I was home sweet home from Germany on a Tuesday and was on my way to Chicago early Saturday morning. Our party of five took the train into the city from the airport and walked to our hotel. It was a quick little shimmy to the Hilton on Michigan Ave. (we even passed a Trader Joe's). Our hotel was right across from the finish line so we knew the runners of the group were set to go. We got comfy in our room for a bit, crafted race signs and then it was onward to the expo. We did lunch at a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives spot, Hackney's. The three amigos (Amy, Hank and Ryan) got in a two mile run and while they rested afterwards, me and my mother-in-law, Lisa, took to the streets to explore Michigan Ave.
I splurged on Chanel's Quartz nail polish. Later that evening, we enjoyed a carb-filled dinner at Lou Malnati's, home of the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Yum! By night, the runners got their gear ready, and then it was off to sleep as we had an early morning ahead.
... GOOD MORNING, RUNNERS! Lisa and I got Hank, Amy and Ryan on their way and then found the nearest Starbuck's and set up at mile two. This sign was definitely a hit...
There's Hank… See him below!? I was so, so excited to see him. In a sea of over 40,000 runners (from 120 countries and all 50 states), I wondered if it was even possible. This was Hank's first marathon of any sort, and he made. it. happen. If you really want to be inspired, be a spectator of a marathon. You'll see all kinds of people making a life goal a reality. The wheel chair races were amazing to see, and there were blind runners being led by guides. That was just wow - if you have a dream, live it out, people around you are.
Marathon finisher! It was a gorgeous day, and our three runners did their very best.
Cheerleaders + Runners... Go, Team!
As an aside, you could tell all eyes were on this city after what happened in Boston. The streets were crawling with security in every nook and cranny. There were bag searches, bomb sniffing dogs, barricades upon barricades and police patrolling every inch of the race course. The general public was not allowed at the start and finish lines. Needless to say, I felt safe. Thanks, Chicago. After the race, we got ready to explore Chicago. We started at none other than... The Bean.
I LOVE the Bean / Cloud Gate. It's probably the coolest city landmark to me next to the Eiffel Tower. I don't know what heartstring it tug, but I'm obsessed.
After a bit of sightseeing, we ate Chicago-style hot dogs and grabbed beers in Millennium Park. Then it was onward to our boat tour with the Architecture Foundation - one of the best ways to see the city. We went at 5 p.m. which made for some great lighting. We cozied up on the back row of the boat as we sipped hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps. After the boat ride, we grabbed drinks at The Signature Lounge at the 96th, home to the best women's restroom on the planet. Seriously, you walk out of your stall and are faced with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the skyline. We were way up in the night sky and watched the city twinkle below. Afterwards, Hank and I grabbed dinner to go from the sports bar Jimmy Greens and called it a night.
Hank and I stayed in Chicago an extra day to see more of this great city. We enjoyed breakfast at Yolk before taking to the streets. The above photo is in front of Buckingham Fountain. The below photos are from, well, none other than the Bean… Again! I just had to go back when it was less crowded.
We walked Michigan Ave., popped into Nike, grabbed popcorn at Garrett and saw The Chicago Theatre.
The best meal in Chicago? Au Cheval. Hands down. This place had the coolest vibe, great waiter, awesome food. I had the Hemingway Daiquiri {rum, maraschino, grapefruit, lime}. Then we dove head first into the roasted marrow bones, beef cheek marmalade and toast. Their cheeseburger is known as the best in Chicago so we both had that cooked medium rare with fries. We both got it with fried egg this time, but next time, I'm definitely adding their thick cut peppered bacon, because it looked amazing.
We relaxed the rest of the day away with a walk on Navy Pier and a ride on the Ferris Wheel.
Stunning views of the city from the top...
I still had a sweet tooth so we grabbed Eli's Cheesecake to go to snack on in the airport, and that was that, a trip well done. Until next time, Chicago. And to the Bean, I love you.
