Palm Springs – A Travel Guide

This summer I traveled to Palm Springs for the first time and was so mad at myself for not visiting sooner. What a dessert gem I’ve been missing out on! The fun architecture, vibrant vibes, vintage boutiques, and amazing restaurants have Palm Springs on must return list.

We only had a few days there but got to explore downtown, some great eateries, and check out all the magnificant mountan views. If you’re headed to Palm Springs in the near future make sure to save this list of must-dos!

Let’s start with resorts. There are so many great places to stay in Palm Springs but the ones that top my list are:

Palm Mountain Resort & Spa  A favortie among traverlers for the pool, resort feel and mountain views.

The Hilton Palm Springs Spacous rooms and great resort vibes.

The Westin Mission Hills Villas. We ultimatley decided on this place for the pools and space. Having a whole villa to spread out in was great. I worked for the Westin brand for over seven years so I’m partial to them and their heavenly beds.

If you’re looking for something eclectic with old Palm Springs charm, you have to stay at The Saguaro Palm Springs.

Let’s move on to eats. I’m a foodie so anytime I travel, I scope out the best resturants to try. Here are some we visited and some that were recommended to me.

Tommy Bahama Restuarant & Bar The open bar and patio were amazing. They have a great drink menu and the food was beyond expectations. I would make this a staple if in Palm Springs.

Farm Palm Springs features South of France vibes with a signature cocktail list that will have you going back for more. I highly recommend dining on the patio. It has a very intimate feel.

Okura Sushi was a local’s referral and I’m glad we got this referral becasuse the sushi was fantasic! They had some great signature rolls, the space itself was gorgeous and the cocktail list was great too!

Lulu California Bistro Palm Springs is the best for brunch! They have an all day menu too, but bruch is where it’s at. The colorful mid-centry modern vibe is so fun and and the food is so delish! The patio is perfect for people watching and you get the best views of old Palm Springs.

Maracas is another Old Town Palm Springs gem. Located right on the strip, their patio is spacious, their margaritas hit the spot and their portions are large! Highly recommend!

Before you leave Old Town Palm Springs be sure to grab a crepe and visit all the local boutiques. I found several vibrant cute pool cover ups and some fun jewlery at Fashion Fix. Here’s a little glimpse of Old Town Palm Springs.

If you want to visit some of the local attractions I highly recommend checking out Salvation Mountain. Salvation Mountain is about an hour from Palm Springs and is a tribute from artist Leonard Knight to God and his gift to the world with its simple yet powerful message: God is Love. It’s a beautiful piece of art and is worth the short drive.

My last recommendation is to visit the Cabazon Dinasours. Another short drive from Palm Springs, this iconic roadside attraction is a must. You may recognize this attraction from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and The Wizard movies. They have a fun dinosuar museum with a gift shop, and they also dress up the dinosaurs for the holidays. Even if you just want to snap a picture, it’s worth a stop.

My only suggesstion when planning a visit to Palm Springs is to not go in July or August unless you can handle extreme heat. This Chicago girl was definitely struggling. I can’t wait to go back, but this time it will be in winter or spring.

What are your favorite Palm Springs spots? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.

Washington D.C. With Kids – A Family Travel Guide

I’ve been to D.C. before on a girl’s trip and we took advantage of the nice restaurants and rooftop bars overlooking the White House and it was a blast. Visting D.C. on a quick weekend trip with kids looks a little different. Our family trip gave me a new appreciation for the history and beauty of D.C. and our great nation. If you only have a few days to explore D.C. with the family here’s some must-dos while you’re there.

You can’t go to D.C. and not visit any monuments or memorial sites. Many are within walking distance of each other so it makes it easy to visit many of the sites in a short amount of time.

We started our monument tour at the Washington Monument. The 555 feet structure was built to honor our first president and it is quite a sight. You can walk the grounds, get a great view of the Capitol, or you can go to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city. If you want to go inside just be sure to get your tickets prior to your visit. They do not accept walk-ups or day-of-ticket purchases. After visiting the Washington Monument, you can walk down to The National Mall , “America’s First Yard,” to get a closer view of the Capitol or other nearby monuments.

World War II Memorial If you walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial you will come upon the WWII Memorial. From the National Park site: Through stone architecture and bronze sculptures, the World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe.

