Sorry for the late post! We packed so many adventures into one day yesterday.
Let's start from the beginning of September 3rd, shall we?
In hopes of putting our feet into Lake Michigan water, Taylor and I decided to veer from the mapquest directions in search of a local beach. We found ourselves in a sketchier part of town, lost, and antsy. After agreeing to pay the unreasonable fee for parking at the Navy Pier, we headed toward sunshine, rides, food, and fun! The pier was packed with things to do-anything from boat tours, a beer garden, rides, and restaurants, to stained glass window museums, and local gift shops.
After buying a penny and shot glasses, and walking the pier, I indulged in cinnamon roasted almonds. Ladies and gentleman, these almonds rocked my world. Not only does the mere smell of them make your salivary glands spew liquid, but the truck was just too damn cute to walk by without stopping!
Our next stop was Willis Tower, the tallest building in North America. I have to say thank you to Cory for suggesting it, as well as Giordano's, and Garrett's Popcorn. Thanks!
We walked from the Navy Pier to the Willis Tower, approximately 4 miles both ways (if we didn't stray on our way back.) Along the way we found some touristy attractions to stop and take pictures at :)
I found a Clean Air Hybrid Bus- yay for green energy and transportation! :-D
Finally, Willis Tower!
#crazybroad
For my sisters who enjoy that app that gives you a talking mouth with a mustache, I found paraphernalia in the guest shop that might interest you...
Ah, yes. I can't forget to mention the flower pot pants that reside just outside the Willis Tower! Art, just works of art! (Ants in your pants? Daisy Dukes? I feel like there's so many ways we could go with this, but better...)
From the Willis Tower, we headed to Garrett's Popcorn. I should tell you, friends, that I indulge in popcorn frequently. Why did I use the word "indulge?" Sheesh! It's a whole grain, right!? Let's just say I eat it in excessive quantities.
Upon walking in, a brown-haired, gentleman wearing a really flattering, well-fitted, collared shirt with blue jeans approached us and offered his assistance. He apparently works at the shop, but was there during his off hours that day (if that's any indication of how amazing it is.) It was refreshing to speak to someone so passionate about his job, and the city. He suggested we sample the popcorn flavors, but also noted that the Chicago Mix was by far the most popular, and the most scrumptious. We took his advice and I'm extremely grateful we won't have this in LA. I would have to add far too many miles to guesstimate onto my daily run.
After Taylor and I ate popcorn until our fingers turned orange (literally), we stopped by a few tourist attractions, the first of which was the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. It was incredibly beautiful, and so interestingly crafted!
I also saw a Chicago cupcake truck. This truck sighting warrants a personal shout out to my girl, Jenn, who grew to love the Hartford cupcake truck found right outside our offices this past summer :)
As we mosied over to the Navy Pier and our car, Taylor and I found ourselves lost in conversation. We basically decided college admission criteria is crap, Chicago and I are in love, and Taylor should move to LA in a year. As we came to these conclusions, we found we strayed from our path and ended up a level above the road where we should have been. To rectify this incorrect elevation, Taylor decided we should walk into a miscellaneous, unidentified elevator found next to a garden. It was incredibly sketchy, and therefore, incredibly memorable. All in all, it took us about four extra miles (a total of six miles for those of you less mathematically inclined-that's you Jenn) to get back to the Navy Pier.
After leaving the pier, we headed over to our hotel and then to Wrigley Field to see a Cubs game versus the Mariners. I love baseball, and I was incredibly excited for this. I really enjoy the city, baseball park atmosphere. I also really enjoy beer and food-so it was a win, win really.
I've
been to a few MLB games before...but I never tried the hot dogs! :D I
had my first ball park frank! I ordered the Chicago hot dog, which
entailed an all beef hot dog, a poppy seed bun, onions, vibrant green
relish, yellow mustard, a pickle spear, peppers, and tomato. It was
DELISH. I did have ketchup on the side (sorry Cory.) Ketchup is my favorite condiment and sometimes people buy me
Costco-sized ketchup on holidays.
Anyway, I loved Wrigley field and the people there. There were some real die hard Cubs fans, and that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside (hehe.) However, I had to make the decision that I cannot convert to a Cubs fan. I'm sick of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry and the drama that comes with it...but Chicago, get your sh*t together! Your short-stop can't field a basic ground ball, your batters are looking at the third strike, and you have men that can't even bunt the ball. I still love you though, just not in the "you're my top team, I'll root for you until I die" sort of way.
Mom-good news. I got a picture with the Renbrook "R" at Wrigley Field. Shout out to the ladies in the business office!
After the game, we headed over to Giordano's to get pizza. Well, we were coerced into this. Full from our hot dogs, Taylor and I wanted to go check out some bars, but the peer pressure from home (and a friend-you know who you are!) brought us to try deep dish, Chicago pizza. I also ordered the Goose Island Lime beer, which was decent. Anyway, the pizza was good-as most pizza is, but I'm not a "slather my pizza with three inches of cheese" girl. I like a bit more sauce. However, I enjoyed the depth of the pizza and the crust's texture and taste.
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