A Long Weekend in Chicago

My family makes an annual pilgramage to Chicago, and I am always delighted to just exist in the city. Often, I’m left to wander and enjoy without having to anywhere to be, which is unusual for me. So join me, won’t you, for a highlights reel:

Starting on Friday, we flew there on a flight leaving at 7am, which was a poor decision on our part, but that’s another story for another time. I’m all for siezing the day, but on enough sleep.

Regardless, my family and I were off to Devon Avenue, an area in Chicago that serves as a “Little India” or “Little South Asia,” as the area is filled with shopping, grocery stores and restaurants.

I had so much delightful Indian food, but the best thing I had was the falooda from Sukhadia Snacks and Sweets.

Saturday was where the real fun began, and my mother and I took a 90 minute architectural boat tour of the city. I highly recommend Wendella Boat Tours. Our guide was engaging and knowledgable, with a good sense of humor.

From there, I went and had deep dish pizza with a dear friend who moved to Chicago a few years back. It was wonderful to catch up with her, and finally try a city staple, which honestly, was one of the best pizza’s I’ve ever had.

On Sunday, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago for their Frida Kahlo exhibit. I love Kahlo’s work, and my first essay I wrote in college was about her work and her relationship with husband, so I was excited to see her work in person for the first time in my life. What struck me, more than anything, was the size and scale of her work. Her paintings are so detailed, and she worked on very small canvases.

Finally, on Monday morning, my dad recommended a trip to After-Words New and Used Books. I loved this idea, but it opened at 12pm and I very much arrived at 11am.

With an hour to kill, I walked down the street and made a right, and came across three little shops in a row. A cafe, a french knick knacks shop, and a chocolate shop. In quick succession, I got a hot chocolate, bought a beautiful set of coasters, and picked up what was deemed the best chocolate chip cookie in the city.

I did make it to After-Words after that, and that wrapped up my trip. Overall, an excellent time in one of my favorite city’s.

What are your favorite Chicago things to do? Drop your recommendations in comments, I’ll probably be back next May.

-M