Lincoln Memorial My favorite monument of all. Not only is its majestic marble statue honoring Abraham Lincoln a must-see, but the steps to the memorial witnessed many history-making moments such as the ‘I Have a Dream speech. It’s a beautiful structure that reminds me of ancient Roman times with the large marble columns and grand stairs leading up to the temple where Abe Lincoln is enshrined forever. The view of the Mall and the Washington Monument is spectacular at the top too!

Vietnam Veterans Memorial This memorial site is within close walking distance to the Lincoln Memorial. My kids were most touched by this memorial because they could read the names of all those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives protecting our country.

White House You can’t go to D.C. and not see the White House. My kids were most excited to see this historic building that houses all of our presidents. They were surprised to see it sits right in the middle of the city and seems small compared to its surroundings. We also got a glimpse of the President returning to the house as we were leaving.

Now on to the museums. There are so many amazing museums in D.C. and you’d need many more days to experience them all. Due to lack of availability and some closures due to Covid and refurbishing we didn’t have many to chose from during our visit. Pro tip: Make sure you plan in advance and get your tickets early. Some museums sell out months in advance. Our top choices were The Smithsonian, The Air & Space Museum, The African American Museum, and the International Spy Museum.

We were only able to get tickets to the International Spy Museum but it was perfect for the kids. Once we arrived they said you need two hours to complete the tour, however, I would plan on more like 4-5 hours.

From their site: At the International Spy Museum, you get to go undercover to test your spy skills at seventeen different digital and physical interactives spread throughout the Museum’s permanent exhibitions over two floors. You’ll be challenged to remember your cover identity, stay undercover, and participate in activities ranging from cracking codes to crawling through an air duct and spying on other “spies.”

The museum was incredible, very interactive, and super cool to learn about spies around the world. The best part was seeing all the spy gadgets and technology used from decades ago up until recently. It’s amazing what they can do with little cameras and microphones!

Once you’re done with all the historical sites, I highly recommend you head over to the Capitol Riverwalk. There are many restaurants nearby and you get a scenic view of the city and river.

Speaking of restaurants, here are a few we got to check out and others that were recommended to me as being kid-friendly.

My last recommendation is to visit Georgetown. Not only is it a beautiful and very European feel, but there are wonderful little shops and eateries to explore throughout the entire neighborhood.

Best Pumpkin Patches – Chicago

The time has come! Fall is almost here and there’s no better place to be during fall than Chicago. Not only is the landscape breathtaking with all the different colored foliage but there are endless activities. One of our favorite family fall activities is visiting pumpkin patches in and around Chicago. Who doesn’t love all things pumpkin?

I put together a list of pumpkin patches we love and I know you’ll love them too. Pro tip: Plan ahead. Buy tickets online. Try to get there when they open so you don’t have long wait times to get in or for the attractions.

Jacks Pumpkin Pop Up This is a popular one if you live in the city. It’s great for families during the day but also fun for a girl’s night or date night. The patch has it all. They have fortune tellers, ax throwing, carnival games, food trucks, a bar, photo ops, a corn maze, and of course, a pumpkin patch.

Chicago Park District  Many parks around the city feature movies in the park, pumpkin patches, and more. Check the site to see if any activities are in parks near you.

Lincoln Park Zoo  LP Zoo has a great fall fest that is free! You do have to pay for tickets to the rides, but entry is free. They feature several bounce houses and slides along with a corn maze and corn pit.

Now for our favorite patches outside the city:

Goebberts Just a short drive from the city, Goebberts offers it all and is famous for their Fall Fest. The admission includes most of the rides and attractions which is great. Parking is also free. Attractions include: Animal Land, Pedal Karts, Tire Mountain, Corn Stalk Maze, Wagon Ride to the Field /Orchard, Haunted House, Munchkin Maze, Straw Bale Maze, Western Town, Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur, Goebbert’s Pumpkin Express Train Ride, Pumpkin Slide, Jumping Pillow, Chicken Show, Pig Races, and Corn Box. In October they also do magic shows! Plan on a full day here, you’ll need it!

Didier Farms Another short drive from the city, Didier is a great pumpkin farm for the whole family. It’s not as big as some of the other suburban patches but it’s perfect for young kids. They feature a petting zoo, kiddie rides, and a pumpkin playland.

Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm This is our number one choice and we go every year. This farm is great for small kids and school-aged kids. There are rides and attractions for all. They even have a mini roller coaster. There’s a haunted house, pig races, slides, hayrides, and more. They have great food and don’t forget to get those pumpkin donuts before you leave!

Sonny Acres Farm Another great one especially for small kids. They feature a petting zoo, pony rides, kiddie rides, and bounce houses.

Bear PAW Adventure Land  If you want to go a little further, Bear Paw Adventure Island is a must! We go here often for summer activities but they have a great Fall Fest complete with a drone light show, zombie laser tag, haunted hayride, apple cannons, a haunted maze, inflatables, and more. The Adventure Park is attached to a campground we visit often so if you want to make a weekend out of it pack the tent or rent a cabin and enjoy!

Chicago Fun Family Activities For Fall

I know we are all sad to see summer come to an end but Fall in Chicago is just as fun! There are so many things to do in and around Chicago that will keep your family busy. I’ve made a list below of our favorite indoor and outdoor activities for Fall. If your family adds any of these to their plans, drop me a note and let me know what you thought!

Let’s start with some indoor fun because we know the weather in Chicago can be very moody at times. Here are some must-dos:

Blue Man Group – They are back! Blue Man Group just resumed their performances at Briar Street Theatre and we were lucky enough to attend the re-opening and it gave us all the feels. This is the 3rd time we have seen the show and it never disappoints. My boys loved it and got really involved with the show, they even got a photo op with the Blue Men after. Your kids will remember this experience forever!

Museum of Science & Industry Marvel Exhibit – We checked out this exhibit this summer and it was another win by the Museum of Science and Industry. See the evolution of all the Marvel characters and the people who bring them to life through the exhibit. Watch your kid’s eyes light up when they are able to see their favorite superhero costume in real life.

Museum of Illusions – Another big win. Not everything is as it seems and you’ll be reminded of that as you walk through this space. Plan to spend 1-2 hours as many of the exhibits are interactive and question what you think is reality. You also have the opportunity to take some fun pictures with the family! Also, from 9/23 through 10/31 the museum will transform into a Halloween destination with the whole space getting a Halloween makeover.

Highly recommend for the whole family or a fun date night.

Wnder Museum – Another favorite of ours. Wnder Museum changes its exhibits over time, so even if you’ve been before you’ll get an entirely new experience the second time through. Wnder Museum is an immersion experience from artists, collectives, and studios locally and globally. Your family will love this experience.

HideSeek HideSeek is a new Chicago pop-up that is all about making you feel like a kid again. Wonder through fifteen rooms that are sure to bring back childhood nostalgia. Timewarp back to the 80s and 90s for some memories and smiles.

Van Gogh Chicago. This is a very unique experience. My husband and I went and we headed back with the kids at a later date because we loved it so much. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before and very relaxing. A must-see for sure. The experience is about an hour-long then you can head to their store to pick out your favorite Van Gogh pieces via little souvenirs.

Chicago Sports Museum. Another great spot, especially if your kiddos love sports and sports history. A hidden gem and one your family will love.

Winters can be very long in Chicago so we definitely take advantage of being outside any chance we can get before the cold comes. Here are some of my outdoor recs for family fun.

The Forge at Lemont.  The ultimate outdoor adventure park. Miles of hiking and biking trails, climbing structures, ziplining, kayaking, and more. If you want to make an evening out of it, check out their event schedule as they host small concerts. They also have a lovely restaurant along the lake with cocktails and firepits for the perfect night. Climbing structures and ziplining do have weight requirements so be sure to check the website for the rules.

Apple Hollar. Get into the fall vibes by heading up to Apple Hollar to pick apples, grab some fresh cider and homemade apple pies. Grab some ice cream and let the kids ride the ponies or play on the jump pad and peddle karts. Check their site for more info.

Enjoy these fall activities and I’ll be back soon with fun Halloween festivities to do with the family. I do love a good Pumpkin Patch!

All About Asheville – A Travel Guide

This summer we traveled to Asheville for a second time and fell in love with it even more. If you haven’t been, Asheville is a city on the western side of North Carolina and located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is known for its history, breathtaking mountain landscape, being home to the Biltmore Estate, and for their booming art district. It’s a great place for a couple’s get away or for the whole family. I wanted to share some of my recommendations and you’ll want to save this post if Asheville is in your future travel plans.

