Blowing into the Windy City

Even though I didn’t take a “big” trip this year, I do feel as if I’ve still gotten around a bit this summer with last month’s visits to the Cape and Northampton and concerts both north and south of home. It’s felt good, in spite of the paralyzing heat, to be home and spending time with all the males in my life, with a special shout out to Jeter.

Today, though, begins a long weekend of she time. This afternoon my three oldest girlfriends and I are flying to Chicago for a few nights of exploring, eating and enjoying. I visited Chicago shortly after my 50th birthday and had a wonderful trip seeing the sites, eating and running and am excited to again experience what my friend, Aloysius, describes as a city similar to NYC, but with the benefit of having been burned down and rebuilt correctly, with my fun friends.

Now, getting 4 left handed women to coordinate calendars, much less agree how to spend the hours we’ll share, is no small feat. With that in mind, here are some of the things we’re considering taking in before we check out and head home again next week:

• Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio
• Riverwalk
• The Gustave Caillebotte show at The Art Institute of Chicago
• Wicker Park
• The rooftop pool at our hotel

Of course, we have reservations at a couple of places, both owned by chef, Stephanie Izard. We’re having dinner (hopefully on the terrace as requested) at Cabra under Saturday’s full moon and birthday lunch at the Girl and the Goat, one of the spots where I enjoyed dinner my last time in town. Beyond those two restaurants, there’s talk of sampling pizza, a special chocolate cake and cocktails out, be they swanky or dive-y.

We can do either.

The weather forecast is for temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s, with nighttime lows in the mid 70s. I packed accordingly with a half dozen dresses and a couple of swimsuits in my carryon, along with the expectation that I’ll be changing my clothes more frequently than typical.

And more pairs of shoes than I’m willing to confess to bringing.

So – what’s missing from our itinerary? Do you have favorite spots in Chicago to suggest? Have you ever swum in Lake Michigan? Any tips to share?

Tell me everything!