Chicago trip report

Just returned from a fabulous girl’s weekend to Chicago. We stayed at The Flemish House on Cedar St. It is just a stones throw from Michigan Ave and at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile. This was the perfect place for the six of us. We had the two rooms/mini-apartments on the third floor. Did not see the other rooms on the other floors but ours were just as the pictures showed. They were even bigger than expected. Two of us slept in the back room and the other four were in the front room. In the front room two slept in the queen bed and two in the living room. The day bed in the living room had a (trundle) mattress under it and pulled out and stored away very easily. They also offer small kitchens if you choose to bring some of your leftovers home or if you like to cook for yourself. Mike and Tom were a total delight. They have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable. Michael lives on the top floor of the Inn so you always have someone on the premises which is nice. All of their suggestions were wonderful and if you’re the shy type, there is a binder with everything you need to know in each room. I can’t recommend this place enough. I was ready to move in. So now, onto the food and entertainment…

We had lunch at The Oak Tree once we got settled in. The Oak Tree is in the 900 building at the north end of the magnificent mile. It is on the sixth floor of the mall but is not to be missed. Wonderful drinks (I had the raspberry, mint aqua Fresca, sis’s had the ginger lemonade) and they have a whole part of the menu that is all fancy grilled cheeses. They serve breakfast all day and it’s totally a lax place with a hip vibe. We ate there twice.

We got in on Thursday evening and hit the Art museum since it’s free that evening from 5-8. The line was long but moved along VERY quickly. It was pretty crowded but the museum is huge so it dispersed the further into the museum we got. There was the normal ‘crowds’ around American Gothic and A Sunday Afternoon… but all in all it was a nice visit.

We had dinner the first night just down the street from The Flemish House. It was called Bistro Zinc. It is a French bistro and reminded me A LOT of Jean-Ro’s in Cincinnati. It was delicious. We all had salads, apps, main courses and desserts! Plus a bottle of wine! It we had split it, the total for each would have been about 45 dollars. Good, I thought.

Friday we had a chocolate tour scheduled for 12:45. It was a bit more of a walk than we thought but that was our fault for leaving too late and making a stop at H%26amp;M. This tour was probably everybody’s favorite treat on the trip. Vanessa and her girls were well prepared and we were on our way with our group of 12. We met at the old Marshall Fields store and visited three chocolatiers within that building then went on a short stroll to three other cafes with chocolate inspired ‘remedies’. Vanessa and her girls are very knowledgeable and great conversationalists. We even learned about some architecture on the tour. There are several tours to choose from and I think ours was the ‘lower loop’ tour. Well worth it. You will be so glad you went!

Friday night we had plans to go to the 8:00 showing at Second City. We saw the ETC show which is right around the corner/next door of the Mainstage. It was a blast! It isn’t what I expected. I thought it would be more comedy show style but it was like watching SNL being taped or something. The production element of it was awesome. And the improv. parts were hilarious. Since we had the aforementioned chocolate tour in the middle of the day we opted for an early dinner before the show. A friend suggested the Italian restaurant Topo Gigio which is one block south of the show. YUM! Big portions, great food and great service. After dinner we walked to the show and then hailed a cab home. The cabs pull up just as the show is getting out so there is no problem getting one.

Saturday was pretty much open so of course we went shopping. Some of us did some museums, some did some exploring, but mostly shopping. Two of my sisters and I went back to the Oak Tree for lunch that day, it was that good! We all met back at the house around 4 and got ready for dinner. We went to the Hancock building first to have a drink. There is the restaurant at the top of the building which is called the Signature Room but we thought it would be too expensive and the observation deck has a cover charge so we decided to do the lounge on the 96th floor so we could enjoy a refreshment while taking in the view. When you get to the top you are shuffled to the left. The seating to the left is open, but if you go back past the elevators you can be seated or sit at the bar. This is what we chose and had a much better view. It’s kind of hectic up there and not as ‘personal’ as you would think. But fun none the less. After the view we went down and got a cab to the Blue Agave which is a Mexican restaurant right down the street from the house. Kind of had a sports bar feel. A great place to throw your jeans on and go have a margarita with the girls.

Sunday I had breakfast with a grade school friend and she took me to The Bagel. Great little diner! Good for kicking back and catching up. Booths down one side, diner bar up front. Loved it! This place is north of where we stayed and my friend had a car and knew the area so I’m not sure how to explain how to get there but I know it was up by Belmont street towards the lake.

After that we headed home!

Chicago trip report

This was great help. I am taking 9 teens to Chicago in June, so the more detail the better. Do you think ETC would be a good spot for teens? If not, I';m thinking Comedy Sportz.

Thanks,

Robin

Chicago trip report

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Chicago and, in particular, the Flemish House. My husband and I are headed there in 2 weeks to take in a Cubs game.

Thanks for your report! I am headed to Chicago on Saturday for my first trip and loved hearing about your adventure!

Lisa