Desination: Chicago

These are my favorite spots in the Windy City.

Overview
Sear Tower (Willis Tower)
Milennium Park
Navy Pier
Carriage Rides
John Hancock Building
Wrigley Field~~Coming Soon

Pacific Coast Highway - SoCal

Saying good-bye to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we were on our way to the Pacific Coast Highway. Along the chunk of highway we were on, we saw the beautiful houses of the rich and famous nestled back in the hills of Malibu, gorgeous CA coastline, surfers getting their wave on, and of course, the Santa Monica Pier.

Nobody goes to Southern California and doesn't see the ocean. Believe it or not, I had been there for 6 days without seeing water! Wow, I had been deprived! This wasn't my first time seeing the Pacific, but it was my first time seeing the Pacific in California. The weather was a little chilly, but I didn't care. I'm from Wisconsin, so anything above 60 degrees is considered hot for me. As we headed to the beach, I kicked off my sandals and ran in the water! What a great feeling the ocean was. A funny things I noticed was all the people who were on the beach. I went on a Thursday afternoon, and all those people made me wonder if anyone had jobs in SoCal???!!! Or are they just really rich and don't have to work???

On that same beach was the Santa Monica Pier, which was essentially Chicago's Navy Pier, but 3/4 its size. Santa Monica Pier is a big tourist attraction with souviner shops, restaurants, and it even has a ferris wheel. Is there a theme going on or what?!

The coast is a very nice repeive from the crazy life of Southern California!

Tips on the Pacific Coast Highway:
-None! I have no tips on the PCH. Look around and enjoy it, and take some time to enjoy the beach, whatever beach you decide to enjoy.

Navy Pier - Chicago

One could easily spend a half, or even a full day on Navy Pier. Known as Chicago's playground, Navy Pier offers many family oriented attractions, shops, restaurants, gardens, and entertainment.

The entertainment includes fireworks, theatrical productions, an IMAX Theater, Cirque acrobats, and live staged shows featuring jugglers, magicians, and marching bands. One can enjoy shopping with possible purchases such as apparel, souvenirs, collectibles, and toys. Navy Pier has a wide variety of restaurants ranging from casual to family-oriented to candle-lit dining. After you work up an appetite, your senses will sure be pleased.

A big hilight of Navy Pier can be see from a-far, and that is the giant Ferris Wheel in the middle of the Pier. I did not get a chance to go on it, but I can tell you that I have never seen a bigger Ferris Wheel anywhere, and I'm sure it will be well worth the ride!

Tips on Navy Pier:
-If Navy Pier is a must-see for you, don't make it your last stop in Chicago. Navy Pier is 50 acres, and you won't get nearly as much enjoyment out of it if you are exhausted from a day of walking the city.
-Wear your walking shoes.
-Make a note to see Navy Pier at night. The Ferris Wheel looks amazing in the dark!

Chicago

I know Chicago like I know the back of my hand! I have family who live in a suburb of Chicago, and we would go there as a family every year! Chicago is a great city, rain or shine, hot or cold! You will never run out of things to do in Chicago!

My first memory of Chicago was eating at the Hard Rock Cafe and going on a horse and carriage ride just after Christmas. Chicago is a bustling city around Christmastime, and the streets are beautifully lit with Christmas lights adorning each tree, and in store fronts for as far as the eye can see.

Chicago in the summer is equally amazing as it is in the winter. The freedom to walk the lakefront, the Magnificent Mile, through Grant and Milennium Parks, and laying in the grass just feet away from Navy Pier is incredible!

Read on as I tell you about each one of these attractions, and more!!