Off to the Windy City!

Monday, May 2, 2011
I hinted at some travel plans last week.  Here's the scope: tomorrow morning, my friend Sarah and I leave the volatile Minnesota weather to head off for . . . the volatile Chicago weather. 

When we started planning the vacation, we both had fantasies of lounging by the cruise ship pool or wading into the surf on the beach of some all-inclusive Mexican resort. But some things got in the way of those grandiose plans. Like budgets. And my aversion to relaxing on vacations. And budgets.

So instead we're headed for the nearest "real" city (in my humble opinion), the coolest Midwest city by far (again, just my bias), and my father's hometown! It's just a quick getaway, but we're planning to jam-pack it full of fun times and play tourist hardcore. To shake things up, rather than driving or flying, we're taking the train, which is the first long distance train ride I've taken since I was 10 and Sarah's first train trip period. Choo-choo!

Willis Tower what? I will always call it the Sears Tower

Since all of my paternal relatives still live in Chicago Land (aka, I've been to the Chicago burbs a gazillion times) many people have assumed I might view this whole little getaway as a little dull. Au contraire! Despite my multiple visits to the area, this trip is completely different than any other I've taken. For one thing, it won't be Christmas. For another, we'll be staying right downtown, with the intent to soak up as many quintessential Chicago sites as possible.

Yep, even the weird ol' bean in Millennium Park.

I'm not sure what all we'll get up, but I know it'll be good times. Maybe some shopping on the Magnificent Mile.  I really want to visit the Art Institute (which I love!) too. And we've got tickets lined up for some theatre events, an architecture boat tour, and will spend a fair amount of time in the ballparks, cheering for the Twins (who play the Sox) and the Cubs (who play the Reds). I have my father to blame for my love of the Cubs. We all know cheering for them is the ultimate act of optimism.



Don't worry, while I'm gone, you'll be in good hands. I've lined up a crackerjack team of bloggers to guest post on Of Woods and Words during my absence. There's a great batch of posts coming at you about the writing life, cabins, good deeds, and recipes. Be sure to swing by!


14 comments:

  1. Have a great time. I love Chicago. (As long as I am not thinking of O'Hare being closed ever so often in wintery times)Looking forward to all the stories you will bring home with you. Paula

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  2. How fun taking the train there! Have a great time!

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  3. Have a great time! My mom and I always talk about taking the train to Chicago since it isn't that far, but haven't actually done it yet. It's been years since I visited- can't wait to see your report!

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  4. I wish I was going with you! Have a great time!

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  5. Very cool!!! I kept wondering where you were taking this May vacation, lol. Sounds like you are going to have a great time, Fingers are crossed for perfect weather! Can't wait to read your guest posts :)

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  6. Sweet! I need a get away like that... my choice would be Florida to see my grandbabes... and some sunshine would not be disagreeable. Enjoy!

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  7. Have fun!!! Thanks for linking up to Happy Monday Blog Hop and I'm a happy new follower. Please follow back when you get a chance.
    Naomi
    misoglamorous.com

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  8. have a great trip! chicago is such a cool city from what i've heard. i hope it stays nice and springy for you!

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  9. Chicago is one of my absolute favorite cities!!! (Okay, so I am a little biased--- I was born there!) I hope you have a fantastical time!!!! Sounds like a great trip!

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  10. Traveling my train would be such a great way to travel! We want to do that sometime! Sounds like a great trip! I totally see where you're coming from... experiencing a place when visiting family is completely not the same as visiting as tourists. We joke that next time we fly across country to visit my husband's family, perhaps we shouldn't tell them we're in the area till we get to see the sights!

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  11. Have fun! I always like visiting Chicago.

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  12. have a great visit to chicago. I've always wanted to travel by train, too. It seems so romantic.

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  13. Have lots and lots of fun! I love Chicago, such a great city with a great personality. :)

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  14. Oh, I will be traveling vicariously! I admire you getting theatre tickets... that is something I am too stingy and last-minute about. I look forward to reading about it.

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