Since I’m a foodie, let’s start with some resturants you need to check out first.

  • White Duck Taco Shop known for its eclectic, ever-changing delish taco combinations, a great patio, and sometimes live music. This is a must.
  • Chestnut Creative cockails, yummy cuisine and don’t forget their desserts – which are made fresh in house!
  • Tupelo Honey Want some real down home southern flare. This is your spot!
  • Cúrate Tapas and authentic Spanish cuisine. People love this spot so much that they now ship some of their stapes nationwide!
  • Sunny Point Cafe We loved this place for breakfast but they serve lunch and dinner and it is also a local favorite.
  • Any restuarant located on the Biltmore Estate, I highly recommend too.

Speaking of the Biltmore Estate, if you are in Asheville this is a non-negoatiable. The Biltmore is magical and a must see. From their website: Once the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, it is a marvel of elegance and charm and as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Faithfully preserved and filled with original furnishings and masterpieces of art, no other residence in America offers a more authentic and inspiring view of Gilded Age life while suggesting that the Vanderbilts and their guests are still at home.

You can tour the estate gardens and the Biltomore Village for free. They do offer tours of the house and there are some eateries and shops in the old stables of the estate to visit as well. They have a winery on site along with several lodging acommodations. We like to stay at The Inn at Biltmore due to the incredible views of the 8,000 acre estate and the mountians, but any choice is great. There are hiking trails, biking trails, carriage rides, horseback riding and a wildlife tour and discovery activity for kids. In Antler Village they have live music and fun activites all around the village for adults and families. Check their event calandar for more.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, here are some recommendations:

Lake Lure. Lake Lure is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Make it a beach day where you can rent jet skis, water sport equiptment, or you can walk along the flower gardens or go fishing.

Chimney Rock. Located in Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock is a large granite outcropping located on the summit of Chimney Rock Village. If you want the best views in all of North Carloina you have to check out “the Rock”. There are stairs to climb to get to the top (my 5 year old made it to the top by himself), but there is an elevator as well. There’s a great eatery at the top to enjoy a nice beverage while looking out into the mountain views.

Sliding rock. If you want a fun unique thing to do, especially with kids, check out Sliding Rock. North Carolina’s natural waterslide. sliding down a 60-foot all-natural water slide in the heart of gorgeous Pisgah National Forest. Good for all ages, but I recommend being able to swim as you slide into an 8 foot deep pool of water. The water temperature during summer season is 50-60 degrees so it’s definetly a rush! There are some fun adventure parks near by with ziplining, tree climbing, and more, if you want to continue the adventures.

Fred W. Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place). If you are up for an hour drive from Asheville to the border of South Carolina you’re in for a real treat. Pretty Place sits at the end of the road and is one of the buildings of a YMCA camp, yet vistors from all over come to check out these amazing views. Religious or not, this is without a doubt – a pretty place.

Sleeping Just Got A Whole Lot More Comfortable

I don’t know about you, but I love a good night’s sleep. Those nights are often hard to come by because I’m a light sleeper. I wake up if I’m uncomfortable, itchy from my pajamas, if I’m too hot, too cold, you name it.

I sometimes share fashion finds with you and recently I heard about Weekend Made Sleepwear and couldn’t wait to try out their pajamas. It’s hard to come by a good pair of pajamas that are soft, cozy, and last a long time.

Weekend Made Sleepwear is a new innovative brand that features seamless designs perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep. Their sleepwear was created for women and children with sensitive skin or with sensory processing disorders. Their sleepwear is made with high-quality, sweat-wicking materials so you’re able to enjoy them even in summer. They are very lightweight.

The material feels so soft and luxurious, they are easy to care for and made to last. They also have pockets so you have a place to carry your phone. Isn’t everything better with pockets? They have several mommy and me styles and are easy to breastfeed in if you’re a nursing mom. They also have a slight stretch for the ultimate comfort. I can definitely see a lot of cozy movie nights with the boys in these and who doesn’t love a mommy and me look?! We’ve already named Weekend Made as our favorite set of pajamas.

If you want to find out more about the brand and get some mommy and me coziness, check out their website here. Right now if you save 20% when you buy 2 items with code: BTS20. Let us know how you love them!

