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How To Spend a Day in Chicago on a Whim

1 Oct
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Continuing the sharing of fall break ideas, today we check out a day in Chicago.

The best times are sometimes the most unplanned and unexpected.  All of these places listed below were visited on a whim and were not planned at the time we left home.   But our inability to plan usually turns out OK and I’m sharing our favorite spots to hit on a whim in Chicago which would make an awesome day away (from Indy) over Fall Break.

Here in Indy, we get two weeks for break, as we are on a balanced calendar which means that there’s lots of time to fill which can get expensive.  But a day trip to Chicago doesn’t have to be.  Wake up some Saturday or Sunday morning, for those working parents, or weekday for those with time off and drive three hours north to the Windy City…

We drove straight to the Bean at Millenium Park.Parking in Chicago can be tricky, but luckily there’s plenty of it!
We did find a good parking garage close to the bean and tried to not go back there until the end of the day.

MAGGIE C DALEY PARK

From the Bean, walk to Maggie Daley park and explore the beautiful art installations, walk over the highway, or roller blade or walk the Ribbon.  I really want to go back when the Ribbon is covered with ice!

If you are in the mood to walk, stroll over to Navy Pier where you can explore small shops, food, and museums.
We choose to take a ride on the Centennial Wheel and grab a bite to eat.
*We did start to walk here, but ended up grabbing a cab after a few {f a i l e d} attempts to make it over there by ourselves.

NAVY PIER

After that, take a another cab over to Michigan Avenue…
We were dropped off near the John Hancock Building…

THE MICHIGAN MILE

Then walked South on Michigan Avenue…
We visited the American Girl Store which is huge… and while we didn’t buy anything, you could bring your own doll and schedule to get their hair done while you are there or enjoy lunch here!

*While we were here, we popped on Open Table to check to see if any close restaurants had reservations available.  We did want to do something fun along the lines of like a Rainforest Cafe, but ended up finding SAFEHOUSE and it was the perfect {last min} addition to our trip (more coming up on that).

RETAIL THERAPY

And the Disney Store which is so fun to explore with little ones because of all it’s fun displays and animations around the store.

NHL store which as a really cool piece of “hockey art” at the entrance.

But there are so many places to shop along this run, that it’s super easy to fill an entire day with just shopping!  Plus, lots to look at like street performers and protests!  We actually ended up in the middle of an animal rights protest which added a little interest to the trip and definitely a few thing to talk about on the way home!

*You could also pop over to the Lincoln Park Zoo for a walk through as it’s completely FREE and pretty good!  We ended up popping over for a short walk through to fill some time before dinner.

SAFE HOUSE

After that, we headed over to Dinner because we didn’t want to go too late because remember, this was a day trip. And dinner was the perfect way to end the evening…

We headed over to Safe House.  This was a really really fun thing to do both as adults and kids.  The experience really sold us on checking it out.  We used Open Table to get a reservation because remember, this was also a trip we took on a whim.

Safe House is a super fun spot and the food was really enjoyable!  When you walk in, you are tested to make sure you aren’t a Double Agent.  They make you dance or act something out — 100% something silly.

And when you are finally let in because you are good to go, you see the monitors from upstairs that everyone downstairs has been watching.  There is an elevator if stairs are not your thing.

Occasionally you’ll hear a roar of laughter and it’s because people are seeing someone upstairs being “tested” and it’s hysterical.  They sometimes even clap when you come down!

With fun things all around, there’s a spy scavenger hunt for the kids to do while you are there.  The entire point is to get up and explore all the interesting things around the restaurant.  Ella really loved it.  The best part is leaving…

BE A SPY

I won’t spoil it, but you need $1 to make a call at a payphone…
And you should definitely check this out.
It was normal priced too which made it even better in our eyes!

Then, the day was over.
We walked back to the car, said goodbye to the city, and headed home.

