Edited to Add:
This post is extremely ‘late’. There are two words to explain why: lost luggage. I had my laptop in my carry on, but my power cord in my suitcase; my battery doesn’t last more than 45 minutes – sweet. After the longest day of travelling ever [car –> train –> ‘L’ –> 6 hr. flight –> shuttle –> car], I wasn’t about to wait for my luggage to possibly come in on the next delayed flight. I couldn’t hear out of my left ear, and my nose was gushing like Niagara Falls… little did I know, I had a full-on ear infection. Once home, the only way to reach the rest of the world was with my phone that, too, had a red battery level. The past 48 hours have been a huge test of my patience, as I’ve waited for the FedEx guy to knock on my door with my 42 lb. suitcase, that’s been keeping my Garrett’s caramel corn hostage + a few other semi-important items. Unloaded and recharged, I can finally get on with my life…
* * *
It felt like a dream, really… a dream I never wanted to end. My heart has been smiling non-stop the past four days. Travelling to Chicago for the Healthy Living Summit was one of the best things I’ve done for myself lately; I can’t think of a recent time when I’ve been happier. I was too busy having a blast being a tourist and making new foodie friends to post about my adventures in the wonderful windy humid city.
I’m currently sitting on my flight West and have a moment 6 hours to reflect. The excitement is over, but at least I have a great deal of photos, so I can cherish this experience forever. They are each worth 1,000 words.
Part I: Yum Yum
After riding the ‘L’ from Midway Airport with my aunt and Courtney, we arrived in the city overlooking State Street.
We drug our suitcases a few blocks in the humid air to our historic destination, the Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan Avenue. Rumor has it, it’s haunted ; )
After freshening up a bit, my New York roommate and I joined a handful of other early-arrival bloggers heading to the Pilsen district for a free launch party for YumUniverse.
We spotted a few special guests right away! : ) Please ignore the awful humidity glow going on.
We chatted with other HLS attendees and sampled fair trade quinoa vodka + acai spirit. It was too humid in the crowded brick building for my appetite to want to try any of the raw/vegan treats. Though, I heard they were quite yummy.
Sticky with sweat, we set out in search of cooler air. Courtney + I both hadn’t eaten much in the way of dinner, so we strolled down the street with a group of bloggers to a casual outdoor cafe and shared a late-night pita + hummus plate while getting to know new friends from all around the country. I knew right then and there, the rest of the weekend would be epic!
* * *
Part II: A Taste of Chi Town
After a cool night’s rest, Courtney and I were up early on Friday to meet-up with the early-risers for breakfast. We walked right on down Michigan Avenue to The Corner Bakery for oats ‘n’ iced coffees.
Then some of the group braved a hot yoga class; little did they know, you could sweat just as much by walking the streets of Chicago. Courtney, Nienke, and I enjoyed playing tourists all morning.
I spy Lake Michigan.
California & New York meet Chicago.
Lovin’ life.
Up the street we strolled to the infamous Millennium Park.
I was wishing I had my swim suit with me.
It was the cool place to play.
Our quest wouldn’t be complete without visiting “The Bean”.
Chicago’s latest public art installation is “Eye”, a 30 foot tall eyeball.
More Millennium
The Magnificent Mile
… and a massive mural.
After our bright, sweaty walk up and down Michigan Ave, Courtney, Nienke, and I met up a few other hungry bloggers. It was somehow difficult to decide on a place to grab a bite to eat for lunch, but about 14 blocks and 1 sticky hour later, our 7 glowing faces agreed on The Berghoff.
Beers were ordered right away. I shared a few sips of Kath’s ale.
For lunch, six out of seven of us ordered the same item: roasted sweet potato panini with fig confit, roasted red pepper, goat cheese, arugula, and caramelized cipolline onion + a huge pile of thick, homemade potato chips. We couldn’t resist!
* * *
Part III: In Good Spirits
We made time for fro yo before finding our way back to The Congress for the summit check-in and cocktail party pampering. After one sketchy cab ride, my posse and I made it to LaSalle Power Co. for the summit kick-off!
Open Sky put on a great party for the 200+ attendees. I had loads of fun chit-chatting with foodies, runners, and writers from all over the country.
A handful travelled from Canada, like Callie. Photo courtesy of Callie.
Megan, Allie & I kept things colorful with our matching coral. [Check out my nametag – oops!]
Photo courtesy of Allie.
Caitlin is so fun!
Miss Emily & I. Photos courtesy of event sponsor.
As the cocktail party came to a close, Kath and I shared a Manhattan for our final spirit. Then a couple girls and I flagged down a taxi in the rain and returned to our room on the 13th floor [notice the date]. All was swell until my throat suddenly became sore…
STAY TUNED FOR MORE!
Oh my oh my – what an amazing time you had! Well aside from the lost luggage at the end :)
Looks SO fun! I had a great time reading people´s recaps like this. I hope I can make it next year!
Oh man, I’m glad it all worked out with the luggage… that sucks!
Looks like you had a great time though! I can’t wait for more updates!
LOVE the recap so far! Ahhhh, let’s do it again NOW! :-D
Looks like so much fun! Is your dress (the last one) from Lulu’s? I’m looking at ordering it, and it’s so cute on you!
No, it isn’t… but perhaps it’s similar? Thank you : )
Hooray for our matching dresses! :)
Hope you’re feeling better!
Looks like you have a great time! Love your one shoulder dress.