Headed To Hilton Head – Read This!

If you haven’t been to Hilton Head Island yet, add it to your list of places to visit. Hilton Head Island is consistently named a top island vacation destination in the U.S. It’s located in the low country region of South Carolina and is a short drive from Charleston or Savannah.

Hilton Head Island is known for its beaches, resorts, golf courses, lush greenery, and amazing restaurants. We only had a weekend there, which wasn’t enough time. Now we have an excuse to return – which we can’t wait to do.

There are a plethora of amazing resorts and rental properties to chose from in Hilton Head, but we went with the Westin Hilton Head Resort. I worked for the Westin Brand for a long time and their properties are always consistent in cleanliness and great service. You can’t beat their heavenly beds, either. They have an amazing pool space with lots of activities, a DJ, food and beverage service chairside, along with other eateries with amazing views, and it’s a short walk to the beach.

The hotel was great for families, we could have stayed a the pool the entire weekend. They have cabanas and daybeds for rent, just be sure to reserve those in advance as they sell out fast.

Other popular resorts are:

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton

Marriott Beach Club

There are so many amazing restaurants on the Island you’ll have a hard time choosing between them all. Make sure you reserve a table ahead of time at any restaurant on the island as they fill up fast. They also are quite understaffed from Covid, so most aren’t running at full capacity and there are extremely long wait times. In some places the wait isn’t so bad because you can grab a cocktail at the bar and listen to live music, people watch or take in the views. Here is a list of places we loved and others that were recommended to us:

  • The Crazy Crab
  • Dock Side
  • Skull Creek Boathouse – best views!
  • Hudson’s
  • Hinoki – this was our favorite. The inside is beautiful, the service was great, and the food was excellent.
  • Salty Dog Cafe
  • Santa Fe
  • San Miguels

We spent most of our time lounging by the pool and strolling the beach, but there are so many things to do in Hilton Head. Here are just a handful of things we saw and did ourselves:

  • Love to golf? They have some of the best courses.
  • You can rent bikes and ride along the island.
  • Check out the famous Harbor Town Lighthouse.
  • Do a nature tour.
  • Check out the Coastal Discovery Museum.
  • Play some putt-putt at one of the adventure parks. We went to Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf and the boys had a blast.

Have you been to Hilton Head? If so, share your recommendations – I’d love to hear them.

Summertime In Savannah – A Travel Guide

Savannah is such a beautiful historic city. I spent time here as a kid as my mom grew up in Savannah, but it wasn’t until I went back as an adult that I saw its true beauty.

A little bit about Savannah:

Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia which serves as an important industrial city due to its Atlantic seaport. The historic district still has cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture featuring new and old buildings. Savannah also has over twenty-two “squares” throughout the city adorned with historical statues, park benches, and majestic trees with Spanish moss dancing in the wind. You may recognize one of the squares, Chippewa Square, which was featured in Forrest Gump. The bench is no longer there, but it’s still cool to check out the area where they shot the film. Whether you’re headed to Savannah on a girl’s trip or family vacation there are so many fun things to do. I already can’t wait to go back!

Here’s a list of my top “must-do’s” while in Savannah.

Wormsloe Historic Site – Even if you are not an “Instagrammer” you must get pictures of this beautiful site. There is a small fee to enter and take pictures, but totally worth it. You drive along a few miles of a tree-lined street of grand Live Oaks and Spanish moss to enter the colonial estate of Noble Jones (1702–1775). The grounds feature historical landmarks and remains of the old estate from one of the original settlers of Savannah.

Bonaventure Historical Cemetery – If you’re like me and love history, this is a great site to see too. Famous historical figures are buried here and the cemetery is featured in many famous books including Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil. They do free tours every second weekend of the month and they are on a first-come, first-serve basis. My great grandparents and great great grandparents are buried here as well.

River Street – If you only do one thing in Savannah, do this! River Street is in the historic district and is filled with amazing restaurants, views, shops, and more. You’ll get the best views in the city and you can stroll along the river and watch the cargo ships pass by. The old cobblestone streets give you a sense of the times when Savannah first came to be. If you’re dining on River Street be sure to make reservations in advance as restaurants can be very busy and normally have 1-2 hour wait times without reservations. Restaurant recommendations: Vics On The River, Hueys, The Old Pink House, or The Cotton Exchange. After dinner be sure to stop by Savannah’s Candy Kitchen for some pralines or homemade fudge. If you want some even more amazing views and a yummy cocktail, head to the rooftop bar at the JW Marriott River Street.

