Adventures in Sweets

Located at the intersection of the Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River watersheds, Chicago is a vibrant metropolitan hub rich in industrial and architectural history. Notorious for its windy and bitterly cold winters and hot and humid summers, it makes for the perfect shoulder season getaway. With two major airports and only a four to five hour plane flight from either coast, Chicago should not be overlooked as a long weekend getaway. Here’s my three-day itinerary to maximize your time in ChiTown!

Day 1

In a city like Chicago, where the list of things to do and see can stretch the length of the Magnificent Mile, it’s best to gather your bearings over a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. We chose to venture to the Fulton Market neighborhood to visit Sawada Coffee. Sawada Coffee is the creation of world renowned barista and latte art legend Hiroshi Sawada. In 2008, he became the first Asian World Champion Barista of the “Latte Art World Championship” in Seattle, WA. The menu is a coffee connoisseur’s dream that includes everything from cortados to cappuccinos to pour over coffee. He also offers a wide selection of matcha drinks and Doughnut Vault donuts. While you plan your next move, enjoy your drinks inside the industrial-inspired cafe, or take them to the side alley to solar charge your batteries for the day.

The Fulton Market neighborhood is a foodie haven. Award winning chefs and restaurant groups have populated these blocks of the West Loop. We decided to swing by Little Goat Diner for brunch. This diner concept from Stephanie Izard is the sister restaurant to her flagship Girl & the Goat located across the street. While the menu’s inspiration comes from the familiar diner classics, her unique twists take them to the next level. I tried the Little Piggy Went to China consisting of a flaky scallion cheddar biscuit, two fried eggs and sichuan pork sausage with a drizzle of chili garlic chive sauce. Far too complicated a dish to execute at home, but one that I would go back for in a heartbeat.

​From there, we made our way to Chicago’s First Lady to embark on the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. There are multiple cruises each day and mid-week in September we had no problem securing tickets the day of at our preferred time. Viewing the buildings from the river allows for a greater appreciation of the engineering and design behind the distinctive structures. The Chicago Architecture Foundation guides are all volunteers and possess a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the city. If your schedule allows, try to grab a seat on one of the sunset cruises for added enchantment. The cruise will drop you off at the foot of Michigan Avenue for an evening of window shopping and dinner.

Day 2

Ready for another day of exploration, we stopped at the Goddess and the Baker for our morning caffeine fix and quick breakfast. The bright, cheerful, Instagramable interior is a vibe. I was thrilled to see my recent obsession, iced horchata, on the menu. I paired it with another favorite – bagel, cream cheese, tomato and cucumber – and I was ready for the day. Their selection of baked goods is extensive and deliciously over the top. We grabbed a selection of frosted sugar cookies to give to our friends for hosting us during our trip.

A short walk around the corner from the Goddess and the Baker is Millenium Park, home of Cloud Gate, more commonly known as the “The Bean”. Added in 2004, its reflective surface was inspired by liquid mercury. Like the buildings it reflects, The Bean is both an artistic and engineering masterpiece. The exterior consists of 168 massive steel plates that were created using computer technology while the interior contains a bridge-like framework to support the iconic shape. While we don’t take a lot of selfies, can you really say you were in Chicago without a photo with The Bean?

Another 15 minute stroll through Grant Park and we arrived at Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain. Installed in 1927, this fountain is only open May through mid-October (aka – when it is not freezing). It is one of the largest fountains in the world and visitors are treated to a spectacular 20-minute display every hour on the hour, generally beginning at 9AM. The display uses as much as 15,000 gallons per minute and reaches heights of 150 feet during the dazzling exhibit.

A leisurely mile walk or quick car ride back up Michigan Avenue is a hidden gem of the Chicago museum scene – the American Writers’ Museum. Located on the second floor of a relatively nondescript building, this interactive museum is what we all wish our American Literature classes were like in high school. Its opening in 2017 was the culmination of over seven years of development and curation. They have created an immersive experience that takes visitors through a parallel timeline of American history and the writers who documented it and brought it to life. An interactive bookshelf celebrates writing in all its forms – music, advertising, cooking, etc. The staccato typing at typewriters emanated from one of our favorite exhibits where visitors are invited to start typing a story or poem to be completed by the next person to sit down. Despite its modest size, only covering one floor, it was easy to lose track of time – a sign of both a good book and a good museum.

Day 3

Chicago is passionate about their sports teams. Their roster of professional sports teams include two baseball teams, a football team, a hockey team, men’s and women’s basketball teams and men’s and women’s soccer teams. Anytime of year visitors can (and should!) attend a sporting event. The enthusiasm and energy of a sports loving town like Chicago is an attraction unto itself!

As avid sports fans, a visit to one of the most historic venues in professional sports, Wrigley Field, was not negotiable. It opened in 1914 and is home to the iconic ivy covered outfield walls (Rookie of the Year, anyone?). The marquee at the corner of Addison and Clark displays the game for the day flanked by the Chicago Cubs flag and the flag of their opponent. I had chills walking into the ballpark knowing how many stars of the game have played on the legendary diamond.

The neighborhood is aptly referred to as Wringleyville and worth a stroll. There are numerous bars and restaurants that all cater to the pre- and post game crowd. We stopped at Mordecai on N. Clark. Their inventive cocktail menu is as creative as the glassware it is presented in. According to our server, all the glassware is sourced from local estate sales and second hand shops. We tried their charcuterie plate complete with the chef’s selection of cheeses and homemade crackers. The fish and chips were perfection – light, airy and crispy.

Keeping with the sports theme, we snagged tickets to Second City’s ComedySportz. Alumni of Second City include Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Tim Meadows, Amy Poehler, and Rachel Dratch, just to name a few. All the shows are based on improvisational comedy, so one of the defining features is that no two shows are ever exactly the same. They draw on audience participation and the shenanigans of their fellow troupe members to create an evening of entertainment. It is a fun, lighthearted way to close out a packed Chicago itinerary!