Trip Sisters – Episode 45 – Secret Chicago (04-20-2019)

Special Guests: ‘James’ an Editor at Hideaway Report Chicago
Website: www.hideawayreport.com – For unique things to do in Chicago and all over the country!
Social: @HideawayReport

Jessica Mlinaric, Author of “Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure”

For more information about “Secret Chicago” check out www.secretchicagobook.com www.jessicamlinaric.com and be sure to follow Jessica on social at @UrbanExplorer and check out her blog at www.urbnexplorer.com. The book is also available in stores like Volumes, The Book Cellar, City Lit, and the Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.

Colleen & Catie’s Picks for Secret Chicago

Colleen
Restaurant: Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse – Located on North LaSalle, this upscale Brazilian chain is great for all-you-can-eat meat carved offered at your tableside. They also have a delicious salad bar!
Family Restaurant: Pasta Al Gusto – Located in Southport in the Lakeview Neighborhood, this compact Italian eatery is simple but delicious, offering contemporary pastas, salads and paninis.
Hotel: Hotel Lincoln – Located on North Clark in Lincoln Park, right across the street from Lincoln Park and & Lincoln Park Zoo, this Chicago hotel offers contemporary style with amazing views from their rooftop bar! Starting around $160/night.
Activity: Wrigley Field Tours – They offer daily tours, both on and off game-day, with prices ranging from $25 – $35. All guided tours are 75-90 minutes, outdoors (approximately 1 mile) and conducted in rain or shine. Wear comfortable walking shoes! Great for Cubs fans or anyone interested in Chicago history.
Free Activity: Lincoln Park Zoo – Walking distance from Hotel Lincoln. You will have to pay for parking if you drive, but otherwise it’s completely free to get in and open 365 days a year.
Tip: Stay in one of Chicago’s eclectic neighborhoods instead of downtown. You’ll get to experience a whole new aspect of the city and you may find places a little less expensive than right downtown.

Catie
Restaurant: La Scarola – Located in the Fulton River District, this restaurant offers homemade and genuine Italian food at very reasonable prices. The sautéed scarole, calamari, penne alla vodka, pasta vesuvio, and eggplant parmigiana are all excellent choices!
Bar:
Violet Hour – Wicker Park – Creative cocktails and small bites in a sophisticated setting, Even offer special events like “Cocktails 101” Class!
The Ladies Room – Logan Square in new Red Light District – Cantonese delights mixes with vintage Asian pin-up art on the walls and a variety of unique drinks. Enter through the bakery and be sure to make a reservation!
Hotel: Viceroy Hotel in Gold Coast – Located in Gold Coast Historic District, this is a sophisticated hotel in an art deco tower. The hotel overlooks Lake Michigan and is a 6-minute walk from a metro station. Starts around $265 a night.
Activity: Check out chicago food scene in different neighborhoods each week.
Free Activity: Millennium Park’s Lurie Garden – Gorgeous in the spring and separated from the busy streets of Chicago by a 15-foot-high hedge, the Lurie Garden is a hidden gem in the city.
Tip:
If flying in, take the El to and from the airport. Cheaper and easier.
If you drive, download the ParkChicago App for best parking.

“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”

What’s in Your Suitcase?
ChargeHubV2
$29.99 at www.limitlessinnovations.com
3-In-1 Vehicle Multi-Tool features 2 USB ports to charge, a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter. Available in 5 colors!

What’s on your phone?
Swiftdine – Free on Android and iOS
$10 OFF PROMO CODE: DJWGTSTD (all caps)
Chicago-based app that cuts your restaurant visit down by 45 minutes. Select the restaurant you want to patron and order from the in-app menu. Pay upfront and schedule the time you’re coming so you’ll be served immediately.

What’s the tip?
Airport/Flying Tips
When going through security, use the left line (often shorter)
Know how much liquids you can/can’t bring on your flight (3 oz in a carry-on, for example)
Wheelchairs can be rented for seniors or those with special needs. They’re available for walk-up rental, but we recommend calling and placing a reservation ahead of time, as certain times get busy and there might be a wait.
Call your airline directly to reserve one (not the airport).
If traveling with a baby, bring more diapers than you think you need – They are hard to comeby at an airport!
If you bring a tablet or iPad for yourself or your kids, be sure to download any videos you want to watch ahead of time, so you don’t need to buy WiFi on the plane.
Use a brightly colored luggage tag to more easily find your luggage at baggage claim- but nothing too fancy! You don’t want to risk someone stealing that nifty luggage tag off your bag.