Our marathon weekend in Chicago was my first trip with Mr A to the windy city. I was exited to show him one of my favorite cities and to run my second marathon.
We stayed in Chicago from Saturday to Tuesday at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park hotel. I chose this hotel since it’s located on the south side of Chicago River in walking distance to Grant Park where the marathon started. I prefer to stay on the other side of the river by the Magnificent Mile, but it’s always nice to check out a new neigborhood and our room was spacious with two double beds, beautiful decor and view of the Chicago River. If you are planning to stay in Chicago for the marathon weekend I will recommend you to book a hotel room as early as possible, because the hotel prices increase this weekend. You can check out my favorite hotel in Chicago here.
View from our hotel room
We arrived in the afternoon and we picked up our race numbers at the EXPO. The next day we ran the Chicago Marathon – you can read about the race here. After the race and a stop by the hotel room for a shower, we walked up to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and cheesecakes – I love this restaurant and the cheesecakes are so yummy.
Dulce De Leche Caramel Cheesecake
On Monday I was ready for shop till you drop!!!!! Michigan Avenue and Oak Street are my favorite shopping streets and all within walking distance in downtown Chicago. Michigan Avenue, known as the Magnificent Mile, boasts more than 460 retailers including popular brands, major department stores, international luxury labels and designers. Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus are my favorite department stores. After breakfast at Starbucks we were ready to hit the streets again, in a slower pace this time. I ran 26,2 miles the day before so I rewarded my self with a pair of new shoes (not running shoes) at Neiman Marcus. We stopped by The Frye Company and Macy’s, Sephora, The Lego Store and Abercrombie & Fitch at the Water Tower Place, to get some presents for the kids and some for me. We also went to Nike store to get some marathon finisher gear.
After the shopping marathon we had a glass of wine at the Signature Room on top of the Hancock Building. The view over the city and the lake view was amazing. If you want a table by the window you often have to wait to be seated, but we were happy to rest our feet at a table in the middle of the room.
In the evening we dressed up and had dinner at the Shanghai Terrace at the Peninsula hotel, a fancy restaurant at a five star hotel – my favorite hotel in Chicago. This is one of the best Chinese Restaurants in Chicago with delicious food and first class service. I had the Kung Pao Chicken – a little bit spicy for me, but still excellent. This was a great experience and a perfect ending to a great day in Chicago.
Next day was our last day in the city. We had a late flight home and we had time to explore more of Chicago. First we went for another stroll on Michigan Avenue and enjoyed all the Halloween decorations, which is a little bit exotic for us Norwegians.
We made a stop at the Under Armour store and a candy heaven…
We then headed south of the Chicago River to the Millennium Park and Grant Park.
Buckingham Fountain, one of the worlds largest fountains, located in the center of Grant Park.
Soldier Field football stadium the home field of the Chicago Bears.
Our stroll turned in to a long walk and after dinner at TGI Fridays it was time to catch the train to the airport and head back home again.
I love Chicago, I loved to share it with Mr A and I hope to travel here again soon.
Home sweet home……..
Thank you for reading!
Travel with Style 