite fun lunch spots was Honey Butter Fried Chicken- it was as great it sounds. I personally love that you can easily swap out items for tofu and still not miss out on the flavor!
Some dinner options: I highly recommend this Venezuelan restaurant Rica Arepa or Mexican restaurant Mi Tocaya. You can’t go wrong with either, but I think Mi Tocaya was my favorite out of the two.
Lastly, the best falafel I’ve had in a while was hands down from Galit.
Do: Even though I am about to share a small list of things to do, above all else I would recommend just hopping on the train and getting off at different stops. I didn’t even scratch the surface, but even walking around proved to be a great adventure. Here are a few places you should consider adding to your list!
The National Museum of Public Housing: I visited this place for research, but I would go in a heartbeat at any time. Their current exhibitions included Redlining and artifacts left and given/borrowed from residents of some of the famous public housing units in Chicago that are now demolished.
The Art of Institute of Chicago: I couldn’t visit Chicago and not go to one of the most important museums in the country. It is incredibly breathtaking. I mad that I could only spend a few hours there. I would gladly spend a whole day there. Museums are some of my favorite places on earth. Some honorable mentions: DuSable Museum of African American History, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Grant Park: featuring the Loop, Millennium Park, and all the other tourist essentials.
Do you think I would go anywhere and not visit a bookstore? Or buy books? Seminary Co-Op is a perfect fit for the bookworms out there.
Woolly Mammoth: If you love the Sleepy Poet in Charlotte, you will love this antique store, and will easily spend hours digging through everything. It’s like a giant treasure chest.
And there you go! If you ever find yourself in Chicago let me know, and drop down more recommendations if you have them!