The Cubs, crisp air, and city views. These few words basically sum up the whirlwind of a day I spent last week in The Windy City! Though I was able to visit Chicago in the spring, this trip was an entirely new experience. Chicago is such a special place, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to visit this fall for a super special upcoming project. It goes to show how even just a day away from campus can be entirely refreshing from the normal routine. I’ll be giving you an entire play-by-play of everything I did in my 24 hours in Chicago, so keep scrolling for lots of pictures!
Tuesday, 8 AM (Austin, TX)
After asking my professor to let me take an early exam I was supposed to take on Tuesday evening, he agreed and told me to show up at his office at 7 AM that morning. Yeah…7 AM. I was like, “Say whaaattt?!” As much as I love my mornings, I love sleeping in just a tad bit more. Let’s just say I’m glad I packed my overnight bag the night before, and I woke up in time for my exam. In fact, I showed up ten minutes early! It gave me plenty of time at the airport to relax, get some work done, and watch the beautiful sunrise that morning.
Our plane left right on time. This super soft, cozy cowl neck sweater was perfect for the ride. It was a bit bumpy, but I was more productive on the flight than any other flight I’ve been on. I’m typically a plane sleeper, so this was a big win for me. Fun fact: I always get a V-8 or ginger ale on the plane. Do any of you friends stick with the same plane drink? There’s just something comforting about habits like this!
Since I didn’t check in any luggage and sat at the front of the plane, I arrived at Midway Airport right on time. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast earlier and didn’t pack a lunch either (whoops), so I was super hungry at this point. I waited for some other ladies, Mikkaela and Alayna, to arrive, so we could head to the hotel. Once we stepped outside the airport, I was immediately struck by how gorgeous fall is in the Midwest. I made sure to quickly snap a photo from the car window.
Chicago traffic is just something else. After the long, but scenic drive, we finally arrived at our hotel. We stayed at The Radisson Blu Aqua, and goodness gracious it was stunning! The super swanky hotel boasted some beautiful views of Millenium Park. This might sound silly, but I fell in love with the teal carpet inside my room. The lobby also had this gorgeous gold fireplace. I charged all my devices, finished up some more work, and got ready for dinner. More pictures of the hotel below!
The view outside my room had Millenium Park on the right (pictured below!) and this track down below. If I had brought my running shoes, maybe I would’ve gone for a run…maybe. Haha!
I was completely stuffed from dinner, but some of us suggested having a second dinner at Lou Malnati’s. Unfortunately, there was a 45 minute wait at that specific location, so we went straight for dessert at Ghirardelli. Though it’s not a Chicago specialty, this location was in the beautiful Wrigley Building downtown, and that view just cannot be beat. The eight of us shared a few sundaes and cones, and we also received some hot chocolates to go. It felt so good holding my warm cup of salted hot chocolate in my hands outside in the cold, rainy weather.
Tuesday, 11 PM (Chicago, IL)

I’m so glad I got to give you a little inside peek of my trip, y’all! As a student, it’s rare to get the opportunity to pack your bags and jet off someplace else without the responsibilities of books and homework. If given the chance, I think everyone should take time for themselves and experience traveling outside their own city. Unfortunately, this week of school hit me like a brick, so I had to get back to work fast! With my last lab of the semester, a major exam, an injury, the election results, and a fever with symptoms of bronchitis, it’s safe to say I want to curl up in bed for the weekend. Did you know that 10 Things I Hate About You is on Netflix? If you’ve seen my Seattle Travel Guide, you know I can’t get enough of this movie. You can bet I’ll be curled up in bed watching it this weekend!

This looks like such a fun trip and a great group of girls too! Can't wait to see the project!!
http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com
I've always wanted to go to Chicago! Looks like a ton of fun and great photos!
Kirsten – http://www.thewanderingbrunette.com
It was such a quick trip, and I so wish I had more time to explore! I hope for another opportunity to visit again. Can't wait to share about the project!
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
It's such a fantastic city. I highly recommend a trip there!
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
I love Chicago in the fall. So glad you got to experience it!
Sincerely, Jennie
Looks like such a fun trip! I totally feel you on ordering the same drinks every time you fly, I almost always order a ginger ale! I'm from Seattle area and 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed at my rival high school! I can't wait to check out your Seattle post!
XO, Olivia
Yay! Seems like you had wonderful time, dear! Wow that dessert looks amazing!
http://stylesprinter.com/
Loved reading this. Please check out my latest winter trend alert!
Kisses xo | From Aliona With Love
Instagram @alionawithlove
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It's so beautiful. I would love the opportunity to return!
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
Right?! There's nothing like some familiarity and comfort in ordering the same thing. That is SO cool you went to the rival high school! I love that area of Seattle. Thanks for stopping by, Olivia.
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
The dessert was absolutely incredible! Super yummers. Thanks for stopping by, Katya!
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
Thanks so much, Aliona!
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
nice post and amazing blog 🙂
http://itsmetijana.blogspot.rs/
I love Chicago! I went there for memorial day weekend. It was amazing the nicest people ever. I think I stayed at the same hotel too
Life is just Rosie
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Thanks so much, Tijana!
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
It really is incredible! And I totally agree with you about that. The hotel was also amazing. I would love the opportunity to stay there again. Thanks for stopping by, Rose!
XO from Austin,
Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella