Chicago! Chicago!
The main reason I went to Chicago was for Pokémon GO Fest, but I also added other spots to my list. I think I did the main things, minus the boat tour. My departure flight got delayed, so by the time I landed, I was bummed out that I missed my reservation, but that just means I need to go back.
Before checking into our hotel, we stopped by the Field Museum. I couldn’t score tickets for the Pokémon Fossil Museum this time around, but the exhibit runs until next year, so I still have time. The museum was huge with so much to see. I can definitely see a future Chicago trip with the kiddos.
Once we checked into the hotel, we changed, headed out, and walked to 360 Chicago to check out the observation deck. We enjoyed a drink and the night view. Afterward, we went to a tavern for food and a drink, and then grabbed another drink at a second tavern. It was a fun night before the Pokémon event.
Chicago is known as the Windy City, so I packed light with thin sweaters. The weather was hovering around the low 80s, but omg, was it stuffy and humid! It felt more like the mid-90s—definitely not LA 80s weather. I’m so glad I threw in a skirt. For sure, I’ll pack a pair of shorts and a dress next time I decide to go during the summer.
The Pokémon event at Grant Park in the morning went well. It was warmer than I expected, but fun overall. I bought a ticket for the morning session, which I think was plenty of time for catching Pokémon. After refueling with pizza, we walked to Millennium Park. The Crown Fountain and The Bean were a sight to see.
There was another spot I wanted to check out, and that was the Macy’s store—not to shop, but to see a work of art: the Tiffany Dome. I felt like I was getting a preview of what was to come.
On my last day, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago which was my favorite place. I thought I was only going to be there for two hours, but it was about five hours later when I realized I needed to leave if I wanted to make it to the airport on time. During the last hour, I sort of rushed through so I could see the Picasso paintings. Another place I would like to revisit.
There was no need to rush to the airport since my flight got delayed twice. I was expecting the worst, but luckily we took off, and I arrived in LA around 2:30 a.m. I was tired and sleepy, but I was happy that I made it to my daughter’s ceremony, which started at 9:00 a.m.
To me, Chicago felt like a combination of Los Angeles and New York. I liked it. I would want to go back for sure.
