CHICAGO!
Chicago History Museum
We HIGHLY RECOMMEND the "Chicago: Crossroads of America" exhibit. Not only is it a shockingly thorough AND concise history of the city, it was curated by Anne's mom, Olivia Mahoney Bouleanu!
Simon's Tavern
Traditional Swedish dive-bar in Andersonville, one of our favorite neighborhoods. Cash-only.
Women & Children First
One of the best bookstores in the city, right across the street from Simon's.
Longman & Eagle
A great restaurant and and even better overnight inn, so long as your idea of fun is a pyramid made of Schlitz.
The Chicago Diner, Lakeview
Very vegan and very good, if you don't mind entering a carb coma for several hours after. There's also a location in Logan.
Pequod's Pizza
Look, this is controversial because Anne wants us to suggest Lou Malnatis, but if you really want Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Pequod's is the place. It's not even close.
Lincoln Square
Not to be confused with Lincoln Park (or Linkin Park), Lincoln Square is our neighborhood and we're partial to all it has to offer: - Merz Apothocary: The experience of childhood toy stores but with skincare products. - The Book Cellar: A lovely bookstore, especially if you're not looking for any one book in particular. - Ricochet's: A dive bar that Matt regularly misremembers as "Shooters" - The Davis Theater: Movies! - ENJOY Urban General Store: Full of souvenirs, but don't sleep on the puzzle selection. - Gather: Slightly more upscale dining; delicious - Dimo's: As someone once told me, "This tastes like the pizza of our youth."
Listening to Sufjan Stevens' song "Chicago"
Ideally when driving south along Lakeshore toward the city.