Ghost Tours – If you want to add a little adventure to your Savannah trip take one of their many ghost tours (for ages 7+ and up). They have city and cemetery ghost tours along with ghost pub tours (21+ and up)!

Forsyth Park – Want something free to do? Take a walk in Forsyth Park. Forsyth Park spans more than 30 acres and is Savannah’s largest and oldest public park. The park features an iconic fountain you’ll want pictures of, splash pads, acres of green grass and Live Oaks, playsets for kids, and a restaurant, Collins Quarter. We ate at the restaurant and it was delish. Be sure to order the strawberry mimosa.

Tybee Island – If you want to hit the beach, I recommend Tybee Island – especially if you have kids. Tybee has family-friendly clean beaches, fun souvenir and beach shops, great cafes, and lots of beach activities. Fort Pulaski National Monument is nearby and a fun place to visit too.

The Pirate House – A fun historical site for families or history lovers. From their website: Savannah’s World Famous Pirates House is located on one of the most historic spots in Georgia. It was first opened in 1753 as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a meeting point for pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas. Since then, The Pirates House has been entertaining visitors with a bounty of delicious food, drink, and rousing good times!

The kids had a blast and you can even take tours of the hidden underground tunnels that sailors would take from the bars back to the ships.

Eateries – If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love Savannah! Shrimp and grits and biscuits galore! There are so many amazing restaurants and just not enough time. Some of my favorites are listed below:

  • Husk
  • Ms. Wilkes Dining Room
  • Cotton & Rye
  • Fox & Fig
  • Savannah Seafood Shack
  • Hitch
  • Goose Feathers Cafe for breakfast

Are you wishing you were in Savannah right now? I know I am! If you have any favorites in Savannah I’d love to hear them – comment them below. Here are some more photos of our adventures.

Top Rooftops In Chicago – Let’s Go!

Okay, y’all – Let’s pop the bubs from the top! Rooftops are starting to open up and if you’re like me you’re going to hit up as many as you can this year. Last year we were robbed of summer due to the pandemic, so let’s make the most of it this summer! Who’s with me?

Here’s a list of just some of the many rooftops I plan to be sipping and snacking at this year.

Aba (302 N. Green St. 3rd floor) 

This Lettuce Entertain You’s West Loop Eatery has quickly become a go-to destination for al fresco dining and summertime vibes. The rooftop is decked with cozy couches, lush greenery, and even heated igloos during winter. The food is Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare and to die for!

LondonHouse Chicago (85 E. Wacker) 

Chicago’s only tri-level rooftop extends from the 21st to 23rd floors above the London House hotel, located in a historic Beaux-Arts tower. It’s hard to find a better spot for mingling and the views – are spectacular!

Nobu Chicago (155 N Peoria St 11th Floor)

A can’t-miss open-air bar with stunning West Loop views. The newly opened Nobu Hotel Chicago has plenty to offer, ranging from light fare and a multitude of refreshing cocktails and wines. The menu here consists of small plates as well as the classic Nobu selection of the finest nigiri, sashimi, and maki. The beverage menu is extensive with must-have specialty cocktails.

The J. Parker (1816 N Clark St)

If you haven’t crossed the J. Parker off your Chicago bucket list, grab a glass of sparkling rosé and get to work. With its mesmerizing views of the city and Lincoln Park, this year-round rooftop bar is a must for entertaining out-of-towners. On particularly beautiful summer days, arrive early and be prepared to wait for a seat to open. It’s worth it, promise! 

Whiskey Business (1367 N Milwaukee Ave)

This Wicker Park rooftop offers a fun space tucked just above Milwaukee Avenue. Order from a menu of party-ready drinks, then lean back and watch the lights show, which is set to tunes from the ’80s and ’90s, with some top-40s hits sprinkled in. How fun is that?!

 I|O at the Godfrey Hotel (127 W Huron St) 

There’s not a bad seat in the house at this sprawling rooftop bar, which affords everyone a front-row seat to a postcard-worthy skyline view. I’ve spent many a nights here and even attended a derby party here! The food and cocktails will make you want to come back every week.

