Tavi J. at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
I am the absolute “quote” queen! I have several quote journals and when I feel down or need inspiration I just flip through the pages. Nine times out of ten I feel better afterwards. One quote that I love to say over and over again is:
“The only person you can control is yourself.” And…. “YOU are YOUR only competition.”
I stumbled upon another favorite quote that really resonates during Women’s History Month:
“Another woman doing what you’re doing is NOT your competition. She is your sister. Support her, encourage her, and believe in her.”
And with that…..
Happy Women’s History Month! March is the annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. (Wikipedia).
Art Institute of Chicago
Myself and a couple of other female bloggers celebrated Women’s History Month together with the help of @ChooseChicago. (www.choosechicago.com). We chose a bunch of activities to do that are women-owned. Hopefully this article will inspire you to grab your girlfriends and have a Chicago Staycation of your own.
Location Location Location!!
The Radisson Blu Aqua
The secret recipe to a Chicago Staycation is to choose a hotel where you’re surrounded by it ALL! We chose to stay at the Radisson Blu Aqua hotel located at 221 N Columbus Drive. The architecture of the hotel was designed by a female architect name Jeanne Gang. Expect sleek and modern rooms and suites. There’s exceptional views overlooking Lakeshore East Park, Millennium Park, and the city landscape. Also I want to note this is a very eco-friendly hotel. The Aqua practices earned platinum-level status with TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders Program. Some of the amenities to enjoy during your stay are indoor/outdoor pools, outdoor terrace, state-of-the-art fitness center, and onsite restaurant.
For a limited Time: Stay More, Save More! Get up to 25% off stays of 2+ nights until May 31, 2021 when you book by April 5th.
Not having to travel far to eat
Prime Rib Chilaquiles and Strawberry Pancakes at FireLake Chicago
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel onsite restaurant is called Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. The restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience in the heart of Chicago. The acclaimed American grill concept is known for its wood-fired cooking and offers a menu featuring the Midwest’s best meat, freshwater fish, and produce. We went here for breakfast and couldn’t stop eyeing the prime rib chilaquiles! It was delicious. Check out their restaurant week menu HERE.
Venturing out to eat….
Chicago (excuse my bias opinion) is THE BEST foodie city. You’ll definitely want to venture out of the hotel and try out as many restaurants as possible. During our staycation we dined at Demera for lunch on Saturday, Kinzie Chophouse Saturday evening, and had lunch at Soule on Sunday. Check out a few details of each spot below.
Demera – 4801 N Broadway Street
Demera
Demera is an Ethiopian restaurant located on the North Side of the city. I’ve had takeout from here before, but was happy to finally eat in at this restaurant. They serve meat, but it’s totally a vegan lovers dream with many options to choose from. The restaurant has been around for over a decade and I can see why. Check out their restaurant week menu!
If you want MEAT…..
Kinzie Chophouse – 400 N Wells Street
Lobster Tail Risotto with Asparagus – Kinzie Chophouse
We were super excited to head to Kinzie Chophouse for dinner Saturday night. A little tidbit this is a WOMAN-OWNED steakhouse. The restaurant will be celebrating its 30th year anniversary this year. We decided to stick to the restaurant week menu and we were not disappointed!! We all went with the lobster tail risotto with asparagus.
Keep Eating….
As a foodie you know the staycation involved around eating several different cuisines. We ended the staycation with lunch at Soule Chicago.
Soule Chicago – 1931 W Chicago Avenue
Soule Chicago
Soule is a boutique Creole-infused Soul Food restaurant located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. Tastemakers, celebrities, and social media foodies (like myself) flock to Soule for the robust flavors of home cooked food. It’s a gathering spot to catch up, delight in some of the best food, and celebrate community/ culture. Head Cook and Owner, Bridgette Flagg is a Chicago-based native hailing from a humble background of compassionate cooks and southern hospitality connoisseurs all of which were dedicated to making sure that each plate that reached the table, reached the soul. I delighted in the shrimp & grits, jerk shrimp, fried green tomato’s, and peach cobbler. I will DEFINITELY be heading back soon!
What else besides Food?
I could literally eat all day, but Chicago has more to offer than just food. There’s tons of activities to take in day and night. We decided to go the educational route and celebrate Women’s History Month at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Avenue
Bisa Butler: Portraits
Bisa Butler: “The Tea”
We ALL were super excited to check out the Bisa Butler Portraits exhibition. Bisa’s portraits capture personal and historical narratives of Black life. The exhibit includes over 20 portraits all crafted exclusively using fabric. The quilts are beautiful and each tell a story. You can tell at first glance the intricate details that went into the production of each portrait. This is a must see exhibit and you have until September 6th to do so in Chicago.
The Field Museum
1400 S Lakeshore Drive
Apsáalooke Exhibit
Warriors who are fearless in battle. Powerful women who are keepers of war shields and their stories. Beaders, artists, mothers, two-spirited people. Hear their voices and many others in Apsáalooke Women and Warriors.
In this exhibition, learn about the history, values, and beliefs of the Apsáalooke (Ahp-SAH-luh-guh) people of the Northern Plains, also known as the Crow. Understand and honor the tradition of “counting coup”—performing acts of bravery. From 100-year-old war shields to contemporary beadwork and fashion, Apsáalooke community members tell their stories and share vibrant works of art. This exhibit goes to July 18, 2021.
Well there you have it! Make sure to bookmark ALL the places we went to for planning YOUR next Staycation.
Ooohhhhh #Summertimechi will be L.I.T.
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