After 7+ hours of traveling, Megan and I finally arrived in Chicago around 6 PM last night. I was so excited to check out the city – I’ve never been here and it’s gorgeous.
Let’s go back in time a bit…
Our flights involved one delay after the other. Luckily, we had Internet and magazines to keep us busy. I snacked on an apple, crackers, and a fruit leather as well.
Chicago has great public transportation. We took the train from the airport to a stop about 0.5 mile from our hotel and dragged our very heavy suitcases around.
Once we got settled in, we hooked up with fellow blends Julie and Chandra and decided to just lay low and see the city for a bit. First, I asked them to help me finish stuffing the swag bags – the other members of the planning member did the bulk of the work earlier but I had one more thing to slip in.
The swag is pretty great this year! The bags don’t close!
Then, we walked to Gino’s for their famous deep-dish pizza. The 1.0 mile walk to the restaurant was a great way to see the city, and the mile back was a nice way to get the heavy pizza to settle in my stomach. 
At Gino’s, I had a glass of red wine:
And about 2/3 slice of a Vegetarian pizza and 1/2 of a cheese and spinach. They were HUGE pieces, but really great. The crusty was similar to pie crust – super buttahy and flaky. Two thumbs up.
After a great night’s sleep, I’m meeting friends (old and new) in the lobby for a run, and then it’s a full day of conference activities.
Have you been to Chicago? What’s your favorite city architecturally?
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{ 117 comments… read them below or add one }
I am from Chicago and this makes me miss home! ENJOY!
Sounds like a great evening – can’t wait to read all about the conference!
Can’t wait to read about the conference
I’ve never been to Chicago- but I hear it is really beautiful. I’m in New York City this weekend and am excited to explore some of the architecture here but I have a feeling that once I see Chicago, it will be my favourite.
I hope everything goes well at the summit!
Yes, I’ve been to Chicago. And Gino’s is delicious! yum!
I love NYC architecturally . There is just so much old and so much new combined together, perfectly. LOVE that city!
I like Gino’s
The pizza in Chicago is so filling though. Me and 3 friends split a small (which is only 4 pieces!)
Never been to Chicago but that deep dish pizza looks amazing!
I lived in Chicago for about 9 months. I absolutely love it. It is so clean and friendly. Plus, you can’t beat the deep dish. I keep trying to convince Matt to move there, but he’s not so sure on the weather.
I have never been to Chicago – I would love to go one day, though! A friend of a friend lives there and is always raving about how fantastic it is.
My favorite city, architecturally and for its culture and food, is New Orleans. Once you sober up, there’s plenty of fantastic food and entertainment to enjoy, and then you get plastered again, and then once you sober up from that there’s shopping and breathtaking buildings. I’m convinced it’s my soul city.
I went to Chicago for the first time last summer for a conference and I LOVED it. Gorgeous, gorgeous city! (In the summer, at least!) I wish I was there at the HLS!
I looooove Chicago but my favorite city is probably New York
I’m glad you went to Gino’s…if you are going to eat Chicago pizza, that is the best place! Have fun, wish I could be there.
Have a blast girls x
I would love to try that deep dish pizza
Have fun girls, I wish I could be there
Oooh that pizza sounds yummy, have a great time!
I don’t remember ever being to Chicago! The pizza looks amaaaaazing. And what IS that big reflective thing in the first photo?!
Wei-Wei
It’s art! it looks like a kidney bean
It’s called Cloud Gate, but everyone calls it “the bean”. It’s in Millenium Park along with a bunch of other cool art!
Everything looks like so much fun!
have a great day!
Even though I’m a thin crust pizza girl, I think I need to get to chicago and try authentic deep dish. Ya know, just for reference. Have fun!
I’ve been to Chicago once. I was there for a school conference and maybe had two hours to look around the city one morning. I loved what I saw though. I loved the relfective bean.
I really want to go back one day since my Stepdad is from there. So, uh, make sure you eat at a lot of awesome places and report back so I can save your posts for my next trip.
