Our New Favorite Place in Chicago
Chicago is a beautiful city that I grow more impressed with each time I visit. Growing up in the suburbs my whole life, I have made frequent trips to the city of Chicago over the years. As an adult, I find that I appreciate everything that it has to offer so much more.
I pay better attention to my surroundings and soak it all in. The people, the architecture, the sounds, the energy, the food – just everything buzzes with life and I #LoveThisCity.
Reasons Why I Love Chicago #LoveThisCity #MC
This summer we bought a new boat. This has allowed us to see the city from an entirely different view. We now cruise the Chicago River and Lake Michigan as often as we can. Each trip we discover new things. We take different ways and learn (sometimes the hard way) which are the best ways to go or avoid (we recently got stuck in a shallow area — long story).
There are some great places that you can stop for food and/or drinks along the river. They accept credit cards, so that’s extra convenient. (We hate bringing cash on the boat — too easy for it to get wet/lost/blown away.)
Boating through the Chicago River is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the buildings. Chicago has some of the most impressive architecture and it’s great to see from all angles.
My husband actually works in several of these buildings doing their Terrazzo marble floors, so he acts as my unofficial tour guide along the way. 😉
Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages. This mysterious little house-type structure on top of a bridge is one of my favorite sights to see along the way.
Once you get through the locks and into Lake Michigan, there are also many places to go. We usually have to stop and fill up the tank. We like to go anchor in the PlayPen, which is a very popular place for boats to gather…
New Favorite Place on Lake Michigan
… OR … our new favorite place is the beach we found on our last trip out. According to my GPS, it’s called Calumet Beach. In this area there were several boats, too, but they were all double-anchored. Apparently the current is extra strong, and we even saw someone who was beached. But, it’s a shallow area where you can easily swim up to hang out on the beach. We were even able to play catch with my dad. What a blast!
If you stay out long enough, you can take in the amazing Chicago skyline at night. It’s truly a fantastic site!
There’s so much to do in Chicago, be it on land or water. The city has definitely allowed us to create many memorable family moments this year. Exploring Chicago never gets old. With new things happening daily, there’s always new reasons to #LoveThisCity!
Have you been to Chicago? Do you have a favorite place?
While I agree with you Chicago is a great place it is just hotter than blazes today. I live in the Chicago burbs and it is just really hot.
Hahah! That is true… but by the end of the week they are talking 60’s, so enjoy the heat before it disappears!
I have not been to Chicago! I would love to plan a family or Mom’s only trip there. What’s your favorite pizza place??
Giordano’s in the city or Phil’s that is by our house. We love pizza!!!
I love Chicago as well. What great pictures of the city!
I have been to Chitown 2x, and plan on our next family vacation there next Labor Day week, it was that good!
Mitch
I’ve only been in Chicago long enough to get on or off an airplane, I’ve never explored. I’ve heard it’s fantastic!
I have been to Chicago once but didn’t get to explore. I would love to visit and take the time to tour.
Now I’m homesick! I lived there as a kid & went back every year growing up, but it’s been years since I went back.
wow so many tall buildings all around. Looks so pretty there!
Ah, I love your pictures.. I am totally sold. Chicago looks amazing! And I sooo didn’t realize you all had a D!ck’s Last Resort out there too. Fun stuff! I’ve only stopped by via your airport, other than that I really need to come visit & explore!
All those buildings are so unique and really pretty! I haven’t ever been to Chicago but would love to go someday!
I have never been to Chicago, but it’s near the top of my travel bucket list.
I’ve been to Chicago, but only the airport! Someday I want to make it OUT of the airport and explore. Probably for BlogHer one of these days! 😀
I totally need to visit! It has been more than a decade since I’ve been to Chicago.
It looks like an awesome city, I can see why you love it.. I have never been, but SOO want to visit one day and your pictures totally made me want to go NOW… thanks for sharing
WOW, you got some fantastic shots! We live about 40 min. west of the city – I LOVE going when we have nothing else going on. We just park and walk. I don’t have a favorite beach, but I’d like to check out Calumet Beach now!
Ok, I’m loving the views you’re getting from the water! I’m not sure where my favorite part of the city is but I just adore it there!
never been, but will be there for about 14 hours next week!! not enough to see sights. 🙁
I have never been to Chicago but it is on my “Someday List”
I’ve been to Chicago several times and I like the Navy Pier. Such a fun place to visit!
I have been to Chicago twice and love the city. I really want to take a boat ride on the river. I think the way the cars are parked there in parking garages are crazy though!
Beautiful!! I’ve never been before.
I love Chicago! We used to live in Peoria and would visit there! Thanks for your participation! #client
I need to visit Chicago, looks so beautiful!
My Honey/Hubby and I both grew up in the Chicago burbs and were childhood sweethearts until we went off to college and our separate ways (me NYC and he Boulder, CO) We reconnected many years later and having been living – in the Chicago burbs now for quite some time (I did live in NYC for 8+ years and Alaska for almost two.
When I first got back here from NYC I was amazed (and dazzled really) had how Chicago had changed, grown, revitalized and evolved (in some places previously desolate and/or depressed and depressing. When I first went to NYC – Chicago was still called the Second City – and to my mind, it very much was. But today (with the exception of grossly neglected, desolate and alienated neighborhoods and pockets) I can proudly say that Chicago truly is a world class city – with world class culture, dining and museums, an magnificent Lakefront and extraordinary architecture that people from all over the world travel come to see (And yes – we too do have a special affinity for the frequently under-appreciated Chicago River which is endlessly fascinating (lucky you with a boat!)
One thing I have noticed (actually both here and in New York) is that I never really appreciated all they had to offer until I had out of town (or even foreign) visitor and found myself in the role of “host” and “tour guide”) it’s then when in effort to entertain and educate other that it’s me who discover more and more layers, riches and wonders our crazy-wonderful-half sad city! Thanks for sharing, Jennifer.
We live just 2 miles east of the city and had a “staycation” in Chicago last summer. I highly recommend anyone who live near or far to spend time here. The mayors have done a spectacular job of “cleaning up” – Millenium park and the beautification of State Street are prime examples – not to mention all the freebies available (museums, cultural center, etc). Good article!
I think I would Love to visit The Windy City some day 🙂