Sadly this is my last post about Chicago, for this trip anyways. I hope to visit it again in a few years in the warmer months. This post compiles everything that didn’t have enough pictures to make a full post about it. From the Lincoln Park Zoo Holiday Lights, to the beautiful neon signs that graced the city, to the elusive Eleven City Diner, deep dish pizza, “L” train, Adler Planeterium, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Architecture Center, Chicago River, and the Hard Rock Cafe.

There was so much more that I did in Chicago, that I didn’t have the time to photograph. So much more that made the experience wonderful. I loved every second of it, and I wish I could’ve been there longer.

I had a whole list of places I wanted to visit while I was there, but there was so much to do, that a week wasn’t enough to do it all.

First off the Lincoln Park Zoo, a free attraction along the waterfront of Lake Michigan. Many of the animals were out and about, I saw more than I’ve ever seen in a New York Zoo. Gorillas, giraffes, zebras, various birds and fish, sea lions, otters, and even a separate children’s zoo within it. They offer a holiday light celebration throughout the month of December and beginning of January. It’s reminiscent of the lights at Jones Beach where you drive through in your car, but here you get to walk through it.

They have holiday themed drinks, and boozed up versions of them, smore roasting, 3D glasses that help to enhance the view of the lights, and many of the animals are still able to be viewed. It’s great to be able to see the zoo after dark, it’s an experience many people don’t get to have. And the lights were gorgeous and plentiful in many intricate displays. They also had a carousel, two 5D experiences, a ferris wheel, a light maze, and numerous photo booths to remember the trip. Although it was freezing when I went, I would recommend it to anyone visiting during the holiday season.

Next on the list, ugh, the food in Chicago was to die for. Bigger and better seemed to be their specialty. The Eleven City Diner was a Jewish deli diner combination, that offered everything, and boy did they make an amazing milkshake. I could barely finish it all. Giordano’s was a popular deep dish spot that seemed to be everywhere we looked, just like 2 bro’s dollar pizza is in New York. And it was the cheesiest thing I have ever eaten. I never thought I would say this, but thin crust has some competition over her in Chicago, because deep dish is amazing. Au Chevel, another restaurant I will never forget. Sounds like a fancy, french, upscale restaurant, but is actually a bar/diner specializing in eggs and burgers. And if you’re planning on visiting, definitely go an hour or so before you want to eat, because there is always a wait. But that burger was one of the best things I have ever eaten.

One more staple I’ll point out before I stop dreaming about all the food I ate and move onto the next topic was Bub City. Bub City has the best barbecue I have ever eaten. They feature live music and an amazing aesthetic of neon lights. The servers are friendly, and you should definitely try the mac and cheese.

And next on the list is a quick paragraph about the public transportation scene. Although way less complex and harrowing than the New York City subway looks to tourists, I found myself very confused with it. The L had maybe six different lines defined by color, each only going one direction if I remember correctly. And they also had the Metra, the South Shore Line, and a multitude of buses. You used the ventra card for buses and the L, and for the Metra and South Shore you had to use a ticket, similar to riding the LIRR.

Anyways, even if you are big on walking, busing, or ubering, I would definitely suggest taking it at least once while you’re there. It’s a staple of Chicago, and your trip wouldn’t be the same without it.

The Art Institute of Chicago was a special spot on my list, considering I had wanted to go to school there. The college offers a museum and if you were looking to visit Navy Pier for the Centennial Wheel as well, they offer a joint ticket. The Art Institute had a lot to it, and reminded me a lot of the Met in New York. It had the European art, modern, contemporary, Asian, and more exhibits. It was a beautiful place, but my favorite exhibit had to be those stained glass windows on the first floor.

The Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium were in the vicinity of each other, but large enough that we had to venture over on two separate occasions. The aquarium was massive and had so many exhibits. There was dolphins, sharks, fish, seals, beluga whales, and coral reefs. There was so much to explore and see. And I loved it so much, I’ve never seen an aquarium as interesting as it. There was so much to it, it would take me way to long to explain it all.

The Adler Planetarium was the stuff of my dreams. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love space. They had artifacts from each trip to the moon. They had shows which showed all the stars in the sky and where to find them, a gift shop where I spent way more than I should have, exhibits on all the planets, a ride into the Atwood, a walk through the universe, and so much more.

Next on the list of course Millennium Park, did you even go to Chicago if you didn’t see the bean? The bean was great, and another great addition to the trip was the Winter Classic festival. We go to meet Blackhawk’s players, play games, win prizes, and hear live music. It was a lot of fun. Though if you plan on ice skating, I would suggest going elsewhere, because the line is insane.

All in all, I was not the least bit disappointed in my trip to Chicago. There’s too much to explain, but honestly I would recommend that all of you take a trip one day, because it is amazing there. I can’t wait to visit again, hopefully one day soon. It’s a beautiful city.

To see more refer to my previous posts or go to my Instagram @suburbanwasteland or my personal @im_just_elle

If you have any suggestions on where I should visit next or anything else you’d like to comment on, feel free to reach out through my contact page or via Instagram. And if you’ve read this far, thank you for reading the longest blog post I’ve ever written.