Carrie, Michaela, Leah and I have been friends since elementary school and stayed very close through high school, college, post-college “real world” shenanigans, weddings, babies and more. Few people know me and understand me better than these three women and a girls’ weekend in the city was long overdue.
My friend Leah is expecting her second child in the beginning of December and we wanted to plan a trip before her baby’s arrival but didn’t want Leah to have to host us during her last few weeks of pregnancy. We decided a trip to Chicago, a short drive from Leah’s house just outside of the city, would work well for a mini retreat away from the craziness of everyday life.
I said goodbye to Ryan and Chase late Friday afternoon and arrived in Chicago in the early evening. Michaela and Carrie picked me up at the airport and the three of us drove into the city where we met up with Carrie who was driving in town from Michigan.
We checked into our hotel and unloaded our things in a beautifully luxurious room with one heck of a view of the Chicago River at the Sheraton Grand. (Check in was a breeze and everyone was so friendly!)
The Sheraton Grand was kind enough to give us a complimentary room for the weekend (thank you!) and we were excited to find fresh fruit and a platter of pita chips and dip waiting for us upon our arrival. It was just what we needed to tide us over until our 8:30 p.m. dinner reservation!
The size of our room was cozy for four of us but we didn’t feel cramped during our stay. We all agreed the beds were so comfortable and I truly slept better during my two nights at the Sheraton Grand than I have in weeks. (Not having a baby monitor by my side maaaay have had something to do with that!)
Leah made us reservations at Il Porcellino, an Italian-American restaurant located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago. It was a quick Uber ride from our hotel and we arrived early enough to grab drinks at the bar before our table was ready.
Not only was the ambiance of the restaurant on point, the food was wonderful as well! After sharing the calamari and Tuscan cheese bread appetizers, we split four entrees family-style for dinner (one salad and three pasta dishes). The gnocchi bolognese and butternut squash ravioli stole the show!
(Pic from Il Porcellino because all of my food photos were super dark and grainy!)
We took our time and lingered over dinner and wine before making our way back to the hotel where we promptly changed into our pajamas, climbed into bed and chatted away for the next couple of hours. I missed these girls so much and could’ve happily spent the entire trip in our hotel room just catching up on life with everyone.
I’ll see ya tomorrow with a recap of our second (and only FULL day) in Chicago!
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Ah I love Chicago. It’s such a beautiful city!
Girlsweekendofmydreams
It’s so fantastic that even after you all grew up and moved away you’re still able to stay so close! I’m going to cheesily quote Dolly Parton (and others) and say, “you can’t make new old friends”. Nobody knows us like those people who knew us from the near-beginning! This looks like a great trip, and I love the idea of ordering several dishes and sharing them all – a way to make a pot luck out of any dinner out! Great view out your hotel window! Thanks for sharing with us.
Totally agree!!! It was so wonderful to be together!
Yay for a good time with girlfriends!
You get a free hotel room for a girls wknd from writing this blog?
Hi Alison! Yes! I thought saying they “hosted our stay” communicated this but I apologize if this was unclear and just updated the post to say our stay was complimentary. It was absolutely not my intent for this to be vague in any way!
It was clear 🙂
Looks like you had a lovely time! Catching up with friends is the best. So glad you all enjoyed yourselves.
Looks like a fun first day! I totally feel the same way re: hotel room comment. I could just hang with my girls ANYWHERE not doing anything, going out, etc. and its awesome!
Did Sheraton comp your stay for a review?? Looks like a great hotel!
Hi Hillary! Yes, the Sheraton hosted our stay which was so kind! I was not paid to feature the hotel but our stay was complimentary.
Was thinking the same thing, but didn’t want to post it. Glad you did. LOL
I’m so sorry that wasn’t clear! I thought saying they “hosted our stay” made it clear, but I’ll absolutely update the post now. It was definitely not my intent for this to be unclear in any way.
Ok I have to ask. Whatever happened to the 5th member of your group?
She’s wonderful and I’m still good friends with her and we still keep up with each other! She has drifted a bit from the rest of the group over time but there are absolutely no hard feelings at all.
I went to college about an hour and half drive away from Chicago so I went often and I have to say it’s my favorite big city. I miss being close by! The views are beautiful, shopping is great, culture is high, it’s just an awesome, awesome city.
it’s my favorite city, too! love chicago!
it’s always fun to see and hear what others do in Chicago. I’ve lived here for 4 years now. I just stay in my little neighborhood (wicker park) most of the time. although in one of the pictures I can see my husbands building he works in!
i feel the same way whenever people visit places i’ve lived (orlando, charlotte, etc.)!
What a gift to have such wonderful friendships!
Yay for a girls trip! That pasta looks so amazing. Now I’m missing my girlfriends and craving a good Italian meal 😉
You were right across the street from me in that first picture! I live right next to the Trump building 🙂
Let me know if you need any food recommendations next time – my IG is a little out of control with Chicago food 🙂
Thank you!!! I am dying to go back. Chicago is my fav city!
Looks like an incredible start to the weekend!
And holy moly! That pasta looks so delicious 🙂
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