PennyTravels: Why You Should Visit Chicago

Dear Pennies & Pens,

In this post, we’re going to talk about why you should visit Chicago. This past February, I visited Chicago and it was amazing! I absolutely love that city. Chicago is such a hub of art, music, food, fashion, and culture. It is truly a cool city.

But sadly, sometimes even major cities like Chicago get lost in the social media sauce. On top of the fact that Americans love traveling abroad but not many people have traveled within the states. You’ve also got other people who’ve been to Chicago a few times and think they’ve seen it all. But Chicago is one of those cities that presents something new each time you visit.

The Weather Presents New Adventures & Challenges Each Time You Go

With that said, the first reason you should visit Chicago is because you’ll never get the same experience twice. Chicago weather presents new adventures and challenges each time you go. If you go in the winter like I did, you’ll have to figure out how to stay warm.

If you go during the Summer, you’ll be wiping sweat from your brow. In the Spring & Fall, the weather plays tons of games, last week on Halloween it was 23 degrees and snowy! So weather-wise, you’re in for an adventure and a challenge.

There’s always something to see and do

The next reason you should visit Chicago is because there is always something new to see and do. The attractions in Chicago are endless!

Personally, I checked out museums, went to an all female sketch comedy show, did a Prohibition Bus Tour, and visited a craft beer cafe. It was truly a unique trip. Get the deets on how to Chill in Chi-Town by clicking that link.

Public Transportation saves money + time

Another reason to visit Chicago is public transportation makes navigating the city a breeze. The trains connect to all the major attractions within “The Loop” aka the center of Chicago so unless you’re looking to venture further out, you don’t need a rental car.

And honestly, even if you do go further out, the trains probably run there. Parking in The Loop is a nighttmare so unless you’ve got a huge budget, take the train and save some pennies. You’ll see all sorts of people and characters on the train so if it’s good for nothing, it’s good for entertainment.

I will never forget hearing a guy tell his friend: “You need to stop being broke. You too grown for that.” Literally, died laughing with my cuzzo, Quincy.

Chicagoans love their city + they’re nice

That brings me to the next reason you should visit Chicago, the people. They’ve got tons of personality! Chicagoans are absolutely some of the coolest people on Earth. Whether they are natives or transplants, you’ll find that each person has their own story for how they got to Chicago. And trust, they love telling this story so it’s easy to get them to open up.

Chicagoans are also very nice. Unlike folks from NYC, Chicagoans are willing to give you directions and lend a helping hand. My cousin and I asked several people for directions and each person would stop and patiently help us get to where we needed to go.

Also, once the Chicago tourism board sent out my info to let local brands know I would be visiting the city to feature it in my travel guide, they were so excited to work with me! In all of my trips, the local Chicago brands were by far the most excited to collaborate. You would’ve thought I was the Beyonce of Blogging!!!

To me it says a lot about a city if the people who live there love it. Who wants to visit a city even the locals can’t stand?! Not me, little baby.

Chicago is for Foodies

Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes…or the Vegan ones anyway. The food in Chicago is another level. Literally everything I ate was good. I never left any spot hungry. Get Chillin in Chi-Town for more insight on my restaurant recommendations.

But seriously, Chicago is known for it’s pizza, but there’s also great Ramen spots, Vegan restaurants, Italian food, Burgers, etc. whatever type of food you like Chicago has it.

Chicago is for Craft Beer Lovers

If you love craft beer, you absolutely need to go to Chicago ASAP!!! Seriously. Chicago is home to one of the original and oldest craft breweries, Goose Island. Even though, Goose Island is now owned by Budweiser i.e., making them more corporate and commercial, a lot of brewers that worked there now have their own breweries.

In essence, Chicago is full of independent craft breweries and taprooms. You could seriously drink a new beer everyday. It doesn’t matter if you like IPAs, Pale Ales or Amber Ales, Chicago has got you covered. If you get Chillin in Chi-Town, you’ll discover a local hotspot that offers Chicago’s best craft beer in one setting.

Plenty of Hotel + Airbnb Options

Chicago has tons of hotels as well as Airbnb options. Quincy & I stayed at a Fairfield Inn in downtown Chicago and it was perfect. The hotel was right in the heart of downtown and since it was a Fairfield Inn, we had free breakfast each day.

So whether you’re a hotel person like me or can find one of the actually dope Airbnbs, there’s somewhere for you to stay in Chicago. Depending on the time of year you go, depends on what you’ll pay. Pro tip: that’s why I went to Chicago in February. It was cold as fuck but I saved mad pennies on flight and hotel. Always remember when you travel during peak seasons, you spend more money.

Alrighty, I think that’s enough ink for why you should visit, Chicago. To get more inktips on planning a trip to Chicago, check out Chillin in Chi-Town. Have you ever been to Chicago? Share your inkthoughts on Chicago in the comments!

And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.