Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my travel guide for places to see and my Recs @livethruthelens.com

Chicago is a diverse city with so much to offer- vibrant culture, rich architecture and history, and world-class dining scene.

Where To Stay- Lux Hotels Downtown Chicago: The Peninsula, The Langham, Waldorf Astoria, and Four Seasons.

My Adventures: Sights & Attractions-

Visit Millennium Park- check out The Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean” and Crown Fountain, great photo-ops.

Explore World-Class Museums- The Art Institute of Chicago, The Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum.

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is the tallest building in Chicago. Visit the Interactive Chicago Museum, immerse yourself in the story of Chi-Town- city’s history and culture, and architecture.

Skydeck Chicago- Observation deck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower with views of up to four states on a clear day: Illinois, Indiana ,Wisconsin, and Michigan.

The Ledge at Skydeck- glass balconies 1,353 feet above the city with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and famous skyscrapers.

Color Factory- Immersive art exhibits, very colorful and playful. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance on the website for the Willis Tower so the time slots do not sell out!

Explore Navy Pier, Water Taxi- sightseeing – great views of the skyline and city’s architecture.

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours- to learn about the city’s architectural history and Iconic Landmarks.

Ride the Ferris Wheel (Centennial Wheel), take in Chicago’s Iconic skyline views and the scenic Chicago River. Walk the Pier, shop, dine at a variety of restaurants, take a boat cruise. Dine and Drink at Offshore Rooftop, the largest rooftop deck in the world, take in the best skyline views!

Wrigley Field- Stadium of the Chicago Cubs if interested in sports.

Puttery- Rooftop Terrace with 9- hole rounds of miniature golf and a bar. Also hosts special events.

Explore the Chicago Riverwalk- take architecture cruises and kayaking adventures. You can also stroll the Riverwalk and dine at riverfront cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Shopping- Stroll the Mag Mile – The Shops at North Bridge, 900 N. Michigan Shops, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Ave, Burberry and Oak Street (Gold Coast) for high-end boutiques and luxury shops, and fine dining. For Upscale Suburban Experience, visit Oakbrook Center and shop at luxury retail stores- Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, David Yurman, Tiffany and Co., and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few.

Luxury Spas- AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago- offers a variety of signature thermal baths and spa treatments, so peaceful! The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Center- great massages, facials, and therapeutic spa treatments.

Check out Chicago’s diverse culinary scene- Culinary Hot Spot- Michelin- starred and James Beard Award- Winners restaurants, as well as classics like Chicago style hotdogs and Deep-dish Pizza, of course I had to bring Giordano’s home. Fulton Market District is known for boutiques, bars, dining, nightlife, and art. Some of my favorite restaurants, rooftops, and cocktail bars are listed below:

RESTAURANTS: Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, Fioretta, Maple & Ash, Gibsons Italia , RPM Steak, RPM Seafood, Gino & Marty’s, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, Alla Vita, OLIO E PIU`, Bar LaRue, Pizzeria Portofino, and Au Cheval.

Cocktail Bars:

Dearly Beloved- stunning ambience and great cocktails.

Gilt Bar, Chemistry, and Machine Cocktail Bar

New Experiences in The Chi- Cliquot Courtyard at the Waldorf Astoria, Sippin Champagne 🍾.

Thank you so much for reading my guide to visiting Chicago. I hope this will inspire you to check out Chi-Town. Please feel free to reach out for comments or questions.

Rochelle @livethruthelens

I have a reputation for overpacking…

Whether it’s an overnight trip or a week-long getaway, packing can sometimes be overwhelming! To decide what items or garments to pack, consider the occasion and type of trip you’re taking. Some of my packing tips to share to make travel easier 📩:

• Choose a lightweight compact carry-on suitcase. I chose my Delsey Paris Helium Aero 21″ Hardside Expandable Spinner, and I did not have to expand.
• Make a packing list – write down everything you need by category and check it off as you pack – clothing, essentials, toiletries, and tech.
• Plan outfits in advance and focus on versatile mix-and-matchable clothing, complimentary color palette, light layers, and check venue dress codes. Also, pack shoes that provide versatility, comfort, and style. Wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane to maximize space in your carry-on.
• Roll your clothes to save space and help minimize wrinkles, place folded clothes and items on top of rolled items.
• Leave the ‘just in case’ items at home to avoid overpacking.
• Waste No Space! Fill the gaps with small items that can easily fit into the empty spaces- socks, underwear, laundry bags(lightweight), belts, etc.
• Pack travel size toiletries in a hanging toiletry bag. I used my Tumi hanging bag because it’s lightweight, durable, and sleek.

I’ve never used compression packing bags, but that’s up next! I packed my tech supplies and a small cosmetic bag in my LV tote.

Pack your suitcase well and enjoy your journey without worries! And she’s Off✌️✈️.

Thanks for reading my blog… please subscribe, thank you!

You can’t visit Miami without spending a day in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana!

Little Havana is a neighborhood in Miami that was home to many Cuban exiles in the 1950s and 1960s after the Cuban Revolution. The historic neighborhood will give you a glimpse into the heart of Cuba- art, architecture, culture, history, music and food!

Located around Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is the center of Cuban life and the main strip with colorful murals, monuments, Latin-inspired bakeries, bars/restaurants, fruit stands, cigar shops, music venues, and art galleries.

Things To Do in Little Havana…

1. Start the day with Breakfast or lunch at Versailles Restaurant, a great eatery to try Cuban cuisine and one of Calle Ocho’s most famous and iconic restaurants. Versailles has been named a MICHELIN- recommended restaurant. I tried the croquetas, oxtails with rice and sweet plantains, and a mojito- 8/10. There is also a bakery on site serving Cuban coffee, pastries, desserts, and mini-Cuban sandwiches.

2. Stroll down Calle Ocho and take in the sights…

• Watch the locals play dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park- Domino Park. They gather to smoke cigars, drink coffee and play dominoes daily.

• Admire Cuban art and murals- colorful murals depicting Cuban history and culture displayed on buildings.

• Visit a Cigar shop- Watch the artisans hand-roll cigars in factories… experience cigar rolling!

• Calle Ocho Walk of Fame- A Hollywood inspired walkway honoring Cuban and Latin artists and celebrities.

• Roosters along Calle Ocho- Part of “Rooster Walk”, symbolizes Cuban culture: resilience, pride, spirit of resistance. You may also see live chicken and Roosters running around in the streets.

• Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park- View the monuments/memorials dedicated to those who fought for Cuban Independence. Bay of Pigs Monument honors the Cuban exiles who died during The Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961, “Brigade 2506”. The names of the freedom fighters who lost their lives in a failed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime are engraved on the Monument, and there’s an eternal flame at the top. At the entrance of the park is The Eternal Torch in honor of the 2506th Brigade.

• Sip on delicious coffee at La Colada Gourmet- Art Cafe serving pastries and Cuban coffee, roasted daily. Also very relaxing atmosphere. Tres Leche iced coffee hit the spot, my friend had the hot Tres Leche, which she also enjoyed… Will go back!

• Enjoy live salsa music and cocktails at Ball&Chain; popular venue that dates back to 1935. Restored Jazz Era Nightclub that featured legendary artists like Billy Holiday, Count Bassie, Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole- performed during the 1950s.

Have you been to Miami and did you go to Little Havana? Did you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere?

Save this post📌 for some of my recommendations when you visit Miami, to make the most of your trip to explore Little Havana! It’s a must-visit cultural Experience!

Thank you for reading my Blog!