In The Navy … Pier
Yesterday was our first full day here in Chicago, IL and we really made the most of the amazing weather. Altho the day started out cold and rainy, it brightened up by noontime and for the most part the rest of the day was glorious. David and I met up with Sarah, Mark, Joe and Lea for brunch at Atwood Cafe before heading over to Garrett’s Popcorn for a bag of cheesy/caramel popcorn mix. Trust me, y’all, if you’re ever in Chicago you MUST get this mix of popcorn … it’s absolutely delish! With cheesy/sticky popcorn fingers, we made our way to Millennium Park to hang out and take photos before making our way to Navy Pier to ride the rides:
At one point along our walk, we felt the wind shift and actually felt the temperature go from the low 60s to the low 80s … I have never felt a temperature change that quick before in my life. It was kinda freaky but very cool. We rode the Ferris Wheel and Swings and really had a fab time. After our afternoon out, we parted ways with Joe and Lea and made our way back to our suite at the Hard Rock Hotel to chill out before Sarah and Mark had to drive back to Detroit. David and I went out for Chicago Deep Dish pizza at Gino’s East before calling it a night back home at the Hard Rock again. I had forgotten how much I love this city … the people are very cool and there is so much to see and do. It’s been quite some time since I was in the city last and there are so many new things to see … the city has gotten even cooler!
I believe we are meeting up with one of David’s friends who lives here in the city but I think the rest of the day will be spent exploring on foot again. So great to back in the city again … we are really loving it.
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April 27th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I love it!! Looks like you are having so much fun. I am not lying when I say my friends uncle owns Garrett Popcorn. SO. DAMN. GOOD!!! Keep the pics coming.
April 27th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I’ve only had a quick stopover in Chicago so didn’t see much at all, but next I’m in the US I’ll plan to have a good visit there.
April 27th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
This makes me want to visit Chicago even more. Is that a little amusement park or something where you guys were on swings?
April 27th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I *heart* Chicago!
April 27th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Hi Trent! I’m going to Chicago for about 5 days in June and would love some advice on places to see, restaurants and shopping (well other than the places you’ve already mentioned lol) I would really appreciate it! Thanks and hope you’re having an awesome time!
April 27th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Oh yay! I was in Chicago last weekend and I also went to the Navy Pier and rode the rides. Try to hit up the pirate exhibit at the Field Museum as well…Its only about 1.5 miles from the Navy Pier.
April 27th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Ahh…home. Born and raised in the wonderful Chicagoland area. I am so happy that you’re aware of Garretts popcorn–the best is when your fingers are orange for hours after eating the yummy treat!!
Enjoy it…the city is amazing!
April 27th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I love Chicago. I grew up about an hour away so I try to visit as often as possible. Trent make sure to go this website and support Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic games! http://www.chicago2016.org/
April 27th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Hey Trent, not sure how long you’ll be in town, but this opens in chicago on Thursday:
Opening of Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Thursday April 30th
Location: Museum of Science & Industry – 57th Street & Lake Shore Dr.
Enjoy an up-close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films. These authentic artifacts will be displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the Gryffindor™ common room, Hagrid’s hut and the Great Hall.
You will also get a first glimpse at items from the next film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which is scheduled to open in theaters on July 17, 2009.
April 27th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
@Janelle — the rides are on Navy Pier right on Lake Michigan, it’s a fun area. The whole city is a playground tho — lots of great eats, shopping, art … amazing city.
April 27th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Don’t forget to see The Bean!
April 27th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
it looks like you’re having fun.
chicago is such a great city, i hope you have a good time!
don’t forget about Giordano’s! it’s not too far from where you’re staying.
April 27th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
@christy — the first photo was taken in the reflection of The Bean
April 27th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Yay! I’m glad you’re enjoying Chicago :) It’s been so cloudy and rainy though. Hopefully we have some sun before you leave. Are you ready to see Britney again tomorrow? I’m so jealous that you will have gotten to see her 3 times!!!
