CHICAGO - MICHIGAN
Chicago is a city that we never really thought to add to our list of ‘go to places’. It was not until we were planning a visit to friends in Northern Michigan, along the lake and in Traverse city, that we started to take a peak at what this vibrant and historic city had to offer.
Both my husband and I have been avid fans of NBA basketball since we were young and anyone that loves NBA simply has to have somewhat of a knowledge of Chicago through the undeniable legend that is Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. So when Chicago came calling, we were both pretty thrilled to start planning our adventure in the city that was home to the great Michael Jordan for many years.
This city is a full and vibrant city. It has a distinct neighbourhood feel to it, even though it is a busy and thriving hub for many millions of people. It had a ‘European’ feel to it in some ways, this may well have been simply a reflection of British climate (a little chilly and a little drizzly at times) but this is partly down to the time of year, we travelled there in early Spring. It lived up to its reputation as ‘the windy city’ but not so much that we were in any way disappointed or limited.
We chose to start our stay in Chicago on the edge of Lincoln Park, an area on the outskirts of the city centre. Close enough o the hustle and bustle that you felt the buzz, but far enough away that you had a feel of space and a wonderful view of the Park and the lake.
We booked in the Lincoln Hotel, which was a family friendly and well equipped hotel. Our room was a standard room but very spacious and comfortable and more than we needed as a young couple, pre kids. The staff in the hotel were incredibly kind and helpful and in a genuine way, not in a forced and aggressive way that sometimes you can find uncomfortable as a miserable old Brit! The coffee shop that is located on the ground floor, accessible to non guests of the hotel as well as hotel guests, was our first port of call each day and it started us off on great stead for the day ahead of adventuring and exploring.
We spent the days walking and talking and eating. We began day 1 with a recommended trip on the Architectural tour, viewing the city’s legendary architecture from the best seat in the house—the river. Our experienced tour guides detailed the 130 year long history behind the skyline, whilst we sat back and sipped a g&t and rum and coke, perfect! This comprehensive tour navigates through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago River. It’s the one thing everyone tells you to do in Chicago. We loved it!
We then got straight onto enjoying the fabulous food scene that you can find in Chicago. First stop was to find something that many rave about in Chicago..doughnuts!
Stan’s Doughnuts did not disappoint. We jumped on the subway and made our way out to Wicker Park.
We spent the next few days exploring the city, sitting in coffee shops and drinking coffee. Eating more doughnuts!
There are a lot of great tourist spots in Chicago, like ‘The Bean’: The Bean is a work of public art in the heart of Chicago. The sculpture, which is officially titled Cloud Gate, is one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations. The monumental work was unveiled in 2004 and quickly became of the Chicago’s most iconic sights. It wasn’t too busy when we were there and we followed up with a cold beer.
One of the many recommendation for Chicago for us, was Au Cheval. This restaurant describes itself as ‘A diner-style bar and restaurant with a passion for eggs.’ It sounded like the place for us (I have never known anyone go through eggs at the rate that we do!)
This restaurant does not accept reservations, and it’s popular! So we queued with he rest of them, along the ‘sidewalk’ and patiently waited for our little taste of egg heaven.
The restaurant was dark and atmospheric, it smelt amazing and the chef’s were on display, busy and handling American sized produce with ease and enthusiasm. We watched as one particular chef showered (and I mean SHOWERED) the eggs with salt, as indulgent as it looked, we were a little hesitant and considered asking for ‘less’ salt. But we decided to trust the chef and we ordered their classic double cheeseburger with egg & bacon. It was GOOD!
Not the healthiest meal but one not to be missed, we even considered going back again, but we decided to maybe pace ourselves.
Au Cheval
I come from a family of sports lovers and no trip, particularly to America is complete without sampling the sport of the season. Whether it be Basketball in the Fall, Baseball in the Spring or Hockey in the Winter, in my opinion there is no better way to enjoy the atmosphere and culture of a place, than to grab a cold beer, a salty snack and sit amongst the passionate supporters of a sport. So off to the baseball we went, my husband somewhat reluctant at first as he is a Basketball guy but he soon fell hard for the charm of the family friendly Saturday afternoon pastime, that is going to the game.
We made friends, we passed people their beers as they bellowed at the drinks guy from 10 rows back. We ate too many overpriced hot dogs and we passionately cheered for a team that we only started to supported 30 minutes prior to the game!
Chicago Cubs Baseball
It’s simply not a genuine American experience without a hot dog and baseball game! my husband is a basketball guy and he wasn’t overly keen to sit through a baseball game, but he loved it.
We received a lot of recommendation for our time in Chicago and we managed to make our way through a number of them, but we had another trip to make and this trip was to take us up North, to Traverse City and Frankfort. A little excursion out of city city and to the fresh air and the impressive open expanse that is Lake Michigan.
I used to work during the Summer in Pennsylvania and Frankfort, nannying for a family that has a home alongside the lake. It was an idyllic place and I have such fond memories so I was eager to share this place with my husband.
Traverse city was somewhere that I had not visited before and we were delighted to pop in and see friends. We found that this city reminded us of Chamonix back home, in some ways. Their love of Patagonia! Their awareness and consideration for the environment and all that nature has to offer and we decided that one day we would return and explore more thoroughly.
So we set off onwards to Frankfort, my blast from the past. Being lakeside was as impressive and awe inspiring as I remembered. Frankfort was little quiet and closed up as it was out of season and this small town is very much a destination for holiday makers. But we enjoyed the fresh air, the hiking along the dunes, the small town smiles and the contrast to the city pace. One day I will return and enjoy the lake swims again, when it is not quite so chilly.
Cherry Pie
To anyone who has summered in Northern Michigan, you must know the great love that they hold for all things cherry!
I simply couldn’t go home without grabbing us a warm cherry pie, it did not disappoint and it lived up to all that I remembered it to be. Nostalgia at it’s best.
Thankyou Chicago/Michigan, you were wonderful. A truly refreshing and indulgent trip. It was more than we expected and we expect that there is a whole wealth of treasures and gems that went undiscovered. I hope that we’ll be back, but if not, thank you for the memories.