nightlife – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

I have only been to Chicago a handful of times, yet I love it so much. Given my lack of experience with traveling around the Windy City, I’m handing over the city guide ownership to my good friend, Mara, who writes one of my favorite blogs – Hook, Thread & Tinker. Mara lives in Chicago with her husband, James, and their newborn son, Simon, who is two days younger than Isla (and the cutest boy ever!). Her style is très similar to mine, so naturally I think she’s super cool (ha). She has written a detailed city guide, which I’m sharing with you today! First, I’ll give you my abbreviated, yet sound, list of Chicago must-do’s.

My Chicago Recommendations

Eat brunch at 2 Sparrows (where I tasted my first St-Germain cocktail)
Get coffee at La Colombe (I’m not an iced coffee person, but I am here)
Eat lunch at Tavern on Rush (sit outside and people watch)
Drink Bloody Mary’s at Mike Ditka’s Restaurant (nice and spicy)
Devour dinner at Purple Pig (I literally dream about their shaved Brussels sprouts!)
Get drinks at Pops for Champagne (I believe Heaven will have a champagne bar too)
Take a ‘selfie’ using The Bean in Millenium Park (major tourist attraction, but I love it)
Ride the ferris wheel at Navy Pier (okay, also very touristy)
Shop on The Magnificent Mile (there is no H&M near us in Houston!)
Laugh until you cry at Second City (book well ahead of time)

For the full Chicago City Guide on Hook, Thread & Tinker, click here. It’s literally the best city guide ever made – it includes separate posts for breakfast and brunch, lunch and dinner, pizza, snacks and dessert, daytime activities, drinks and nightlife – as well as a detailed 48 hour itinerary. Happy reading (and hopefully, planning!).

Click here to see a complete list of my travel guides.

This past Saturday, Sasha and I headed to The Book of Mormon at the Hobby Center in Houston, and it was a million times better than I even anticipated (and my expectations were high).

To start, the cast could not possibly have been more character appropriate. You believed that Elder Price really is predestined to be the best Mormon missionary ever, and that Elder Cunningham really is just a Star Wars loving slob. The singing and dancing was spot-on, with catchy tunes like Hello! and Hasa Diga Ebowai (disagree with the translation!!!). The plot was slightly predictable, but I’m willing to bet people go to The Book of Mormon for the laughs vs. plot twists. It is honestly hilarious. Sasha and I were in hysterics at some points, and had our jaws wide open at others (definitely not appropriate for young children).

While it is certainly not intended for Mormon audiences, it was very informative about the religion. I learned a ton of history during the play, and while a conversion is 100% not in my future, it is helping to educate people about the Mormon beliefs.

While on the topic of plays, I’m going to see Kinky Boots while in NYC in a month and a half. I’m so excited.

This nine-time Tony winner is currently touring the US – see the schedule here. It is most definitely worth it to buy a ticket!

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