Part T-W-O of our Chicago adventure
We had two full days left in the city, and two more tickets left in our CityPass. (meadadventures tip: Do not fall victim to the glitter that they throw at you to buy the CityPass. They claim that you are getting a discount for buying the booklet, but in reality it is actually cheaper if you buy each ticket separate. You do get a few extra perks, but they have time restrictions and other fine print that end up rendering them useless and a waste of money.) On this day, we had planned to go to brunch at Yolk and spend the whole day at Shedd Aquarium...my obsession with animals creates the need for a whole day. We started the morning by walking to the Chicago Cultural Center and were in awe of the gorgeous architecture immediately upon entering. We walked underneath beautiful domes, explored art exhibits, and soaked up the history of Chicago. With hunger looming, we walked back toward Yolk, enjoyed a seriously amazing brunch, and from there made the walk toward the aquarium. Once inside, I let my inner child/animal lover loose. I often feel bad for Tommy having to endure the embarrassment of his grown wife pushing little kids out of the way to reach the front, but this time I found him doing the same thing. We followed the map through every inch, watched the aquatic show, and then circled back around to revisit some favorites before ending our time there. The Shedd Aquarium is located at a cool point on Lake Michigan so we walked down to explore the frozen lake and view of the city once more. Afterwards, we walked back toward our hotel and picked up Cafecito (second visit) for dinner to end our day.
Temperature: High: 25*F/Low 14*F
Our last day in the city, and we had a full day planned. The skies were blue and the sunshine made the weather feel warmer than it had all week, even though it was still below freezing. We walked by the bean one last time on our way to the Navy Pier. Due to the season, the ferris wheel, along with other rides, were shut down giving it a very ghost town vibe, but we walked around regardless. We explored all that the Navy Pier had to offer until we were well past hungry so we rode a bus to lunch and then to the Field Museum. We were running short on time before it closed so we didn't get to spend as much time as we would have preferred, but we did get to take in all of the major exhibits. With the museum being across the street from Soldier Field, we walked over to explore while we waited for the next bus to come. We then rode the bus back to the hotel to get ready for our "date night" that we had planned. A bus ride to Flaco's Tacos for dinner, and then a train ride to the Music Box theater to watch a Wes Anderson movie. It was the best way to wrap up our time in Chicago, and we both think back on it fondly.
Temperature: High 30*F/Low 19*F
We had an afternoon flight so we decided to walk to Cafecito for breakfast before we left (seriously, it was that good). Afterwards, we gathered our luggage and began the trek back to the airport and as we walked towards the bus stop, we both made sure to take it all in. Chicago was bitterly cold and hidden under a thick sheet of snow the entire time we were there, but despite it all the city had totally stolen our hearts.
Our 3 final #meadadventures tips for enjoying Chicago:
1. Our shoes were ruined by salt build up from all of the walking, but I was saved by the insulation that my Uggs had to offer (in addition to thick socks). With that being said, I would recommend wearing something that is waterproof, but also provides a warmth factor. If fate brings me back to a city like this in the winter, my next shoe of choice will definitely be these.
2. Don't even think about traveling without a warm scarf and hat. I thought I was being ironic when I brought along my trooper hat, but it ended up being one of the most practical things I packed...and I wasn't alone in wearing that style either. When the temperatures are in the teens, it doesn't matter what you look like as long as you have something to shield your face and head from the wind.
3. My third and final tip is one that I will always give...use the public transit! It was painfully cold to wait on the buses and trains to arrive, but you are able to enjoy the city so much more when you aren't stressed about what street to turn down or where you're going to park. Sit back and enjoy looking at the city while someone else drives you through it.