April 27th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Trent, you’ve sold me to visiting Chicago!
April 27th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I am so amazed you can eat all that junk food, stay thin and not barf on the amusment park rides!!!
April 27th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Glad to see you’re having fun in our fair city – and true about the weather change – it was freaky. I was surprised we didn’t have tornadoes for you!!!
April 27th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
You were in luck, Trent. My son was in town also from LA so I worked my witchcraft to get some warm LA’ish weather. However, my powers are limited so it rained all day Saturday, so sorry. Yeah, Chicago is a special town. I love LA but it doesn’t have the city vibe that Chi-town has and our lakefront outshines even NY’s Central Park.
April 27th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
trent, i’m booked to stay in the hard rock at the end of june…is it awesome?
April 27th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Trent, I love your blog and all but the new ads you have on here are starting to become borderline ridiculous. I don’t want to take a survey, I don’t want to read about some fake entry involving some gum spokesman, nor do I want to ride in any sort of Suburu automobile. I realize you have to rake the bucks in somehow but I think you can be a little more tasteful.
April 27th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Welcome to Chicago…one minute it is 60, the next it is 80 and the next it is back to 60! I love this city and glad you are able to enjoy it (again). Have fun at the concert!
April 27th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I would kill for some Garretts carmel corn right now. Everytime someone I know goes to Chi-town I make them bring me back a bag:) Looks like you guys had a blast!
April 27th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I’m a fan of Giordano’s pizza myself. It’s been years since I had some, though. I live in the Bend and you would think I could get to Chicago more often…
April 27th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Ah! So much fun seeing pictures of you playing in my neighborhood! Thanks for sharing all the Chicago love! We love our city :)
April 27th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Glad to hear you’re having a great time! I adore Mill. Park, it’s just so much fun when the weather’s decent. In the summer, kids, wearing swimsuits, drag their parents to that fountain and play in the water. The bandstand’s invisible surround sound is amazing too.
I highly recommend a good sushi place–no point in naming a place, there are a ton of good ones!
April 27th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I live here in Chicago and I’ve never even been on those swings. :) Well if you get a chance you should take a cab up to one of Chicago’s neighborhoods Andersonville and walk around. It’s very cute and there’s a cute gay owned restaurant called Hamburger Mary’s. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, but it’s cute and kitchy. Plus there are lots of awesome antique and home ware shops. FUN FUN FUN
April 27th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I still haven’t seen millenium park and I live in Chicago. Glad your enjoying your stay!
April 27th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
i **LOVE** when people love my native city…. really wish i had run into you guys! also wish we had rolled out nicer weather for you all, but it is a pretty awesome place regardless. someone once told me “we don’t live in Chicago because of the weather, we live here IN SPITE of it!” enjoy the rest of your stay! xo
April 27th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Chicago is a GREAT city. I love it. I need to visit more often.
April 27th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Awww I was at the Bean Sunday afternoon myself… around 5-ish. We went right after the Sox game. Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world!! So glad you love it as much as we do, Trent :)
April 27th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Hey Trent! Just wondering if you and the boy are going to be in Chicago Wednesday night as well? Minibar in Boystown is hosting a CIRCUS AFTERPARTY EVENT! All Brit Brit all night! Hope to see you there if you’re still in town!!!
-Ryan
April 27th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
My husband and I moved from Los Angeles to Chicago a week ago and haven’t looked back. =)
April 27th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
Ughh I’m coming home to chicago in 9 days, and I’ve been craving GINOS (& lous)! Not fair! Enjoy yourselves! There is SOOOO much to do!
April 28th, 2009 at 7:37 am
tonight it is the night trent!!!!
i can barely make it through work today!!!
April 28th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
@sarah – omg, it’s the best. this is my second stay at the Hard Rock Chicago and i love this place. trust me, you will love it ;)