Los Angeles - SoCal

After exhausting ourselves in Anaheim, we headed further up the coast to Los Angeles. Being neither my roommate or I was driving, we could take in everything L.A. had to offer. I felt like a whole different person going through downtown L.A., like I was a big star heading into the big city with dreams and aspirations. L.A. will do that to ya! The skyline is absolutely gorgeous, and pictures/TV shows don't do it justice.

The first place Uncle Matt brought us was down skid row. As enticing as L.A. may sound, it definitely has its poor spots. More of the city than I could believe was homeless. It seems like an oximoron to say L.A. is the city where dreams come true when a third of the city streets are littered with homelessness.

After we left skid row, I really got to see the true glam of L.A. Uncle Matt took us down some posch streets like Rodeo Drive, Sunset Blvd., Roberston Blvd. and we even drove by the Beverly Wilshire, where parts of Pretty Woman was filmed. I felt like I was in a whole new world. Even though stopping at just one of these stores would leave me pennyless, it was fun to dream!

Tips on Los Angels:
-If you can (and/or want), avoid driving downtown. Traffic seems heavy at all times of the day.
-If you know where to go to see skid row, DON'T get out of the car!

Carriage Rides - Chicago

A horse and carriage ride through downtown Chicago is a great way to cap off any evening. I have been on 2 horse and carriage rides in Chicago, but it was my second that I remember the most. The first one was when I was just a young child, and the last one was on the one-day trip to Chicago my fiance and I took.

The carriages are ready for riders at the Chicago Water Tower, the only building standing after the Great Chicago Fire. After getting in the carriage, you have a choice to ride downtown, or take an extended ride along the lakefront. We took the lakefront ride, and it is totally worth the extra small fee. I can't imagine anything better than cuddling up with your loved one and experiencing a unique side of Chicago not seen by many.

John Hancock Building - Chicago

There really isn't much to see in the John Hancock Building, but the main attraction is the restaurant, the Signature Room on the 95th floor. This restaurant offers the best views of Chicago. I know I said that about the Sears Tower, but in the John Hancock Building you can actually SEE the Sears Tower!

The Signature Room is a formal restaurant and it attracts many people from many walks of life. When my fiance and I visited Chicago, we knew we had to eat there. After getting all dressed up, we had somewhere to go! Calling ahead, we realized that reservations could be made, but there was no guarantee for a window seat, probably the most sought-after seat of all restaurants in Chcago. We decided to take a chance anyway, so we went up 95 floors and stood in line for quite some time. Our stipulation for eating there was that if we couldn't get a window seat, we weren't going to eat there, because what's the use of eating there if we didn't have a view, right? Unfortunately when our names were called, we were told we wouldn't get a seat at the window, so we gently declined.

While we were waiting in line, however, some of the girls around us were chatting about the amazing views from the ladies restroom in the restaurant, so I had to check it out. I think there was more of a line to capture the views than there was a line for the actual bathroom. The views are spectacular from those windows, and on a clear night you can see for miles!

The John Hancock Building's Signature Room can make for a very romantic evening, and even though I didn't eat there, I will highly recommend it. The environment is great, and the views are truly amazing!

I will, however, recommend the Cheesecake Factory at the foot of the John Hancock Building. After our let-down on the 95th floor, we came down and ate outdoors at the Cheesecake Factory. This restaurant also has a wonderful environment, and probably for half the price of the Signature Room. If it's just the view you are after, head into the ladies restroom for a quick picture and then slip out, but if it's the total romance that you are looking for, the Signature Room is is the place to be! It's a win-win situation!

Tips on the Signature Room:
-Even if you have reservations, expect waiting in line on a Friday or Saturday evening.

Millennium Park - Chicago

Millennium Park is cool for many reasons. It's right across from Lake Michigan, and it has the Bean! A great thing about Chicago is that much of the waterfront is adorned by grass and parks, not concrete buildings. Millennium Park is a beautiful park to to do many things. There is a big pavillion to see bands and concerts, many great areas to have picnics, and the Bean!

The Bean is by far the coolest thing to see in Millennium Park, personally. The Bean is a reflective object (shaped like a bean of course), showing skewed images of whoever or whatever is looking into it! The Bean is a major attraction in Chicago both day and night, summer or winter.

I have been to the Bean in both summer and winter, and both day and night. During the day, you can see the Chicago skyline as it reflects off the Bean, and at night you can see the night skyline through the Bean. Trust me, it's a big difference!

Another cool aspect about the Bean is that you can walk into the center of it, which is the picture I have headlining this post. The center of the Bean reminded me of the House of Mirrors you would find at an amusement park. Very cool!

If you visit the Bean in the winter-time, there is an ice-skating rink just below where you can take in the season, or participate in yourself!

Sears Tower - Chicago

The Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Formerly the tallest structure ever, the Sears Tower offers fantastic views of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and on clear days, Milwaukee!

I have been up to the observation deck twice in my life. My most recent trip, however, was more memorable. The line to go up isn't the shortest, but they offer the history of the Sears Tower via television and that makes the wait a little more bearable. Once you reach the elevator, the time from the ground to the deck is about 8 seconds, the fastest ride up I have ever experienced! Getting off the elevator, you will immediately see spectacular 360 dregee views of Chicago. To the North, you will see the famed John Hancock Building, among other skyscrapers. To the East is the beautiful Lake Michigan, and Grant and Milennium Parks! Looking South is Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears NFL franchise, and more skyscrapers, and to the West is residential areas, and yes, more buildings. If you don't know what you are looking at, the deck has plaques which offer information on what specific buildings are. On the inside wall of the deck is a mural of the Chicago history, from culture to sports to the arts.

The Sears Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago, and it is a must-see for anyone who visits! I know when I visit next, I want to be first in line!

Tips on up in the Sears Tower:
-Go on a sunny day to ensure clear and lenghty visibility.
-If you are afraid of heights, don't be afraid of going up! My fiance is afraid to even go on Ferris Wheel's, and he had no problem seeing the views from the top!