BEST DAY IN CHICAGO

All in all, we did all these things which (1) filled our day, (2) kept the kids entertained, and (3) stayed under $300 for 4 people for the day.  Which honestly, in the city, isn’t bad at all!  Remember we did the following:

Walked Millenim Park
Walked Maggie Daley Park
Rode the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
Walked American Girl
Short walk through the Zoo
Visited Disney Store
Visited NHL Store
Grabbed a Coffee for all
Enjoyed Dinner at Safe House

I’d say that’s a pretty good day.  The hardest part was saying no to anything at all the stores.  That’s hard with two kids in any store, but especially American Girl and Disney Store.

Other free offerings in the city include:

  • Chicago Riverwalk
  • Smart Museum of Art
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • Chicago Lakefront Trail
  • Garfield Park Conservatory

There’s so much to do in Chicago that you could go back every weekend and never get bored… Well at least I don’t think so because it’s my favorite city to visit.  I love sharing the smells of the street, the lake, the busy streets, the shopping, the towering buildings, beautiful museums, and more with my family!

We might have to add a day trip now to our fall break coming up!

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Categories:
2019, Blog, Fall Fun, Public Art, Road Trips, Travel
Tags:
Road Trips, travel, visit chicago

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A little about me…

Hey There! I'm Abby. Some people started calling me "Little Miss Martha" a few years back and this blog followed. I started it to share my DIY wedding progress, but it's now evolved to include other good things. Read More…

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Abby || Lifestyle Blogger
Oh man, do I miss my playhouse... I mean, the girl Oh man, do I miss my playhouse... I mean, the girls playhouse! Do you all dress up your kids play zones for the holidays? One of my favorite things to do was "dress up" our old playhouse! 

Here's a quick one I threw together that first easter during Covid... With limited resources, we made birdseed eggs and a cute little doormat! The girls helped with that! It's always fun to decorate when they are involved! 
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#throwback #playhousedecor #kidkraft #kidkraftplayhouse #easterdecor #easterkids #decorateforeaster #easterbunnies #outdoorplayhouse #decorateoutdoors #easterfun
For whatever reasons a cute place setting really m For whatever reasons a cute place setting really makes me smile. And I cannot pass up anything cute from the paper goods aisle at home goods!  So when these carrot plates made their way home, they were sure to be used! 
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#carrotdecor #easterdecor #placesetting #tablesettings #mixandmatchstyle #mixoldandnew #whimsy #easterdecoration #eastertable #eastertablescape #setthetable #tablescapes #tablestyling #carrots🥕
What’s your fave part of setting the table?! Pla What’s your fave part of setting the table?! Place settings are one of my favorite things to pull together!  It’s fun to mix old and new, different textures and colors, whimsy and classic pieces.  And it really can set the tone for a table!  I usually create this very first and everything else comes together after! ✨🥕✨

Plus, this is something that your kids can get involved with too!  Have them set it up once you’ve picked out the pieces! 
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#tablesettings #eastertable #eastertablescape #eastertabledecor #eastertablesetting #carrots🥕 #tabletexture #setthetable #placesetting
When you travel what are some of your must haves?! When you travel what are some of your must haves?! Getting ready for spring break and thinking about all of the cozy rooms we’ll be visiting!  Makes me hope that our guest room is equally cozy and inviting for our guests when they visit!
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#guestrooms #guesthospitality #hospitalitydesign #cozyroom #inviting #guestbedroom #beourguest #getcozy #ammenities
This year I wanted to create a fun tablescape for This year I wanted to create a fun tablescape for Easter, and while I love bunnies, I thought a carrot theme would be fun to try!  Everything on this tablescape was 🥕carrot-fully 🤪 selected for its color or carrot looks! 

What’s your favorite thing?! I loved using the fresh carrots 🥕around the flowers 🌷and the carrot paper plates! 

