Oh Chicago, I’m getting nostalgic for it just writing this post. Chicago has always been a place I’ve wanted to go. I became infatuated with it in middle school, and for whatever reason could never stop longing to go there. In high school I even applied to college in Chicago.

But I never thought I would be able to visit the city at this age, and too explore and live in it for a week. Let alone be able to do it with my favorite person.

I fell in love with Chicago when I went there, and honestly I love it there more than anywhere I’ve ever been. Amongst all the adventure in Chicago, I decided to post this one first. Navy Pier was reminiscent of the boardwalks of the east coast, with its various rides (although most were out of commission for the winter), shops, and restaurants. It’s scenic location along Lake Michigan gave an amazing view of the city. And the large Centennial Wheel was gorgeous.

You’d think with the high winds Chicago is known for would have rocked the gondolas of the Ferris wheel, but they stayed sturdier than any ferris wheel I had ever been on. And the views from that high were amazing. It made you feel so small in comparison to the vast city at your fingertips.

And inside the grounds of Navy Pier was a gorgeous green house of sorts, filled with palm trees and fountains. This was rented out for a private event however, so I didn’t get to see the full extent of it. As for the shops inside, it reminded me of a cross between a New York street fair, an outlet mall, and the stores around Coney Island’s boardwalk (It Sugar included). I spent a lot of time wandering around and exploring every inch of the place for interesting finds.

There was a variety of restaurants inside, of course there was a McDonald’s and things along that line, but there was also one of a kind restaurants serving any type of food that you could possibly be in the mood for. Tacos, burgers, sushi, seafood, deep dish, barbecue, hot dogs, and so much more. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

Navy Pier also had some public art installations outside, the one they had that drew my attention was interactive. Passage features a pathway through 20 glowing hoops that emit a series of noises as you walk through them. The installation responds to movement , and makes for some amazing photos that play with perspective.

Navy Pier is something I would definitely suggest to anyone visiting Chicago, whether it be in the winter or the summer.

For more pictures from my trip, keep an eye out for my next few blog posts, and check out my Instagram @suburbanwasteland or my personal @im_just_elle

See you next time