8 Reasons Why I Love Chicago

Coat: J.Crew | Scarf: Burberry | Bottoms: Rag & Bone | Shoes: Christian Louboutin, less expensive version here | Lips: Nars Lipstick Pencil in Cruella with Nars Lipstick in Anabella

Kurt’s Outfit: Coat: Andrew Marc | Bottoms: 7 for all Mankind | Shoes: Cole Haan

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I seriously can’t believe this, but eight years ago yesterday, on March 1, I moved to Chicago. Back in high school and college, I traveled here a few times and immediately feel in love with this city. But really what’s not to love?!?!? The architect, the shopping, the beaches and restaurants are all amazing. You get that big city feeling without feeling completely overwhelmed and it is just a short drive back to my home state, MI.

After college, I moved back to the Detroit area and Chicago was always on my brain. An opportunity came up at the company I was working at, at the time. I applied for the job and was offered the position in Chicago. I didn’t have to think twice about it! My dream of living in my favorite city was finally happening!

I adore this city and as much as we talk about moving back to Michigan someday, it just keeps getting pushed further and further into the future. For now we are ver happy living in our favorite city! In honor of my eight year anniversary, here are my 8 reason why I love Chicago:

1.The Food

Hands down the best part of Chicago. The food here is the most amazing part. You could eat at a new restaurant every day of the week for months and still not eat at the same one twice. Some of my absolute favorites include Swift & Sons (best steak and great atmosphere for cocktails), Hot Chocolate (seriously the best Mac & cheese and I’m not really a huge fan and also the most amazing desserts), Au Cheval (best burger you will ever eat- the cheese is so melty in your mouth), and Lou Malnati’s (Chicago style deep dish pizza but it’s so fresh and delicious!).

2. Shopping

Hello, have you been down Michigan Avenue?!?! Every store imaginable is located on this street! And not only do they have every store, but most of them are at least three levels. SOOOO much shopping!

3. Central Time

This sounds so silly, but I absolutely love central time. Everything is on an hour earlier than back at home in Michigan and I get to go to bed earlier. And on trips back to Chicago, we always gain an hour- win win! The one downfall is that it gets dark around 4pm in the winter, but I will still take it!

4. The Lake

Chicago winters are pretty brutal. It’s cold and snowy all the time and on top of it, the wind is very powerful which makes it feel even colder than it really is. But it is all worth it when you are able to enjoy our beautiful beaches in the summer time! People lay on the beaches, walk along Lake Shore or have a cocktail on the beach. Which leads me to my next point.

5. Patio Season

This is the season from about April to September and the city truly comes alive. People come out of the woodwork! And every restaurant has a patio for you to enjoy your meal on. We stay bundled up and cozy at home during the winter months, but that first nice day and everyone wants to be outside as much as possible!

6. Dog Friendly

Everywhere you go, this city is dog friendly. And people here take their dogs very seriously (so we fit right in!). There are dog parks on every corner (almost as prevalent as Starbucks), every new building in the city has dog areas for dogs to go to the bathroom (it’s a law!) and people thrive on making a living being a dog walker or owning a doggy daycare. Our pooches are spoiled here in Chicago with daily walks and frequent trips to daycare to play all day (Addie included)!

7. Everyone is Active

One of my favorite things about this city is how active everyone is! You almost have to be in good shape because of how much walking you do. But on top of that people are always out running or in workout gear headed to a spin class. Chicago has some of the top notch workouts too that people are willing to pay a premium for!

8. Architecture

Chicago has some of the most beautiful buildings and I love taking it all in! We live close to downtown and all the high rises and we love taking Addie for walks so we can explore all of the beautiful architecture.

What do you love about Chicago? Cheers to celebrating 8 years in my favorite city!

xoxox Amanda

Photo by @beautyintheye