ROOF on theWit (201 N State St 27th Floor)

This rooftop lounge/cocktail bar is located right in the heart of the city with magical views of all the skyscrapers and the Chicago skyline. Open year-round thanks to an adjustable roof, the ROOF has a stylish chic terrace offering different settings depending on when you visit. Early night you can enjoy al fresco dining from a Mediterranean-influenced menu, along with crafted cocktails in a more relaxing lounge atmosphere. Later on the mood changes towards what the ROOF is mostly famous for, namely being one of Chicago’s top nightclubs. 

Apogee Lounge (2 W Erie St 26th floor) 

One of the highest rooftop bars throughout Chicago, located at the Eurostars Magnificent Mile, right in the heart of the city. A swanky and trendy cocktail bar/nightclub, with a stylish indoor lounge and a lovely terrace, offering sleek lounge sofas, a fire pit, and really cool views of the Chicago skyline.

Offshore (1000 E. Grand Ave) 

The world’s largest rooftop bar, Offshore in Chicago brings the best views and the best cocktails. Located at the iconic Navy Pier, Off Shore is perfect for views and for people watching.

Upstairs at the Gwen (521 N Rush St 5th Floor) 

Located in the heart of Chicago, just a block of the Magnificent Mile, Upstairs at the Gwen comes with both an indoor lounge and a stylish, open-air terrace. Luxurious and trendy in decoration, the rooftop bar offers a great selection of seasonal, inventive, and well-crafted cocktails, a fine selection of wines, beers on draft and a set of sharable small plates.

These are my top 10, however a few honorable mentions are Noyane, Raised Bar, and Cindy’s Rooftop.

Pro tip: Defintley make reservations as all these rooftops fill up fast and you could wait for hours to get in. Here’s to a fun summer!

What Mom’s Really Want for Mother’s Day

Recently I did a poll on Instagram asking moms what they really wanted for Mother’s Day and can you guess what most of the answers were? They all related to some form of self-care.

That’s right, moms want time off, time for themselves, some rest and relaxation, a spa day, a girl’s day/night, and my personal favorite – delish cocktails by the pool. I have to admit all of these options sound heavenly and while I can’t book a spa day for all my mama friends or make a pool appear (although that would be amazing!) – I can share a few of my favorite new cocktail recipes and tell you how you can get your own delivered straight to your door.

Let’s start with how you can get craft spirits delivered straight to your door. (Intended for a 21+ audience) Spirit Hub, the craft spirit authority, is an online retailer that partners with independent distilleries to bring you a collection of exceptional craft spirits direct to your door. They currently service Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska, and New Hampshire. We’ve used them for a year now and love their selections.

Spirit Hub has an amazing selection of craft spirits, spirit sampler boxes, and even chic barware. Basically, they have everything you need to make Mom happy this Mother’s Day. When ordering use code: FREEGIFT and get a FREE set of Coupe Glasses on orders $125+. Shipping over $100 is free too!

My Mother’s Day gift set just arrived and it came with Crescendo Spirits Pompelmocello Grapefruit Liqueur. This spirit was fan-requested as there are not a lot of grapefruit varieties out there, and let me say, it delivers!

Here are just two grapefruit cocktail recipes I know you’ll love:


Traditional Paloma

What you’ll need:

  • 2 oz Tequila (Spirit Hub has a great Tequilla selection too!)
  • 1 oz Pompelmocello Grapefruit Liqueur
  • .5 oz Lime Juice
  • Splash of Fresca
  • Salt
  • Grapefruit Twist

Steps:

Rim a glass with salt by dipping the glass in fresh lime juice and then salt.

Add tequila, lime juice, grapefruit liqueur, and a pinch of salt.

Add ice, top with a splash of Fresca and stir.

Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Pink Sparkling Martini

What you’ll need:

  • 1 oz Pompelmocello Grapefruit Liqueur
  • 1 oz vodka
  • .5 oz grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz sparkling wine/prosecco

Steps:

Add grapefruit Liqueur, juice vodka to a shaker tin with ice and shake.  

Strain into a glass.

Top with sparkling wine and garnish

Here’s to all the mamas out there and don’t forget to put yourself first this Mother’s Day. Cheers!