And I reused a lot of things too!  Old plates for the place settings, Christmas greenery fills out the middle, and orange tapers I had on hand helped!  You don’t have to buy new all the time!  Most times I’m using things I have on hand from other holidays or previous years!  I created the carrot bunting with help of my @cricut but you can easily cut carrots out of felt by hand if you don’t have a cricut! Then we made some homemade carrot cookies with cookie cutters I found at @target and a carrot cake! The Bunny Bait Easter tablescape  came together pretty easy and I love the brightness of it all!  And we won’t even be around for Easter to use but if you come by, you will still see it all sitting on my table!  hahah. 
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#eastertablescape #eastertable #carrots🥕 #carrotsandflowers #carrotdecor #easterdecoration #springdecor #tablescapes #tablescapestyling #tablesettings #holidaydecorations
When Ella came downstairs on Friday she asked wher When Ella came downstairs on Friday she asked where all the green was and why there were no leprechaun traps…Apparently she has St Patrick’s Day expectations. I blame myself. I’m usually more into it…
So about 11am I kicked it into gear and headed to @partycity for a little help!  Thankfully they had these green pots for $5 and grass for $1!  Plus, green candy and gold coins!  And Olive found the surprise at the end of the rainbow when she came home! 
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#greensuprise #greengoodies #greencandy #everythinggreen #luckoftheirish #potofgold #potofgreen #stpatricksdaybasket #stpaddysday #stpatricksday🍀 #leprechaunloot #shamrocks #irishmusic #endoftherainbow #makingmagic
There’s still time to share St Paddy’s Day Ins There’s still time to share St Paddy’s Day Inspo so here i go and you can do it tomorrow or save it for next year!  Here’s a quick and easy St. Patrick’s Breakfast-scape as Olive called! 

Make your own green waffles and surround them with green fruit, your favorite waffle toppings, green m&ms and of course, lucky charms! 

Easily@recreatable!  Like I said, celebrate tomorrow or save for next year!  Happy St Patrick’s Day! 
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#breakfastfood #breakfastfordinner #stpatricksday #stpatricksdayfood #tablescape #rainbows #greenfood #greenfoods #stpaddysday  #luckoftheirish #topofthemorning #breakfastboard #yumyumyum
This week the plan was to share a few last minute This week the plan was to share a few last minute St. Paddy’s Day ideas for you!  But i’m coming to realize nothing I plan happens these days 🤣 So, with one day left and plenty of time to get to the store, here are three breakfast ideas that’ll make some magic for those little nuggets in your home! 

(1) Rainbow Donuts - Grab your favorite plain cake donuts, some white icing, and fruity pebbles. Cut the do the donuts in half, dip in the icing and go to town adding the fruity pebbles in rainbow style!  Your kids will love this one! (swipe for more)
(2) Golden Coin Donuts - Same(ish) thing. You’ll need a cake donut, chocolate icing, and  gold sprinkles. Dip into the icing, then the sprinkles and you have gold for your pots of gold!
(3) Clover Cinnamon rolls. 

Do you plan on making something special for tomorrow?!
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#stpaddysday #stpatricksday #greenbreakfast #rainbowdonuts #goldcoins #clovercinnamonrolls #clovers #leprechauntrap #greenfortheday #leprechaunbreakfast
This is your reminder that a visit to @childrensmu This is your reminder that a visit to @childrensmuseum is always a good idea!  We recently visited @childrensmuseum with some cousins and, as usual, I saw things I’d never seen before!  Big crowd pleasers we’re the outfit design area of the #POPexhibit, retro video games on the top floor and if you visit now, you can visit the #minecraftexhibit! 
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#childrensmuseum #visitindy #familyfun #childrensmuseums #attcm #aroundindy #playallday #makememoriestogether
Anyone else {almost} always waiting on their {firs Anyone else {almost} always waiting on their {first} husband to get out the door?!? 🙋🏻‍♀️. We are heading to IKEA for a dresser for Ella and another part of a small project!  What are your Friday plans?
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#waitingonhusband #almostalways #fridayselfie #wishinghopingpraying #letsgochamp #firstwivesclub #happyfriday #loveandmarriage #myfirsthusband
On this International Womens Day, we celebrated by On this International Womens Day, we celebrated by reading from one of our favorite books!  Do you have this one?!? One page stories about rebel girls… It’s super inspiring and my kids love it! 
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#inspiringwomen #rebelgal #rebelgirls #raisestrongwomen #raisinggirls #momofdaughters #internationalwomensday
Happy International Women’s Day! You are strong Happy International Women’s Day!  You are strong. You are beautiful. You deserve great things!  Take a moment for yourself today - make a cup of tea, go for a walk, or if you are like me, watch for eagles out the back window! ✨ You are magical! ✨
@inspiringwomenfh 
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#internationalwomensday2022 #womenrock #inspiringwomenfh #womenmaketheworldgoround #inspireothersbybeingyou #takesomemetime #taketimeforyou #sponsored
While I should really be sharing about styling for While I should really be sharing about styling for St. Patrick's Day, Spring, & Easter, instead I'm going to take a minute to brag on these little girls of ours...
 
