The Best Time to Visit Chicago

I wasn’t aware of this before I arrived, but St. Patrick’s day is a really big deal in Chicago!

They even dye the Chicago River green! I did not know about this prior to my visit and due to COVID, it didn’t seem that anyone living there was expecting it this year.

I arrived on Thursday and the River was pretty… but a very normal color. When I woke up on Friday the river was NEON green. At first I thought I was having a stroke because I was not aware of this tradition.. but it was such a fun surprise.

I also got to see how the local businesses and restaurants got in on the st. Patrick’s day fun. My favorite place was Paradise Park, they decorated the entire restaurant and served festive green drinks. Make sure you order the icecream shots ( a little pricy but totally adorable.)

It goes without saying… but go hungry because Chicago deep dish pizza is an EXPERIENCE. If you ask a local where their favorite pizza can be found, you’ll get a variety of answers. The two big chains that attract a lot of attention are Lou Malnotti’s and Giordano’s.

I’ve done some pretty extensive research.. and with that I have to say that my official recommendation is Giordano’s. I appreciate their cheese to bread ratio.. however you really can’t go go wrong with either choice.

One of my favorite things that I did was experience “the Tilt” at Hanson tower. Explain what it does from their website

Maybe not a top choice for those who are afraid of heights, but it offers unparalleled views of the Chicago skyline.

Visit the world’s largest Starbucks while you’re there. This isn’t tour ordinary run in to grab a quick cup of coffee sort of Starbucks. In fact, they have a completely different menu than you may be accustomed to at many of their other stores. Each level offers something different from craft cocktails, to unique coffee creations to (idk look it up.) I opted for reserve espresso martini..no regrets!