Have fun at HLS!!
I think I’m just and East Coast girl because that pizza just doesn’t do it for me. I like my crust super thin.
I’ve never been to Chicago but my favorite cities architecturally are Paris and Prague. Prague surprised me with how beautiful it was.
Welcome to Chicago! Long time reader, first time commentorhere. I’ve lived in Chicago for 5 years, but it’s always been my fave city architecturally, the Trib and Wrigley buildings especially. And Gino’s is awesome (though I prefer Giordanno’s
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are you coming to the fun run on sunday? we’re meeting at 8 am in the congress plaza lobby! come up to me and say hi!
I could use a fun run! Looking forward to meeting you
I grew up in Chicago and I LOVE it….my favorite city, especially in the summer! So much to do, so much to see….and eight million times better than the winter!
Deep dish is great, and super filling…delish!
Chicago is amazing! You probably won’t have time, but I highly recommend the Museum of Science and Industry. It’s really cool!!
Last night I was reading the recent issue of Glamour magazine when all of a sudden there is a page about Operation Beautiful. I exclaimed “Oh my goodness!” and my husband looked at me like I was strange. I’ve been following your blog for a year now and I was so excited for you to be featured in the magazine. Congratulations!
Yay! thank you for reading
Science and Industry is really cool, I agree! They have an entire new section about the human body, which features some gross plastified bodies :/, but also neat interactive exhibits, like one that measures your pulse while standing and while exercising. I also recommend the Shedd Aquarium if you have time
glad you are enjoying my city! have a great time this weekend
I love Chicago! It has great architecture in and around the city. Other than Chicago, my current city (Buffalo) has some great historic buildings too.
I wish I could be there for HLS, sadly the scheduling didn’t work for me this year- hopefully next year! Have a great time!
My first time in chicago was last october – my husband and I went there for a week right after our wedding. I LOVED every second of being there – so much to do and see and great public transportation!
We are thinking about going there again this year for our anniversary
Looks like a great start to Chicago. I have only been there once in high school and never got to see the city. I really want to go back though. Favorite city ever is Paris! I LOVE it! Have fun today!
Those pizzas look so amazing. I love walking to and from a restaurant. It really settles my stomach to walk around after a good meal.
You look so beautiful in that flowery dress! Have a great weekend!
Gino’s is awesome!!!!! Did you see how you can write stuff all over the walls in the bathroom? Crazy and definitely a fun place!
Looking forward to hearing more about the Summit. I was in Chicago a year and a half ago, after a flight delay. Rather than waiting in the airport, we made the most of it by going into the cityf for the day.
Architecturally, Rome is the most beautiful city I’ve been too. I fell in love with the old structures, and couldn’t believe the Parthenon is right outside of a subway stop. Unbelievable.
I live in the suburbs and love this City! If you have a chance while you are here, you should do the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat tour– it is about 1.5 hours but totally worth the time. You learn so much and get to see the City from the river. With your planning background, you would be in heaven
Chicago looks so nice! I never travel in the US but it looks like a good city to start in.
Toronto would be a great host city for next year’s conference *hint hint*
Glad you are all enjoying the city! I’m just 40 minutes away in NW Indiana & LOVE being so close to Chicago.
Now you need to try Lou Malnati’s pizza too. Better than Gino’s
Have a FAB time!!!!
I agree, Lou Malnatis is the best!
Nooo Gino’s is so much better!
I live here, so YES! I grew up downtown, and I’m a hardcore Chi-town lover!
We have some amazing architecture here. Chicago is home to some very famous architects: Louis Sullivan, Daniel Burnham, and even Frank Llyod Wright for a time. Anywhere you go downtown, you’ll see stunning works of art just looking at buildings.
Yes I grew up not too far from Chi town! You must get the famous Garrett’s popcorn! Caramel and cheese combo is the best. Oh and the best pizza is Pizanno’s..get the thin crust! Have fun!!!! Such a fun city!
