My corporate job headquarters is in a suburb of Chicago. While I've flown into Midway a few times, I've never once set foot in The Windy City, until this past weekend. As usual, I grabbed my camera and a friend (hi Tysha!) and headed out!
Friday: Departure
Like most people, I enjoy all the perks of having priority status, pre-check, and touchless ID (thanks, Hartsfield and Delta!). However, thanks to Tysha, I also got to enjoy the Skyclub. The mocktail, mocktail-ed, and I now have a thing for chicken and apple sausage. The Skyclub is excellent for people watching and networking. And to relax your nerves before a turbulent flight. Because, you know…Chicago…is windy. The flight wouldn't have been complete without a bit of rough air. Thanks to the passenger beside me for lending me gum to help with my ears and motion sickness.
After touching down in Midway, we were greeted by a blues performance as we headed to baggage claim. Ordered an Uber and headed to the city. Thanks to the excellent driver for taking us safely to our destination on Michigan Avenue and pointing out interesting landmarks. He also had the best philosophy in life: "Eat and sleep!". Now that's a philosophy I can get behind.
Grant Park-Chicago
AT The Taste: They Were Everywhere
We checked into the hotel and headed out. Across the street was Grant Park, a beautiful area. I grew up in the country, surrounded by nothing but land; however, I love a well-appointed city park! Immediately upon arriving in the park, we saw a wedding party. I thought, "Awe, how cute!" And then there was another wedding party…and another one. All weekend, there were wedding parties. Then I thought, "Is there an epidemic?" Then I remembered how many pregnant coworkers I've had who live in Chicago. I went from "awe, cute" to "I'm not drinking ya'll water!"… I guess love is alive and well in Chicago!
After fumbling around with the map app, we made our way to the Taste of Chicago. This is one of the most secure and safe outdoor events I've ever attended. Our bags were checked thoroughly upon entry, which I didn't mind at all. After the checkpoint, we had to find food. I mean, we were there for the food. I'm not ashamed to say, I ate my way through Chicago. The food was great, the people were terrific, and the music was top-notch. While mingling, we spotted a couple dressed in the same colors. The extrovert in the friend group told them how cute they were, and they revealed that they had been married for 43 years! That's longer than I've been alive! It's wonderful to see!
The Taste of Chicago
Saturday: Lit Fest and Hogwarts
Friday night, I discovered another one of my favorite things happening in the city: a book festival! Chicago had two of my favorite things in one weekend?! In walking distance of each other: food and books! Needless to say, I was in heaven!
Printer's Row is a historic neighborhood in Chicago's South Loop, and it celebrated its 40th annual Printer's Row Lit Fest this weekend. Complete with author engagements and, of course, books in every genre. Book lovers, this is a fantastic event to attend.
After leaving Lit Fest, we strolled past the Chicago Theatre sign (of course, we stopped for pics) and ended up on the Riverwalk at Legal Seafoods. Shoutouts to my cousin, "Hey girl!" The waitress and I had the same last name. Might need to do some digging around New Orleans…
My Hogwarts Letter
On to Hogwarts! Yes, I am a 41-year-old elder millennial woman who loves Harry Potter. I have adult money now, so I will spend it on things from my childhood. Why else be an adult? The Harry Potter Shop was everything a fan of the series would want. Hello, fellow Ravenclaws! From capes to wands, the store had it all. I left with some cute keychains and a snitch purse.
Chicago Riverwalk
The Elephant in the Room
On our way back to the hotel, we noticed a significant police presence. I assumed it was for the festival; however, it was for the protest. The protest was against the current presidential administration, their use of ICE, and their use of the National Guard. I live in Atlanta, on the southwest side of the city. I have no business judging another city's crime rate when I choose to live where I do. Would I leave? No. Not until I'm ready to move to Scotland. However, using outdated data and temper tantrums to send militarized units into a city because you don't like who it is led by is not a good use of what's supposed to be a prestigious position, nor taxpayers' dollars. I said what I said.
I saw the coolness of Chicago. I saw the people, the architecture, and I literally saw the love.
Love in Chicago