Things to Do
Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is a fantastic museum for anybody interested in space (which we definitely are!). Even better, Chicago is a city full of great museums, and Adler is located on Chicago's Museum Campus, meaning it's a short distance away from the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Chicago Art Institute. All of them are world-class and are highly recommended!
Armitage Alehouse
We celebrated Aryn's last birthday here, not too far from where Aryn works and the school that Devyn mentors a robotics team at. It's one of the hardest reservations to get in Chicago right now, but by far worth it for a cozy, delicious meal!
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill
Carbon was a staple when we lived in Bridgeport! We ordered delivery from here many times over the years, with especially excellent elote. For a more traditional Chicago establishment, try Ricobene's right next door!
Chicago Architecture Center Boat Tours
The Architecture Tours that they provide on the Chicago River are a must-do in Chicago. Learn the history of the most visible icons of Chicago while getting a gorgeous view the entire time! Aryn and Devyn did one of these tours many years ago when Devyn's parents visited and had a great time! Highly recommend booking tickets ahead of time. The $5 upgrade to visit the Architecture Center afterward your tour is also well worth it!
Connie's Pizza
Before Aryn even moved to Chicago, our first real date in the city was here (If you want the first date overall, you'll have to go to either Houston or Indianapolis depending on how you want to define things). Go enjoy some good local Chicago pizza, either the touristy deep-dish or the truly local square-cut thin crust. Looking for something a bit less traditional for pizza? Pequod's in Lincoln Park has some of the best pizza in the city, though it's an eclectic mix of Chicago and Detroit style deep dish. Reservations ahead of time are highly recommended, as they get quite busy even on weeknights.
Half Sour
This is one of our favorite local restaurants in our current neighborhood of Printer's Row, with excellent vibes and also excellent cheese curds. This intersection has amazing food on three corners of it, including a particularly great Japanese place right across the street.
Jackalope Coffee & Tea House
When Devyn and Aryn used to live in Bridgeport, we used to go to this cute coffee shop all the time. They have some amazing seasonal specials, as well as some great pressed sandwiches. While you're here, go visit Palmisano Park down the street, where some of our engagement pictures were taken!
Lincoln Park Zoo
One of our earliest experiences in Chicago was here with some of Devyn's friends from college, including our bridesfriend Alex! One of the best zoos in Chicago, and better yet it's free!
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of the quintessential Chicago tourist experiences. Aryn's first birthday that we celebrated in Chicago, we went here after dinner and went on the massive Ferris Wheel that has an amazing view of downtown Chicago, and then built a Build-A-Bear downstairs!
Tree House Humane Society
This humane society not only facilitates adoptions, but also has a cat café, allowing you to grab a beverage and hang out with some furry friends! As we prepared to get our first cat together, Devyn had never had a cat before and didn't know what to expect, so we went here with our good friend (and Maid of Honor) Raven to get more accustomed to what would eventually become our smallest friend. A reservation is required if you actually want to spend time with any cats while you're here!