Omigosh! That pizza looks INSANE! It’s hard for me to choose my favorite city architecturally. If we’re staying in the US, its Portland. Canada its Vancouver, BC. I’ve never been to Europe, but since I absolutely love Palladio, Vicenza would be amazing to visit.
I am from the suburbs of Chicago and went to art school in downtown Chicago, so I love it there!!
You’ll have a great time.
lot’s to do there!
I LOVE CHICAGO. I LOVE IT. It is my favorite city in all of the US. I went there to run the Chicago Marathon back in 2004 (and 2006)and I fell in LOVE with it. Everything there is interesting to see. everything. I am enjoying your pics!! Enjoy your time there and also the fabulous runs!
That’s one intense pizza! I have never visited Chicago, or many BIG cities in the US. Drivien through them, yes, but not visited. The best architecture I have seen would be in Harrogate, England. In all the places I’ve lived, that was hands down the best in terms of the downtown atmosphere. The buildings were historic, and the churches and castles in the surrounding area were beautiful.
I’ve been to Chicago several times and tried all of the “top” deep dish pizza places and Gino’s is my absolute favorite! So jealous of your delicious pizza. Architecturally my favorite city is Paris, because it truly is one of the most beautiful cities.
YAY! I’m glad you like Gino’s- my great uncle founded it so it makes me so happy when people say it’s their favorite
It’s the best pizza ever! I wish I lived closer to Chicago sometimes so I could have it more although it’s probably best for my waistline that I don’t haha.
Never been to Chicago but would love to visit. Already planning on attending the HLS next year! I feel like the only blogger on the planet not there right now
i’ve never been to chicago, but i ADORE san francisco! i love the houses there…so distinct and beautiful!
If I had known about the Healthy Living Summit ahead of time, I would have LOVED to join you! That sounds so much fun, and I LOVE meeting new people with the same interests that I have. Enjoy your time in Chi town!
My favorite cities are Chicago and San Fran. Love them both. Enjoy your time and I can’t wait to read about the HLS on your blog and many others that I also follow.
I LOVE Chicago. My plan is to move there someday soon. It is just an amazing city and Gino’s definitely has great pizza.
I hope you have a great time there and I look forward to reading about the summit!
I’m glad you like it! I live here, but my favorite city architecturally is Paris, for sure. Hope to meet you later!
never been there! The swag bags look awesome!
welcome to chicago!! i live downtown and love it:) hope the summit goes well and can’t wait to here about it! maybe one day i will start a blog and join the fun:)
I LOVE CHicago — as a Minneapolis girl, it is only a hop, skip, and a jump away. I think it is my favorite city in the US, actually. Maybe San Fran. We’ll see. But anyway, I love it, and there are so many great options for running along the lake, etc. The runs go by so fast beacuse there is so much cool stuff to look at!
I’ve not yet been to Chicago, but it’s definitely on my travel list. My boss is from there and is always talking about its wonders. As for my favorite cities architecturally, I’m torn between San Francisco an New York.
That pizza almost looks like soup! Deep dish amazes me.
LUV Chicago and usually go a couple of times/year, even if just for a day trip from here in Tulsa. It’s a nice weather break in the middle of the summer! I also love that picture of Megan!
Have fun ladies!
I went to Chicago in February (first time) for a conference and loved it! Going back in a couple of weeks to visit a grad school friend, and I’m excited to have more time to just tour the city this time. Of course, I had to have pizza (and will have it again!)–amazing how the crust is so buttery and flaky without seeming overly greasy, isn’t it?
My favorite city in the US Boston!
*is* Boston!
Jeez! Those swag bags are huge! BTW – I was at my grandma’s the other day and was reading her Woman’s Day magazine and saw an article about OB! OB is everywhere – Congrats.
I JUST came back from Chicago. If you get a chance (which you might not since you have a busy weeekend ahead of you) go on the architecture boat tour! The bean is soo beautiful, I love your nighttime pics
Have fun
Aw, Chicago! I’ve spent lots of time there, and it is a great city. Have fun!
