My excellent friend, Ginger, just hopped on a plane back to Charlotte this afternoon. She's the first of my "hometown" friends to visit, and we had soooo much fun! I really enjoy playing tour guide, because it helps me learn more about Chicago and gives me a new appreciation of this awesome city. Ginger had been to Chicago once before, but only for a short trip. We had 4 1/2 days to explore, shop, eat, and repeat! :-)
Ginger was snap happy...as one should be in Chi City, so many of the pics on this post are hers. We started her visit with dinner on the roof of our building...a must because of the gorgeous views I have posted many times, but here are a few more.
The main reason for Ginger's visit (other than to see yours truly) was to be my movie buddy to the Harry Potter premier. We have been to quite a few midnight showings of HP and Twilight movies. Yes, we're those people, but we don't dress up like characters...we're not THOSE people! It's fun to see everyone else in costume though. All 21 screens were showing HP, and apparently the actor who plays Neville made an appearance, but we didn't see him. The movie was great, but it was tough starting Ginger's visit with a late night.
We slept in the next morning and took an architectural tour and visited Navy Pier. I've been on 3 archy tours since we moved here and I learn something new each time. Pretty soon I may be able to give the tours myself!
funny sculpture at navy pier
Sushi Samba and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba were two choices for dinner out. Justin and I hadn't been to either, but they ended up being great! Sushi Samba is a fusion of Brazil, Peru, and Japan. The food was pretty good, but the menu is a little confusing because of the different inspirations. Very lively atmosphere with fun decor!
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is Spanish Tapas...yum! We started that night with Sangria courtesy of my hubby and decided to continue the theme.
We had some fun with The Bean and Millennium Park one morning. Naturally, Ginger loved it just as much as I do!
Shopping was also on our to-do list, of course! Ginger and I hit Michigan Ave. one afternoon and found a new store that we both fell in love with! Allsaints Spitalfields out of London (not sure where the name comes from). This store just opened 3 weeks ago on Michigan. I would suggest just going in because of the design eye candy. There are giant looms everywhere displaying the clothing. Everything about this store is a perfect blend of edgy and frilly...love it! Some of the clothes look and act like sculpture, so much so that one dress I couldn't even figure out how to get on. Didn't end up buy anything, but we had a blast drooling over every inch of this store.
We also hit up Zara, Lush and H&M, but alas...that was all time would allow. Got a complimentary foot massage at Lush! We could have spent the entire 4 1/2 days just shopping....much to Justin's probable dismay. Maybe next time!
The last afternoon of Ginger's visit we spent cruising the lakefront on bikes. This is such a perfect way to see the city, especially in the summer when the beaches are packed. My buns are still sore from the 3 1/2 hour ride, but it was well worth it!
fire boat showing off on the lake
There's a new temporary sculpture on Michigan Ave. of Marilyn Monroe that is turning a lot of heads. We had a lot of fun taking pics of this one night!
We made a quick stop at the Centennial Fountain to see it spray and arc of water across the river. And of course, a visit to Chicago wouldn't be complete without an L ride and a trip to the Signature Lounge in the Hancock building. Awesome views galore!!
I was so sad to see my friend go (so was the Brizz), but very thankful that I have friends like Ginger that I can keep in touch with across the miles.
Justin and I are heading to Millennium Park tonight for New Music Mondays...free concerts every week during the summer! Tomorrow I'll be getting ready for my mom's arrival on Wednesday. More good times to come!
