I’d heard all about Chicago, but I was nervous that it wouldn’t live up to the hype…it did! I had such a great time exploring downtown, visiting the Buckingham Fountain, and being a total tourist for a moment and visiting the famous bean sculpture. I love getting to play in different cities all over, but it was a real treat to finally get to visit Chicago! Fashion note – love this came jacket from Free People, it goes with so many outfits, and the pockets make it so convenient to go without a handbag! It makes travel even easier! Do you have a wardrobe staple like this?
Best Chicago Restaurant
I knew Chicago had a great food scene, and because I hadn’t been there before I was really looking forward to trying it out! We found some great spots and I can’t wait to share them with you, so let’s get to it!
Lou Malnati’s
I’ve been lucky enough to try different cuisine in some very food rich cities, but I have to say, Chicago did not disappoint! I was hoping to find some deep dish pizza and stumbled onto Lou Malnati’s! There was a wait, but it was worth it, especially the deep dish cookie! If you visit and love chocolate chip cookies and ice cream (who doesn’t?) you should definitely try this.
Eataly
I had known about Eataly from my trip to New York City, read about that here, but I didn’t get to visit until I found one in Chicago! I love the concept of a store, a grocer, and a gourmet restaurant all rolled into one. Eataly has such an Italian feel, and has special stations from some delectable meals, snacks, and desserts.
Cochon Volant
Cocoon Volant was a restaurant I read about prior to visiting Chicago. It sounded so good and because I would be there on a Sunday I was looking forward to trying the brunch! We ordered the Salmon Benedict and the Monsier Foster. They were both unbelievably decadent and so satisfying, especially for brunch standards! If you enjoy a serious brunch, this establishment should earn a spot on your Chicago list.
Chicago’s Best Donuts
It’s no secret that when I travel I love to explore new places, and especially to try new foods! I had the opportunity to visit Chicago for the first time, and I was so excited, because I’ve heard so many great things about the city. From the architecture to the dishes, Chicago did not disappoint! While in the windy city I had the opportunity to compare one of my favorite sweet treats; donuts! So here are the three I tried and my favorite of my visit to Chicago!
Firecakes
I just stumbled into this place a couple hours after arriving. It looked so cool on the outside that I just had to try it out, and luckily I got in before the line got really long! These donuts are very classic as far as donuts go, but the one stand out in my opinion was the Malted Milk Ball! It’s small so it’s not overwhelming but it packs a lot of flavor. It has a chocolate frosting top and then a cream filling, perfect for an afternoon pick me up!
Stan’s Donuts
I loved the shop! It was bright and fresh, with a very clean design. I had heard about Stan’s before so I knew I had to at least try their Donut Cake Shake, which was amazing! I also sampled a few flavors and my favorite was the Strawberry Bismarck! It has a very authentic strawberry jam filling, and the dough complimented the jam so well.
Doughnut Vault
This donut shop had a line, and operates from the “open until sold out” mentality, so when I saw how long the line was I got nervous. By the time we got inside they had sold out of gingerbread and birthday cake flavors already, but they still had Chocolate, Vanilla, and Chestnut. This donut was by far the best of the trip, it was so fluffy but full at the same time and because the glaze covered almost the entire donut every bite was as satisfying as the first one! My favorite flavor was the Vanilla, because it’s a true Vanilla bean glaze.
Algonquin Park
I love seeing new places, but I also love returning to favorite places. Algonquin Park is very close to my hometown and there is a rock that all of my siblings and I have had pictures taken at. The pictures were all taken when we were small, but I went back recently and took some photos to capture the magic of this spot as an adult. We also found some new spots in the park that I hadn’t seen before. Algonquin Park is massive, so the possibilities to be discovered are nearly endless. I also found this camouflage jacket at Free People and I’m obsessed. I want to wear it everywhere, but I felt it was especially fitting for this pictures. I love being outside, and these photos completely capture that. What is one of your favorite places to revisit?
Birmingham
Last week I went to Birmingham Alabama, with my friend Taylor Dukes, to play at Moonlight on the Mountain; a great, intimate venue. Typically I fly to another city, but Birmingham is so close to Nashville that we just drove down. It’s always fun to take a day trip and doing so and then getting to play a show that evening, is even better! We had a couple hours to kill before the show so we explored downtown Birmingham and found this great coffee shop. The show went really well and afterwards we packed up and headed back to Nashville!
Sweet Home Alabama Octane Coffee shop Mountain View Green room Taylor Dukes and I
Best Spots in LA
Atmosphere is so much a part of what makes a space in LA, and I have two favorite lunch spots from this trip that I have to share. One has been a long time favorite of mine, and the other is brand new to me, but has risen right to the top of my LA must do list for whenever I”m in town. Two of my favorites are:
The Alcove
As soon as we walked up, I already loved this place. It had shading provided by umbrellas, trees, and greenery. The setting was intimate but casual, and the food and drinks are delectable. I’ll definitely be making this place a staple on my visits to LA, it was a tranquil space great for chatting with friends in the California sunshine.
Portos
This is my place when I go to LA. I fell in love with it years ago, before I ever lived in Los Angeles and it’s the kind of goodness I dream about from Nashville. The cuisine is cuban inspired and the delights from the bakery are the perfect blend of airy croissant and delicious filling.