I’ve never been to Chicago (other than to the airport)which I think is a sin since I live in WI, 6 hours away. I have heard AMAZING things about the pizza there though and it will definitely be my first meal when I finally make the trip!
You have to go to Gino’s East! It’s the oldest and best- you can sign your name on the walls and furniture
Awesome! I will keep that in mind
Enjoy the rest of your time there!
I want to see the bean. It’s such a cool piece of architecture. Sounds like you ladies are already off for a blast.
I am from Chicago so I am a bit biased toward it, haha. I think our architecture is just beautiful. My favorite building is the Tribune Tower on North Michigan. It is so beautiful!
Enjoy your weekend! And if you are so inclined to try more pizza, go to Giordano’s. I personally think they have the best deep dish
The Bean – i love the bean- and living in chicago – its definately my favority city. if you have time try and do an architecture tour and get Lou Malnatis pizza it is the BEST oh and try and go to Goose Island or at least go to a restaurant that serves Goose Island
I grew up in Chicago and I am loving all the pictures of the city! I also love the trib building. My favorite deep dish in Chicago though is Lou Malnati’s. So good. I sometimes get it shipped to me!
and my favorite cities overall are Boston, Paris, Istanbul and oddly, LA, where I live now.
I am also from Chicago and just got back from a trip there. I miss it and my trip back made me homesick.
I’m also partial to Lou Malnati’s, but Gino’s isn’t half bad
Gino’s is the best!
Have fun on your run! Oh, and buttahy and flaky pizza crusts are the BEST. There is a local pizza restaurant nearby and they have the best crust EVER..it’s chewy and buttahy and oh-so-good..that’s pretty much the only reason I go there
I have never been to Chicago, but from all of the pictures I’m seeing it looks neat! Although I don’t think I’d like Chicago-style pizza.
Even if you don’t like it, you will love the crust! At Gino’s, it’s cornbread and buttery
See, that’s why I’m not sure. I like thick, chewy, doughy pizza dough. I don’t know what style that is, and I know it’s not cool for those who fear carbs, but it is what this girl loves!
I love that kind too, haha
If you go to Chicago, try Scoozi. They have wood-oven pizza and the best chewy ciabbata bread in the world!
i live only about 3 hours from chi town! it’s amazing! we don’t go there a lot but it’s such a fun place
Chicago is an awesome city! Too much stuff to see and do in just one trip. I’d love to go back!
I LOVE Chicago, glad you’re having fun so far. Also glad you had deep dish while there, it’s a must!
I love Chicago!! I hope to come to HLS next year…can’t wait to see where it is
So glad you liked Gino’s East!!
My great uncle was one of the founders- I’m glad you went there instead of other, worse-quality establishments *cough* Lou Malnati’s *cough*
Enjoy your stay!
And did you sign the wall while there??
HEHEH NO but i shouldve!
Chicago is fantastic! My best friend lives there, as well as some family, and I love visiting the city, eating the pizza, and taking in the friendliness of the midwest. And Gino’s is dee-licious! Enjoy your time in the city!
Chicago is one of my most favorite cities, both for vibe and architecture. I think Chi-town has some of the best architecture in the US. Plus, it’s just such a nice city to visit (when it’s not a zillion degrees below zero!) — people are super friendly.
Last time I was there, I missed out on the deep dish. Next time, I’m definitely going to indulge.
oh WOW that pizza looks amazing!!!!
(Warning: First time commenting!)
I looooove Chicago!! It’s architecture, it’s people, it’s weather! (ok…maybe not the last one!:)) I am a little biased, though, because I’ve lived in the burbs or the city all my life. As a lifetime resident, welcome to Chicago!! Glad you are enjoying it
I wish I were able to come down to the fun run this weekend and meet/run with you (although I know you’d be miles ahead of me!) but I’m actually heading to Orlando to visit my fiance’s p’s! I started reading your blog a few months ago after deciding to make some changes to my eating habits and overall “life” habits. I’m so glad I happened upon your blog because I’ve really been inspired by you! It’s amazing how something so small like your first “You are Beautiful” note turned into such a whirlwind and incredible path for you! It just goes to show that when you are passionate about something, anything is possible. Thanks for being an inspiration and enjoy the weekend!
