My First NHL Game + Weekend In Chicago

Yep, another travel post. This time a little bit closer to home; Chicago. I love Chicago. The city life is amazing, there’s so much to do and see and don’t get me started on the pizza! Sean and I got invited to a Chicago Blackhawks game by our good friends Kelsie and Conor. (Her blog is kelsiekristine.com) I have never been to an NHL game before and I was so excited to experience it! Keep reading to see what we did on our long weekend in Chi-Town.

Where to stay

• My husband’s work gifted us a weekend stay at the Park Hyatt so we invited Kelsie and Conor to stay with us. We stayed at the Park Hyatt right on Michigan Ave. It’s a 5 star hotel with amazing views down the magnificent mile. Last time Sean and I stayed at the Park Hyatt we did not have a balcony but this time we did! It overlooked the courtyard and faced Michigan Ave. It’s centrally located within walking distance to a ton of shops and restaurants. Taxis are everywhere to get you where you need to go or you can use UBER or LYFT. Drive shares are preferred because parking can get congested.
• There are a million and one hotels in the area too ranging from 2 star to 5 star.

Day 1 travel dinner look

What do to

• Blackhawks game at the United Center and the whole reason we were in Chicago. This was the first NHL game that Sean and I have been to and I cannot thank Kelsie and Conor enough for inviting us! WOW, what an experience. I’ve been to NBA and NFL games but the energy during the National Anthem at an NHL game was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The Bulls also play at the United Center. The arena is just 15 minutes drive from the Park Hyatt Hotel.
• The Shedd aquarium is 13 minutes drive from the hotel and is a must see. It’s so beautiful. Sean and I went a couple of years ago and it is great for all ages. They have the most amazing jellyfish exhibit!
• If you’re feeling touristy, you have to visit the bean in Millennium Park. I know it sounds odd but it is an iconic Chicago landmark. The park is just 7 minutes drive from the Park Hyatt. 20 minutes if you plan on walking. There are a ton of great restaurants in the area so make a night of it!
• For shopping I suggest walking the Magnificent Mile. Bring your checkbook people! There’s a wide range of stores at all price points. Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking!
•  Navy Pier is another must see at any time of the year. They have a ferris wheel (The Centennial Wheel) that is enclosed so you can ride it any time of the year. It gives you great city scape views and overlooks the bay. There are shops, restaurants, shows and a carousel all right on the pier. It’s a great place to spend the day.

501 Levis and tee – purchased in Chicago on Michigan Ave.

What to eat

• Sean and I had a gift card to one of our favorite restaurants; Trulucks. It’s a seafood restaurant within walking distance from the Park Hyatt. Trulucks has 12 locations throughout the US. The menu is full of amazing seafood choices but they also offer steaks. The bar area is very open with 2 story ceilings. They also have a piano and live music during dinner hours.
• You must get Chicago deep dish pizza. It’s well known and so damn good. Giordano’s is the most well known in the area and it’s right by Millennium Park. We ate at Gino’s East this time around. Every inch of the inside of this place is covered in graffiti and writing.
• I’m a seafood junkie and crab is my favorite. A great waterfront dining spot right on Navy Pier is the Riva Crabhouse. It has great views of Lake Michigan and Downtown. The city is so beautiful at night all lit up from the pier, so go take a stroll after dinner.

Thank you all so much for reading. Until next time,

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