Vancouver Good

On this blog, I am including my trip itineraries when I travel outside of Vancouver because….

1) I like having a record of it
2) I spent a lot of time finding places and things to do. So, even though I am no local, I might as well share what I know!

Chicago

An awesome city – I had an excellent time and would happily return. Here are my highlights:

THE BASE

Hotel Felix – A new, boutique style hotel with reasonable prices and an excellent location. The hotel is right between the Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile districts and walking distance to most attractions. Rooms are small, but nice.

TO DO

The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Boat Cruise is an excellent 90-minute history of the Chicago skyline. Accept no substitutes and make sure you take the CAF’s boat cruise, not another one! Buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment

The Chicago Art Institute hold some excellent collections, including an amazing impressionist artist collection and the famous painting “American Gothic.”

Buckingham Fountain, modelled after Latona fountain in Versailles, is just beautiful. Situated in a huge square with lots of benches for you to sit on, bring a book and enjoy the fountain and outdoors.

Millennium Park, home of the kidney bean shaped sculpture Cloud Gate, which is a must see. I know it’s hard to believe, but a kidney bean sculpture where you can see your reflection is strangely mesmerizing.

SHOP

The Bucktown/Wicker Park district features several independent boutiques, including lots of Canadian designers! A cross between Vancouver’s Main St and Commercial Drive.

Gold Coast district is an older, high-end neighbourhood with some lovely streets and shops (including my favourite mainstream store  – Anthrolpologie).

EAT

Alinea – Reserve two months in advance and save up. If you do this you’ll be rewarded with one of the best restaurant experiences ever.

Frontera Grill – Excellent Mexicain-American cuisine from celebrity chef Rick Bayless

Mirai Sushi – Inventive menu and incredibly fresh sushi

Green Zebra – Upscale vegetarian food (fellow carnivores, you won’t miss the meat)

Feast Restaurant -  Straight forward, moderately priced restaurant

Pizzeria Uno – One of the original Chicago deep dish pizza places

Garrett Popcorn – I waited in line 20 minutes for this famous Chicago popcorn, known for a homemade caramel corn and cheddar popcorn. Greasy, but tasty!

And yes, it is windy in Chicago, but you’ll love it.