A few weeks ago my friend and I booked a last minute trip to Chicago for a stay at the Fairmont Millennium Park. Why go to Chicago in the winter time you ask? Because flights were cheap and we love Chicago. Sure it was a tad cold, but we grew up in Minnesota so we are used to winter weather. Plus, what better time to visit the Fairmont than when they have a shopping package with one of my favorite stores: Saks Fifth Ave! Now through the end of March, for every night you book with the Fairmont, you get a $100 gift card to Saks. Didn’t take much to convince me to go!
We checked in to a gigantic one bedroom suite that looked out over Lake Michigan. The separate bedroom is perfect for anyone away on business. While one of us was on the phone the other could have peace and quiet in the next room. There was a charming welcome package waiting for us in the room. The chocolates lasted about 5 minutes – no joke. Thank you Fairmont for our bubbly treat!
Next, we headed off to dinner at Geja’s Cafe– an amazing fondue restaurant. This was a dining experience unlike any other Tony or I have had before. I can see why this restaurant was voted the most romantic fondue restaurant in Chicago. You enter into a dimly lit atmosphere with couples in private booths all around and a live guitarist playing at the front of the room. There’s also a cozy and seductive bar in the back for people to mingle and wait for their table. The first course started with a cheese fondue which Tony devoured. Second we ordered a meat, seafood and vegetable platter to cook in oil with a variety of 8 different dipping sauces. It was insanely delicious. Our third course (and my favorite) consisted of chocolate fondue with a plate full of every item you would want to dip into warm chocolate. I even got to roast my marshmallows on the fire before dipping them in.
After dinner we took about a 10 minute cab ride to the Royal George Theater to see the Rosenkranz Mysteries– A magic show that left everyone in the room stunned. Dr. Rosenkranz pulled up audience members to help him perform his acts, Tony included. Each time I sat there perplexed at how the heck someone could pull these tricks off. Definitely worth seeing. The next time his show is in town I will definitely go see it.
The next day we met friends for brunch at Longman & Eagle. A restaurant I had the pleasure of visiting my last trip to Chicago. It’s about a 20 minute ride from the downtown area, but well worth it in the hipster part of town. This is a popular spot all the time so be prepared to wait a bit (they don’t take reservations) or just find a spot at the bar. Everything here is super yummy. I would recommend everyone getting different items and sharing.
We had some fun with Tony’s new drone flying it over the lake to get a shot of the city. Cannot wait to show you guys the travel vlog (video-blog= vlog) coming soon! We made our way to the SkyDeck, but unfortunately the wait time was an hour long due to elevator maintenance. Definitely call before you take the time to go there. It has lightly snowed that day so the pathways through the park were covered in a white layer of fresh snowflakes.
The parks in Chicago are so gorgeous. Of course I had to stop by and see the famous mirrored bean sculpture in Millennium park. There were people ice skating around other sculptures in a perfect winter wonderland. I had little hand warmers in my pockets to keep my fingers nice and toasty. Other than that, my jacket and a few layers were enough to keep me warm.
After that we headed to Saks to search the racks for goodies. Well, I shopped, Tony parked himself on a bench somewhere. I ended up picking up a few things…. I couldn’t help myself. It’s Saks for crying out loud! I could have spent a few more hours in there, but then I would have walked out with a particular Gucci handbag I’ve had my eye on.
shoes: Louboutin | bag: Givenchy via Trendlee | brooch: Chanel | serum: La Mer | hat: Saks | necklace: Forever 21
We found an Italian spot for dinner called Rosebud on Rush. I was CRAVING spaghetti bolognese and it was everything I had hoped it would be and more. In fact, I wish I was eating it right now as I am writing this. The night concluded with meeting up with friends over drinks and sharing a ton of laughs.
Our last day we slept in, grabbed brunch at the hotel restaurant called Columbus Tap and headed to the airport. I’ve not been to Chicago in the fall and winter. I’d like to go back to again in the summer to experience hanging out by the lake and trying more of the restaurants. It is honestly such a pretty city with great people and lots of good food!
Thanks to the Heron Agency and the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park for an awesome stay ! Check out my travel vlog here for a behind the scenes look at our trip!
xoxo,
Laura
Shop My Looks:
Look 1: earmuffs: UGG via Zappos | jacket: Vince Camuto| jeans: Express | boots: Stuart Weitzman
Look 2: headband: Sole Society | jacket: Calvin Klein via Zappos | sweater, skirt + tights: Express | boots: Stuart Weitzman | bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Look 3: Dress: Alice & Olivia (old)
Photos by Tony Oberstar
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In full disclosure- Chicago has the highest sales tax of any major U.S. city (10.25%) so buying online at Saks.com may be a better option and give you less to pack on your way home.
What an experience! I must say that you are a very good writer. I enjoyed reading this. I will love to visit Chicago one day because of food???????? You definitely have a good taste. I love everything you got at Saks .