Chicaaaaago

August 23-27, 2018

TL;DR: Chicago is as cool as we remember, with an insanely busy bike path. We’re a good luck charm for newborns, saw some wonderful friends, and one of our favorite bands live, Trombone Shorty.

THE SIGHTS

Chicago Zoo

We’ve been lucky enough to go on a safari, and now the zoo is just really depressing. At least it’s free? Also a ton of kids on leashes.

Our friend Carey joined us with her little one, Connor, and he was happy, so that certainly counts for something.

He also had the cutest Nikes, maybe ever?

Millenium Park

Strolled through here at night and saw the Bean by moonlight, which was cool.

And a weird video display that we didn’t understand.

Lakefront Path

This is a great path along the lake but also people are crazy and have no concept of personal space and it’s very stressful.

Adler Planetarium

Almost missed this because parking was $35, but then we found a sweet spot right outside the front, which was only $2 an hour! Enjoyed a tour led by Jessi and Max, a futuristic space shuttle. Saw a neat show about stars, and a cool moon exhibit about Jim Lovell, the captain of Apollo 13 (charmingly played by T. Hanks).

Trombone Shorty at Ravinia

This outdoor concert venue reminded us a bit of Hollywood Bowl, but with way more amenities. We didn’t realize it would be fully stocked with food vendors, drinks, etc., so brought our own, but you can get practically anything you want there. Had a good setup on the lawn with our floor chairs, and enjoyed the soulful sounds of Trombone Shorty and his band.

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS

Had some amazing lemon ice chills at the zoo (remember those!?).

Duck Duck Goat is delicious, to no one’s surprise, and has great cocktails. Also kid-friendly.

Apparently we are a good luck charm for babies: Our friend Carey had her second hours after we left her <3. (Could also be the spicy food… nah.)

Saw our wonderful friends Chris and Amanda (now married!) and met their pup, Riley, who is just the cutest nugget.

On a hot day, sometimes you just need a cold soda and ice.

Layla crossed 10,000 miles on the odometer!

In between Chicago and Kentucky was Indiana. Where none of the Walmarts seem to allow overnight parking, and also none of the Cabela’s. After a few hours we finally found our savior in Cracker Barrel. We have yet to be turned away. We also caught Avengers: Infinity War in a movie theater with sweet reclining seats.

NOW WE KNOW

Google Maps isn’t an expert on bike paths. It led us down the River Walk, which is absolutely not a good, safe, or legal place for bikes. Gotta walk ’em. Not cool.

Drake music at 10 in the morning is not our vibe. (We’re lookin’ at you, Roister).

WHERE WE STAYED

Nights one, two and three: McCormick Place, Lot B

So most people know this as a place to park regular-sized cars for games and such in Chicago, but they also have a truck marshalling yard (which is where truckers drop off/pick up trailers). In said yard, they also allow RVs (and trucks and buses) to park overnight for a whopping $35!

Insane, but it put us close enough to the city that it was worth it. That being said, it’s not very well set up: no signs or clear instructions on where to go. So if you ever choose this option, you want to take the first left as you head down Moe Drive from E. 31st Street, and go in at the truck entrance. You can also make reservations here if you want to ensure you have a spot ahead of time.

Night four: Cracker Barrel in Hammond, IN

Our saving grace after the saga of trying to find a place to stay overnight.

Night five: Not sure – somewhere free around Indianapolis, IN