Most people usually think of skyscrapers and lake parties when they think of Chicago. I, however, always get stuck on how freezing cold it can be that my mind refuses to think of anything more. One of my friends is an international student there, and I decided to take a trip and see her– only because it’s summer-time. In fact, I told her she probably won’t see me again until next summer because I refuse to freeze to death up there.

So, I booked a ticket.

I arrived in the evening at the Chicago O’Hare airport. Someone told me it was a beautiful airport but I wasn’t impressed. I was also peeved because the car rental spot was far from the terminal. There was transportation provided so that helped.

From there, I caught an Uber to her place in Schaumburg. We stayed up and talked for a while– it’s always a pleasure to spend time with Ozge. I think we fell asleep around 1:00am and I was already beat! So, I slept in the next day. We went to an Asian bakery and cafe for breakfast. We both tried something new. I loved it, she didn’t lol. She explained that Turks don’t usually have sweet breaded foods in the morning, but have savory ones instead.

I tried to see as much as I could (we’re talking “affordable to free” kinda budget). I was able to see several spots but of course, there was still plenty more to discover.

We figured it’d be best to rent a car instead of ubering to from and throughout downtown Chicago. Plus, we’d have more freedom and we’d be able to better optimize our time.

Our first stop was Montrose Beach. There were pockets of people enjoying time with their friends and families on the grassy knoll with a small grill. Different music genres in various languages filled the air.  Up ahead, there was plenty of sand between the greenery and lake – it was low tide. We took a long stroll and found a couple spots for great pictures. I’m sure the pics would have turned out even better during sunset.

We worked up an appetite and began searching for vegan-friendly deep dish pizza. Earlier one, before my trip, I found highly rated places for deep-dish pizza and cookies but I lost the list! We found a place called Giordano’s – Famous Stuffed Pizza. Fresh Italian. They didn’t have vegan cheese so I ordered a greek salad and fries. My friend ordered a thin-crust veggie pizza.  I tried her pizza and it was so good. *begins salivating* I can’t believe I didn’t get vegan cheese pizza while I was in Chicago… *sigh* The fries were good, but it was waaay too much for one person. I accepted the challenge anyway.

The next day was much busier. The first stop we Garfield Park Conservatory. It was a hot

day so the air conditioning was definitely bumping.  It was free, though they kindly suggest a donation, of any amount, to help with maintenance. I could have spent a few hours there. I mean I could live in a conservatory.

The best places for relaxation often have natural lighting, greenery, and the sound of trickling water. I’d also recommend this place for a date.

Having a hitlist of places you want to check allows you to see more of the city and surrounding neighborhoods. I happened to see three buildings in a row just like the one I dreamt about not too long ago. If you know me, you know I don’t believe in coincidences 😉

 

Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain was the next stop. It’s apart of the Chicago Park District. This was the only part of the park I stopped at but I was able to glimpse at other sections. Next time, I’ll be sure to scope the entire park out.  The fountain is in the middle of a large plaza accompanied by a couple food vendors and benches for resting. As you’re walking up to the fountain, you’ll notice the immediate backdrop is the blue sky and when you pan to the left, you see downtown Chicago. More of the park is to the right but the aforementioned views are photo-worthy.

Parking downtown wasn’t as difficult as I anticipated, thankfully! But it can be pricey, especially because there are time limits and you can easily go over (or under) the predicted time of your visit. There were a couple locals who saw us struggling with whether or not the car was in the correct zone – each time, it wasn’t. I imagine if I were in

 NYC, I wouldn’t be so lucky.  

On to lunch! We stopped at Plymouth Restaurant and Bar. I sat outside and got to admire the surrounding architecture while enjoying my veggie wrap with a side of fruit. There was a subway that came around about every 10 minutes. This was my first time watching one move throughout a dense population and positioned above traffic. Mist would spray about every thirty minutes along the perimeter of the patio. It was thoughtful, but no one wants a shower while eating their food.

 

With my newfound energy, I checked out Millenium Park (where you can find The Bean aka The Cloud aka The Gate), strolled along the riverwalk, and grabbed some delightful ice cream… mind you, I am against dairy but it was hot outside and the sample was to die for, so I did the right thing and bought that doggone ice cream. Fannie May is where I got my cowmilk dessert along with some tasty Mint Meltaways for my family.

Chicago is my favorite big city, thus far. I know I’ll be back, so stay tuned because next time I want to find hidden treasures and less touristy locales.