We got the sweetest voicemail from Olive's teacher that was a total proud parent moment.  Her class has gotten a new little girl who doesn't speak any English and somehow Olive communicates just fine with her, makes sure she has someone to play with at recess and has basically taken the new little girl under her wing.  Her teacher was sending kudos to Olls for just "being the kindest kiddo" which is what we all want to hear about our kids, right?! She also thanked us for all we are doing to have made her that way and let's be honest, I have no clue what that is, but I'll take it! 

And Ella... Ella!  She's been rocking her “new” schedule.  In the last couple months, we've realized busier is better for her and so going from not much of anything to 3 busy nights a week, which one this week included lots of squats and major quad soreness, she's done with no complaints!  Minus for her sore quads... She's been taking on new activities and challenges with style and we are so proud of her for being so mature and committed! 

Ok, so proud momma moment over. I don’t do this often, but felt this one was worth a share!  And seriously... It's been a good week for them and I love watching them grow and take on whatever life throws at them.  Do you have any proud momma moments to share from this week?! 
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Happy Saturday! Do you ever feel like you’ve go Happy Saturday!  Do you ever feel like you’ve gotten to the end of the week and done nothing for yourself?! That’s me. This is basically every week anymore – clean, cook, get steps in, take care of kids, drive here, drive there, etc. 

Where does all the time go!? Seriously, before Covid, I would do 10,000 things AND take the girls to and fro non-stop AND drive home every weekend sometimes… basically I was doing sooo much more, maybe too much!  But now, I feel like I can’t keep up.  I can’t find a groove where I can still do all the things for my family AND myself.  Were we really doing too much?  It didn’t feel like it in the moment. Yes, there were exhausting days, but somehow, they were usually fulfilling.  Or maybe I’m dreaming?  Now, most days just feel like groundhog day. 

But at the beginning of the year I set goals and I’m still working towards them.  Health & Wellness goals, home goals, family goals and more.  I am working to keep my WHY in mind and find my daily inspiration. I just hope that I can find a groove where even if I don’t complete all the goals, at least I feel like I’ve made progress on them.  And I hope that throughout this super weird, busy, boring, what feels like an uneventful time in my life, I can find fulfillment in it and stay motivated. 

Working to stay inspired can be the hardest part!  So long post short, if you’ve read this far, I’m sorry I haven’t been sharing as much.  I’m working on it and things to share but finding time to sit down and actually give you something enjoyable has been the hardest part lately!  Stick along as I’m sure things will continue to be shared in an untimely fashion! 
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@inspiringwomenfh 
#inspired #neverenoughtime #selfcare #franciscanhealth #inspiringwomenfh #howdowedoit #canthaveitall #busydays #momlifeishard #justkeepgoing #findyourinspiration #rememberyourwhy
Taking in my Friday like yea! Lunch with friends, Taking in my Friday like yea!  Lunch with friends, etsy listings, sewing, and more - all with snow flurries outside!  What are you up to today?!
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#friyayvibes #fridayishere #enjoyyourday #youtime #weekendvibes✌️ #itscoldagain #indianaweather #iputmakeupon
How did you celebrate Valentine’s day?! I set up How did you celebrate Valentine’s day?! I set up a quick little Valentine’s Day table for the girls and a quick and sweet activity!  I grabbed some peach rings and gummie lifesavers for the girls to add to some strips of fabric I had laying around!  A pretty simple setup but a nice suprise for them! 

