If you're lucky enough to live in Chicago, you get to bask in the beauty of this city every time you step outside your door. Here are 15 photos that prove that the Windy City is the most beautiful place in the world.
1. On a sunny spring day, Chicago is full of possibilities.
When I turned 40, I made a promise to myself that this would be my best year yet. I would get reacquainted with the "me" that existed before becoming a partner, mom, and coworker; I would tap into my truest self and embrace the awesome and wise woman I am. I would travel to the places I write about, alone and with my kids. I would get out of my own way; making "yes, and" my mantra and see where that got me.
My spontaneous "yes and" mindset was put to the test a few weeks ago, when I got a text on a random weekday asking if I'd be up for seeing P!INK the following weekend in Chicago. I thought about it for less than a minute; I was in. I found a cheap (and direct!) flight from CVG to Midway, and Jackie used her budget traveling stealth to secure us a room at the Congress Hotel, a historic hotel right on Michigan Avenue just minutes from the stadium.
Navy Pier and city skyline with the John Hancock Center from Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Packing for such a quick trip was a breeze; I was able to fit everything into a sleek backpack. I'd never flown into Chicago before; the waters of Lake Michigan are a brilliant cobalt blue and the cityscape -- with its striking architecture and iconic attractions -- is breathtaking. My 10-year-old is super into baseball right now and was delighted at this photo I snapped flying over the White Sox stadium:
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
I landed around 3 p.m. and took an Uber to the hotel. After a quick shower, we decided to make the most of a beautiful Saturday afternoon and take in the (iconic) views along Lake Shore Drive. Chicago is an incredibly walkable town and it's easy to get around on foot or with public transportation, which kept this trip extremely affordable, especially as we split the bill (and our concert tickets were just $40).
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
The concert itself was awesome - if you ever get the chance to see P!INK, do it. She put on an incredible show that brought me back to high school in all the best ways. More importantly, though, if you ever get the opportunity to drop everything and rendezvous with a lovely friend for a night in the city, do it. This kind of spontaneous travel makes way for the kind of memories that last a lifetime.
Soldier Field (formerly Municipal Grant Park Stadium), dedicated to men and women of U.S. armed forces, located on Lake Shore Drive, in the Near South Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA. 1924 landmark football field, home to NFL’s Chicago Bears.
Writing for Only In Your State has awakened a curiosity about the world for which I'm incredibly grateful. Travel fuels my soul and makes me a more inspired writer and better human. The perspective that comes with age has let me embrace a "Yes and" mantra and the opportunities that come my way. Adventures are all around us and sometimes, a spontaneous getaway with a friend is all you need to be reminded of just how awesome life is.
Whether you're furnishing a new home or just love to shop, flea markets are the best places to go for amazing deals on items you'd pay an arm and a leg for elsewhere. It's like visiting a huge yard sale with more vendors than a school bake sale! If budget-friendly is your game, the following Chicago flea markets will be right up your alley. Check out all the details on these amazing, must-visit flea markets in Chicago:
You'll find this flea market pop up in the West Loop every once in awhile, and it has a little something for everyone. Depending on the time of year, it is held either indoors or outdoors, and you can buy anything from food to furniture. This Chicago flea market also hosts one of the best holiday markets in Chicago!
This expansive outdoor flea market in Chicago has three locations in and around the city. It is the oldest one in the city and there are thousands of different products sold here. Basically, if you're looking to buy, someone probably has what you're looking for. The Chicago location is at 4200 S. Ashland Avenue.
Shop 'til you drop --literally! -- at this special flea market in Chicago. This all-night flea market happens annually and include artists, special guests, great food, and literally thousands of treasures from hundreds of vendors including, antiques, folk arts and crafts, close-outs, shabby-chic, housewares, country farm, industrial, advertising, coins, collectibles, and much more! Visit the Facebook page, linked above, for details on upcoming events.
This Uptown Chicago market has all sorts of amazing antique vendors. You can hunt for vintage artwork, clothing, jewelry, and handmade goods at Vintage Garage Chicago Flea Market, which has been hailed as one of the most popular flea markets in the city and even hosts a holiday sale! Go to 5051 N Broadway for all the best deals.
You could easily -- and happily -- spend an entire Sunday morning shopping and eating your way through this deal lover's paradise! Vendors sell just about everything from tasty treats to wonderful little treasures. You'll be attracted by the smells of food trucks, but will stay for all the unique items you can buy. Stop by 800 S Desplaines Street to check it out.
You'll find a mix of new and antique merchandise such as clothing, fine jewelry, furniture, produce, and more, at this seasonal outdoor flea market in Chicagoland. Check it out at 6920 N Mannheim Road in Rosemont.
Known as one of the best flea markets in the Midwest, antiques and other collectibles abound at this popular shopping spot. On the first full weekend of every month, you can shop to your heart's content. Parking is free but you will want to note that there is a (nominal) admission fee. You can find it at 525 S Randall Road in Saint Charles.
