Hi guys! I’m baaaack! Lol. So if you read my previous diary entry you know I was packing for a surprise anniversary trip. I had no clue what so ever...well I take that back, I was told what the weather would be so I would know kinda what to pack. Well I guess she wanted the surprises to start before we even left because 2 days before we were to leave I was told there was a change in the weather and the 75/85° weather I was preveously told was now 55/65° weather 😳. You can imagine I was tee'd off, lol! If you've been following my blog or follow me on any of my social media platforms you know I have a packing system and it's not a one step process.

So here I was trying to conjure up outfits in my mind before I pull them from whatever room or box they might be in . Trust me, this saves me a lot of headache and it prevents me from over-over packing. Yes, over-over because I always over pack lol, but my system prevents me from over-over packing 😄. Anyway, I digress. I said to hell with it and over-over packed. I know what y'all are saying but what was a girl to do?…I only had 2 days to get it together .

So finally the day has come we get to the airport and she says we're going to Chicago! I'm Uber excited because “one” I'm from Chicago “two” I haven't been home since the whole pandemic and “three” Chicago is always a good idea. 🙌🏾

I immediately started thinking about where we were going to eat once we landed, lol. I come to Chicago primarily for the food. Yes, I love my family but food is king. 👑

If you don't know anything about Chicago, know this. It's very diverse, the food is bomb and there is always something to do. I always recommend researching any place you're traveling to before you go but this was my city so I had the keys. Here's a good link to have if you plan on visiting Chicago soon. It's constantly updated so check it frequently if you have an upcoming visit.

Accommodations: We stayed at Kasa. I first became familiar with the Kasa chain in Atlanta and I loved the idea of staying in an actual apartment versus an hotel. Don't get me wrong I still love my hotel stays (i.e room service) lol, but you can't beat the space an apartment offers. Added bonus, it’s keyless entry! Everything is done remotely so there is no in person check in process, all the information you need to access your apartment will be sent to you via email. Most of all they offer free parking! If you’ve ever been to Chicago you know why I'm excited about free parking and you know why I'm especially excited about free parking in downtown Chicago. Guys this is huge! Over night parking can go anywhere from $55 to $75. So, yea this is exceptionally awesome. Another alternative to Kasa (if no availability) is Sonder. I love-love their chain. We stayed with them in New Orleans and they were equally comfortable and nice. The only downside to Sonder is they do not offer parking...whomp whomp.

Activities: We visited the Willis Tower formerly known as the Sears Tower and will always be known as the Sears Tower to Chicagoans, lol. It just weird saying Willis when it’s been Sears all you childhood through adulthood lol. Anyway, I took my partner to the Skydeck (located in the Willis Tower) at her request. Not something I would have suggested since she’s afraid of heights but it’s what she wanted, so we did it and even though I knew she was going to cop-out (which she did) once we got to the top, she didn’t know I was going to gilt trip her into facing her fears. Y’all it was a whole song and dance to get her on that ledge but she did it and we have the butt clenching pic to prove it. 🤣

Apart from the ledge, the newly revamped Willis Tower offers a true tourist experience loaded with interactive exhibitions on Chicago architecture and culture that features, among other things, bronze models of famous Chicago buildings, a interactive subway simulation and a taste of Chicago experience. Oh, and there are a few people you might want to get your picture taken with. 📸

Good Eats: So you can't go to Chicago and not eat pizza. Deep dish me please! Lou Malnati's or Giordano’s you can't go wrong with either or!... And yes, there is a regular crust option for all you deep dish haters. 😄

Popcorn! Yes please! This is a staple guys so don't miss out! Garrett Popcorn is a must!

Brunch. Wildberry, Yolk, Batter&Berries. Yes, all three is a must but if you only had time for one I'd go with Wildberry ( they have a larger selection.) If you plan on going on a weekend make sure you get there early and by early I mean opening, the line is always wrapped around the building for both Wildberry and Batter&Berries especially. Even on a week day expect an 1hr wait any time after 10am.

For the evenings I love a good steakhouse. Mastro's is my go-to. Simply delicious.

After that, if you are in the mood for scenery and just all around dope vibes check out Chicago's Riverwalk. I promise you, you'll fall in love with Chicago right there! It was there that my proposal happened and it was magical. The weather was perfect, the wine from City Winery was flowing and the stars were beaming bright. My partner, now fiance, had my family all in on it! It was only after I looked up and saw her family (who flew in for the night) and mines walk in together towards the end of our evening, that I knew something was happening. I was beside myself, lol. She got down on one knee popped the question and I said f@ck yea, (after I ugly cried of course.) We popped bottles all night and life was good under the stars . Simply magical. ✨

Honestly I'm still on cloud nine. I couldn't wake up fast enough to make sure I wasn't dreaming. This is probably why I've stated over and over again that Chicago is always good idea, because subconsciously I knew something magical 🪄 would happen here.

I hope this guided tour helps if you plan on visiting Chicago. Until next time. Later readers. 😊

Ronda