Chicago: the “Second City,” the city where I spent my childhood summers, the first city where I lived on my own as an “adult,” the city that made me a nurse, and also the city that has made me poor with parking tickets.

And yes, sadly, Summer is over. It’s really gone.

The city of Chicago welcomed me back so graciously and I spent my summer working per diem, making memories with my man, having drinks with my girls, visiting my family, and being fed for free as I hopped around the neighborhoods of Chicago. So, if you’re visiting Chi (which you definitely should) or if you live here and are looking for some spots to check out, I’ve got you covered:

• Jeni’s Ice Creams
• Bounce Sporting Club
• Chop Shop
• Streeterville Social
• Chicago Helicopter Experience
• Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
• Dine Machine
• Wndr Museum

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 Jeni’s Ice Creams

You can find a line around the block all Summer to get into Jeni’s Ice Creams. There are 7 locations around the city and they all pop! Jeni’s has like 24 flavors and I’ve been four times and their ice cream never has that “freezer” taste. Jeni’s does not use any artificial flavorings or dyes, plus they hand make their own waffle cones. Definitely a Summer time favorite! Bonus: They even deliver pints of their signature flavors via DoorDash!

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Bounce Sporting Club

Bounce is a high-end sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating on their rooftop. I went for Happy Hour, but they also have a very popular Sunday party brunch and specials on Mondays and Thursdays all football season!

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Chop Shop

Chop Shop is a restaurant and bar in Wicker Park. They have their own butcher on site and they also have a rooftop. Oh and psst, they have $1 oysters and half off bottles of wine on Wednesdays 🙂

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Streeterville Social

Out of all the times I’ve been to Streeterville’s Rooftop, I have yet to try their bourbon infused marshmallows– tragic! And now they’re closed for the season! *cries real tears* When Summer rolls back around, you have to make a stop at Streeterville

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Chicago Helicopter Experience

Quite possibly my #1 most favorite thing I did in Chicago this summer! I loved CHE so much that I want to do it again…like TOMORROW! I would love to do one more day time tour and I also want to try the night time tour. This is a must for everyone! The views were so incredible that I can’t even believe I took these photos myself– they look unreal! Every single person I worked with at CHE was so nice and professional and we felt completely safe during the entire experience.

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Radisson Blu Aqua

If you are visiting Chicago, The Radisson Blu Aqua has a perfect location. It’s downtown and close to all of the major Chi-Town spots. Plus, it is so pretty! The decor truly looks like that of a museum; it’s gorgeous. The details are impressive. There’s a rooftop pool, gym, a private full running/walking track that goes around the property (also outdoors and on the roof), annnnd they have their own Starbucks.

We stayed in the Ambassador Suite. This suite had a fully furnished living room, a separate bedroom, its own balcony, a large bathroom with a bidet, and free breakfast in the morning.  Thank you, Radisson!

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Dine Machine

Dine Machine is the experience every girl needs. Go with Bae for date night, have a drink on a Friday, or go with the girls for Sunday brunch. A restaurant with a literally perfect aesthetic, interactive drinks, and a florist. You really can’t lose.

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Wndr Museum

Chicago’s Wndr Museum is almost 100% interactive. It’s inspiring and goal focused and its exhibits encourage you to be you, unapologetically. Not to mention, the entire museum is filled with photo ops! Definitely worth a stop by.

 

Chi-City,  Summer ’19 only made me love you more.

Xo, Tae

 

Each business in this post gave me free services in exchange for a review on my blog.