PS – hope you also get to enjoy some of the air and water show. It’s a great weekend for it and I’m bummed I’m missing it! (although I’ve been watching them practice all day as they fly over my building!)
**waves hi** thanks for reading
and i hope you have fun in ORL!
I am so glad you are loving Chicago! I am also very excited you like Gino’s East – a lot of times people who aren’t from chicago can’t appreciate the deep dish. Looks like you’re having a blast!
I am so, so, so homesick for Chicago right now!
For an awesome dessert, get a Rainbow Cone! http://www.rainbowcone.com/
I’ve never been to Chicago, but my boyfriend is from about 30 minutes outside the city, so we are trying to get over there to visit soon!
I would say that, architecturally, San Francisco is my favorite city. All in all, though, Boston is my favorite (in the US at least!).
I’d have to say that Chicago is my favorite city in terms of architecture. If you have a chance, I highly recommend the Architecture Riverboat Tour. Truly awesome. Enjoy your time in Chicago!
London is my favorite city architecturally speaking!
I have never been to Chicago…well except for the airport. But I would love love love to go!
I thought Barcelona was pretty amazingh architecturally.
Looks like fun so far!
i’ve been to chicago about 6 years ago for a wedding!
looks like you girls are having a great time!
the pizza looks amaaazing. Can’t wait to hear more about the HLS!
I’m originally from Chicago, so I may be a little biased but I truly do believe that it’s the most architecturally beautiful city there is. Nothing beats that skyline!
You’re gonna have a great time in Chicago! I was there for the first time about 2 years ago and fell in love with the city…went back less than a year afterwards….love the food, shopping, sites…everything! Aaahhh, ‘am jealous…
I’ve never been to Chicago, but it looks great! I think my favourite city in terms of architecture (that I’ve visited) is Montreal. It has some gorgeous cathedrals!
I’ve only been to Chicago once…when I was like 12. That’s when I was first introduced to cheese stuffed crust pizza. I thought it was the most glorious thing EVER!
Glad you’re enjoying Chicago. As a Chicagoan, I truly think it’s the best city ever! I am planning on blogging about the Healthy Living Summit on Monday, so hope everything goes well. In honor of healthy living, check out this great article on 5 foods you should remove from your diet today!
I haven’t been to chi-town since I was a kid, though I grew up in Indiana, not far. They have fantastic pizza. I know there’s a NYC vs Chi-Town pizza war, but to me, there’s no competition.
Hey Caitlin! Just wanted to let you know you are getting some exposure down here in Little Rock, AR! They just featured you on our local news with a link on the local news page to your site. YAY!
yay how fun!!!
Wow! This story just came to me in an e-mail! This is pretty amazing!
http://www.athensnews.gr/articles/13402/09/08/2010/29779
This brings a new meaning to “running a marathon”!
wow, i was just in chicago and must have stayed pretty close to where you are b/c i also saw the giant reflective bean AND ate at gino’s!
the hard rock hotel (not the restaurant, the hotel) is near there… and if you get a second to have a drink, the bartender (i think from bolivia) in the restaurant attached is a total riot and makes amazing drinks!!
Ohhhh, exciting day.
I guess Chicago Deep-dish pizza is the real thing then?!
My parents are from Chicago but I’ve spent a shockingly small amount of time actually in the city. The grandparents now live roughly an hour away, and usually the time spent in the city is in an airport, before I’m whisked away to visit with family.
I have to admit that I don’t really notice architecture, but I had a great time in New York City on Easter enjoying the beauty of the city.
Chicago is great! I love how much diversity there is there from museums and restaurants to the culture and lake!!!
I know you’re going to have an awesome time.
I think I need to visit Chicago! The Bean looks amazing! I have to see it in person.
I have never been to Chicago … so far my fave city architecturally is NY (Manhattan to be exact).
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