Other than that, cut felt hearts for the place settings, added small heart boxes under conversation hearts, and used vintage floral tea plates for the necklaces!  The runner was found at @homegoods and was the basis for the whole setup!
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#valentinesday2023 #valentinetable #valentinestablescape #kidstable #funforthekids #valentineactivities #candynecklace #sweethearts #conversationhearts #heartdecor #happyvalentinesday❤️ #loveyday
Yesterday was Ella’s birthday celebration with f Yesterday was Ella’s birthday celebration with friends!  It was a great time and while it was to be considered small with just a couple friends and no decorations, I told her there would be a tablescape!  More details on the blog soon, but here’s a quick recap of our little homemade (minus bowling alley) “Let’s Ro11” birthday party! 

🎉Happy Birthday Ells!🎉

Cake topper: @avalonsunshine 
Vintage Bag: Thrifted
Cookies: Me (not perfect, first try at cookies!)
Printables: Me
Cake: Meijer with my addition of chocolate covered donut holes 
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#letsroll #eleventhbirthday #turning11 #birthdaytable #bowlingparty #birthdayideas #tweengirl #tweenparty #tweenbirthday #happiestbirthday #februaryfun #februarybirthdays #bohobowling #birthdaypartydecor #birthdaypartyideas
Taking time for ourselves can be REALLY HARD. The Taking time for ourselves can be REALLY HARD.  The other night I was ready to go upstairs and read my book…the one I’ve been working on forever… and noticed the basket(s) of laundry needing folded so I decided to do that instead of taking a moment for myself.  By the time I was done, I was so tired that I just went to bed.  So LAST night I decided not to skimp on the “me” time and knew I needed to get out of the house and enjoy some laughs with the neighborhood girls!  It was good for the soul!

I have a hard time doing things for myself.  I feel like I’m being selfish.  But it’s not selfish to take care of yourself!  It’s NECESSARY!  You can’t take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. I’m really loving my weekly emails from @inspiringwomenfh and how they are a reminder that I need to take a moment for myself!  So do something for yourself today.  Take a walk around the block, unless you live in Indiana, I suggest you stay inside because the winds are CRAY!  Read a book on your lunch break, take a nap with your kids, or maybe even listen to a podcast or practice 10 min of mediation!

If you haven’t already, check out inspiringwomen.org for some awesome inspiration, motivation and great resources for overall health and wellness.  There are also some GREAT recipes!  The program is free and you will even get their bi-annual inspiring magazine!  It’s just the right amount of inspiration that your week could use! 
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#inspiringwomenfh #inspiringwomen #sponsored #takecareofyourself #taketimeforyou #franciscanhealth #inspirationforwomen #inspirationalwomen #itsnotselfish #dosomethingforyourself #taketimeforyou #findyourinspiration #yougotthismama
Packed up some fun things to make their way to @ch Packed up some fun things to make their way to @chicmercantile this week!  These fairies are soooo excited to make their way into new home and take on new adventures!  Fairies will be available soon in the @adoptafairyco etsy shop too! 
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#fairiesarereal #fairiesofinstagram #fairieslivehere #magicallife #magicallaround #shopsmall #shoplocal #packingorders #localboutique #adoptafairy #fairyflags
I’ve been trying to produce Valentine’s Day co I’ve been trying to produce Valentine’s Day content for at 2 weeks! I made mood boards, gathered goodies, and can’t find the time to create.  Did I not used to sleep?!? 

Hopefully this week I’ll be able to get something out, but at least for now, I’ve got these decorations going 😆! Swipe to see why I get nothing done 😂🤷🏻‍♀️🤦‍♀️
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#valentinesdaydecor #momlifeunfiltered #valentinesdayiscoming #neverenoughtime #mantledecor #tryingmybest #sleepnomore
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