#SummerLikeALocal with Loews Chicago

If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat (@lauren_ely), you probably noticed that I just got back from a whirlwind vacation (#takemebacktoDR!!!). While the trip ended with our very own version of Real World: Santo Domingo, the first half of my vacation was spent in one of my favorite cities: Chicago! I was born right outside of the city in the burbs and always love going back to visit.

We spent the first couple of days with family celebrating the most adorable one-year old’s birthday and finished off our tour of the Windy City with the Loews Chicago Downtown. Not only were they the perfect hosts but the hotel is located in the best part of the city so we got to do a ton of exploring. And the hotel is absolutely beautiful which is basically the most important thing.

For our first night, we decided to take it easy in the coziest bed catching up on my favorite Netflix shows (Breaking Bad and SAMCRO, natch) before winding down with a glass of vino…talk about my kind of night. 

We started the day with a quick breakfast at Corner Bakery which was literally around the corner from the Loews – perfect when you’re in a hurry like we were and so yummy. Then, as part of the hotel’s Summer Like a Local Package, we were off to the river to head out on the Chicago Architecture Tour aboard the Chicago’s First Lady! You guys…it was amazing. The buildings in Chicago are absolutely beautiful and the tour was such a great way to experience the city without all of the walking. Not to mention, there was a full bar on the cruise! 

When we were done taking in all of the gorgeous designs, we hopped on a few bikes (totally #SAMCRO style) and went to explore Millennium Park. Yes, we had to take a cliche #TheBean pic and it was sooo worth it. Loved seeing all of the tourists and getting in some fun shots of such a well known piece of the city. 

After a walk around the park (and 1000000 snaps later), we decided it was finally time to get some deep dish pizza – Giordano’s. Two words for you: stuffed pizza. So good! And cheesy. And pairs perfectly with locally brewed beer. We were in heaven. 

Now that we were stuffed, we went back to the Loews to take a nap (again, coziest bed for real) and get ready for dinner. We shouldn’t have been hungry after all of the pizza we ate but the thought of a Chef’s Tasting dinner with wine pairing is something you do not pass up…ever. Rural Society totally impressed. I am usually an extremely picky eater but not only did I try everything (Octopus included…in all of it’s slimy glory…sorta tasted like turkey???) but all of the food was SO good. Think small plates, tapas and rich deliciousness – it is an Argentine Steakhouse after all. Amazing. 

Check out a few more of the snaps from our trip below – and if you are ever in Chicago, make sure you book your stay at the Loews Chicago!!!

[WARNING: there are about one zillion pictures below…but soooo worth the photo overload because we had an amazing time and you need to see it for yourself so you can book a trip asap!]

A HUGE thank you to the Loews for hosting us for a few nights <3

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