Tag: Midwest U.S.

Posted on

Chicago Sightseeing on a Conference Schedule

Updated last: August 29, 2019.

Originally published June 25, 2014.

Chicago shore and skyline

This post came from finding ways to squeeze in a little Chicago sightseeing when I was headed to a conference that would be split between the massive McCormick Place convention center and hotels a few miles away, along the Chicago River. 

Now that I’m getting ready for another quick trip to Chicago, I’ve updated information and added to it.

Let me know what you like to do in the Windy City!

–Steph

McCormick Place exhibition hall

I had been to Chicago O’Hare. But the airport doesn’t count. I had driven by Chicago on the interstate. That doesn’t really count either. The first time I was really in the city of Chicago, it was for a conference. Which just barely counts.

McCormick Place in Chicago
Part of the massive McCormick Place convention center in Chicago.

A conference can be like its own self-contained universe. You can eat, sleep, socialize, work, learn, and be entertained for days without ever leaving its confines. Or ever talking to someone who isn’t wearing a lanyard. Whether you’re there for knowledge or networking, you want to get as much as you can out of the conference itself. But it’s also nice to see some of the area outside the convention center.

McCormick Place window

As I prepared for the 2013 BlogHer Annual Conference, I also looked into what was near the downtown convention centers and hotels where I would be starting from and how I could see a small slice of Chicago if I found a spare hour or two.
Continue reading “Chicago Sightseeing on a Conference Schedule”

Posted on

Independence Days

dog and flag

balboa park carousel

Sit-in Closet

I’m hanging out with Quijote, who has decided the safest place to be is in our closet.

quijote the dog hiding

Initially, he played it cool – like the noise of the 4th of July fireworks wasn’t going to bother him. Then, all of the sudden, it was too much, and he began scampering wild-eyed around the house in a panicked search for the best hiding spot.

honeybears bbq sliders

Even before Quijote, we didn’t always go to see fireworks. In the middle of the sweltering Arizona summer, it’s a good day for brunch with friends or swimming or barbecue or staying inside and crafting.

 

Hawthorne Inn room

San Diego

Of course, we were way out of the house when we had our first Independence Day with Quijote on our San Diego trip a year ago.

San Diego - bankers hill

It was a similar story, where he started out unfazed, and then suddenly switched to terrified.

hawthorne historic inn

We were staying at the Hawthorne Historic Inn, which has a deck that’s great for watching fireworks. Phillip found us a couple chairs and brought up some wine and snacks. It was so sweet and lovely until we realized Quijote was not going to be able to deal with noise after all.

san diego fireworks

We gathered up our stuff and climbed back down the wooden steps.

quijote sleeping in san diego

Phillip and I propped up pillows and sat drinking wine and watching tv in bed, while Q burrowed under the comforter.

 

plane window sunset

Indiana

On the other hand, Phillip and I began one 4th of July on a red eye to Indianapolis.

fountain square

We arrived, caught a few hours sleep, stopped by a square where there was a music festival we were too early for, and then drove to Madison County to see my extended family.

fountain square music festival stage

We ended the day outside a different hotel, watching fireworks and fireflies and mysterious orange lights that were floating across the sky.

fireworks in indiana

When you’re with ones you love, you can have a good time whether you’re standing in an open field or hunkering down in a closet.

 

Proudly powered by WordPress