Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Chicao recap.

I finally got my pictures together for a Chicago recap post, just a few days tardy! But it was a blast & I wanted to share our adventures in the city & the 1/2 marathon itself.

The first night we got it, we took the el (or L, or subway...?) train into downtown where we were staying: the Marriott on Magnificent Mile.
Those of us in Northern California aren't that savvy with efficient public transportation. And definitely weren't ready for the craziness of rush hour traffic & what seemed like a million staircases, up & down, with all of our luggage! I took this photo of my mom: the blonde woman straight ahead. Separated & exhausted!

For dinner that night, we went to Rockit, per lots of recommendations from my fabulous bloggy friends!
The food was delish!
We had a blast there & a special treat:
They were hosting a charity fashion show, with many of the previous Bachelor & Bachelorette girls!
And although I didn't recognize most of them, Trista was there... and since she & Ryan are pretty much the show's only success story, she was easy to recognize.

The next day, we enjoyed some much needed shopping along Magnificent Mile.
We walked up and down Michigan Avenue, walked to the beachfront & went to Mike Ditka's restaurant for lunch.

That afternoon, we took the Wendella Architectural boat tour. (Another fine recommendation! Thank you!)


Next up was Epic for dinner! One of the best meals I have ever had! Thanks for the reco!
Great company, great food & I even had a drink with my mom on the rooftop bar! Great night :)

The next day we headed into Bucktown to explore. We went to Northside Bar & Grill for lunch.

Later we went to the Marathon Expo & prepared for our race the next day.
The Expo was a blast & a serious reality check!

To save this from being the longest post EVER... Part 2 to come:
{The Race, the bean & more reco's from all of you lovelies}

20 comments:

sherri lynn said...

I love these pictures! I'll have to remember some of these things for whenever we go to Chicago. So fun that you saw Molly & Trista!

Kitchen Belleicious said...

Oh it looks like so much fun! You are so beautiful in those pictures! Glad you stopped by my site this morning! Yours is fantastic and cant' wait to read more. I am your newest follower

Jess at Just Rainbows and Butterflies said...

Love hearing about your trip and can't wait to read more!

Meg said...

first off you are definitely one beautiful girl! looks like a great trip to chicago and i love the outfit of the grey shorts, white top and pop of color with the orange bag!

birdie to be said...

Oh my gosh!!! I didn't even recognize the fact that it was Molly!

Holly said...

We did the same boat tour & it was fantastic! :) I love Chicago lots & want to go back soon!!

Jesica said...

Sounds like you had a blast and LOVE your purse!

Tamra {ever swoon} said...

Great recap, looks like y'all had a good time. I love all Saints clothing co, they opened one in the spring in my neighborhood.

Now following! xoxo

Tara {The Silver Lining} said...

looks like a great trip! I've only been to Chicago once and would love to go back soon! I'll have to try some of the restaurants you mentioned.

Nikki said...

Fun! I stopped watching after Trista and Ryan. Why watch something that's not going to work out?

Sam W. said...

how cool!! sounds like a fabulous trip :)

Sam @ fitness food & faith

jacin {lovely little details} said...

such a fun recap!!

Stephanie said...

I've been waiting to read this! :) Can't wait to see part 2!

Sherry said...

What fun! Great pictures....Chicago is one of my favorite cities. Looks like a fab trip.

Becca {A Blonde's Logic} said...

Can't wait to hear about the race!! Looks like you had a great time! I've been really wanting to go to Chicago lately!

Becca
http://blondeslogic.blogspot.com

{The Perfect Palette} said...

loved reading about your trip!


xoxo, chrissy
The Perfect Palette

J+S said...

Lucky girl! Chicago is one of my faves.

~Jenifer
Gordon Gossip

Holly said...

How fun, you can see Molly from Jason's season...cool!! Sounds like you had a really great time in Chicago :)

www.StarHughes.com said...

First of all, you and your mom are soooo pretty!!!!! Gorgeous pictures! And oh my gosh how amazing to see Trista! haha I would've been starstruck...I am a little too obsessed with the Bachelor :p

Lesley Rials Napper said...

I'm so glad you and your mom had fun in Chicago! Congrats on your 1/2- such an accomplishment!