Hello from Chicago. The WiFi connection in our room is not free! How insane is that?! You know that I simply cannot stand for paying for something that I can get for free across the street so I slipped out early this AM to a corner bakery and am soaking in the busy atmosphere, enjoying a cup of coffee, and giving you a little update of our trip thus far!
We arrived in Chi-town around lunch yesterday and swung by our hotel to valet the car and leave our luggage. Since we couldn’t check into our room until well into the afternoon, we set out for the beautiful Magnificent Michigan Mile. This was our first stop, a window gazing/drooling event for me. Next it was on to the American Girl Store to browse for the Eldest Princesses birthday. I’m not sure, but I think that the King looked a little bit afraid as we shopped around. I think it might have been all of the excess estrogen in the place? He was impressed regardless. We went to an amazing tea place (one of my great loves) where we learned a ton about loose tea, teapots, tea blends, German rock sugar, and more. And I had the 2nd best glass of iced tea I’ve ever had (that just begs for a story of the first, right?) Then we stopped here and here. We had snack here (and later ordered takeout).
We got ready after our delish deep dish and headed out to the Bank of America Theater to see Jersey Boys. The show was simply amazing. The music was rockin’, the vintage costumes fabulous, the choreography and mixed media simply awesome. Lady Kara’s friend Michael Ingersoll (who played one of the leads, Nick Massi) was incredibly kind enough to take us on a backstage tour where we got to see equipment, walk around on the stage, see the gorgeous costumes (and amazing shoes!), dressing rooms, etc. He answered questions about the production, the Four Seasons, and his career with great ease and the kind, gentle attitude of a well-mannered midwestern fella. He is definitely a stand up guy, Lady Kara. And he wants you to come and see the production soon! Oh and did I mention that he had done two shows that day. That’s an incredible amount of time to spend on strangers after such a long day. It made our experience so much more special and for that we are so grateful. The best song in the entire production was of course “Sherry Baby;” spelled wrong but you can’t hear that when they’re singing it. Hee, hee.
Today, we’ll be exploring some lesser known sites. I have my three cupcake places on my hit list, Wrigleyville (even though the Cubs are out of town), and some vintage clothing shops. We’re hoping to end the day in Grant Park, taking free dance lessons. Navy Pier and Hull House are on the list for tomorrow. It’s been a grand adventure already and there’s still so much to do. 🙂
I promise that pictures will come when we get back home. I forgot my cord to get them from my digital camera to my laptop. *le sigh*. I’ve gotten some great shots already though. The only pic I got at the theater was one from the King’s Blackberry. I forgot to bring a bag/purse that would match my dress and my camera is too large for a pocket. Whoops. Have a great day and an adventure of your own today.
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I’m so glad you had a nice time at Jersey Boys! Mike’s a great guy, isn’t he??? Hooray!
Oh! Teavana! That place is heavenly. We went on a trip to Minneapolis, and of the hundreds and hundreds of stores in the Mall of America, Teavana was my favorite.
Did you know there’s one in Indy, in the Fashion Mall on the northside?
Glad you’re having a great time!
Which cupcake places did you go to? I hope that you made it to Sweet Mandy B’s – that’s my favorite!
Yes, you MUST make it to Sweet Mandy B’s – hands down the BEST cupcakes I’ve ever had, ten times better than the world-famous Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. I never make a trip to Chicago without heading to Mandy B’s. Mmmm . . . can’t stop thinking about them now.
Thanks again Lady Kara for giving me the hook up. I have listened to my Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Greatest Hits Album on my iPod ALL week. I was a bit of a freak about their music before the show and now. WOW.
Lady Joanna, let’s get a date on the calendar to go to the Fashion Mall and drink tea! I almost passed out in a fit of joy when he said there was a location there. 🙂
Lady Jamie, I’m guessing you’ve read today’s posts on the Cupcake Crawl! I did think Sweet Mandy B’s was VERY cute. I LOVE Molly’s and really thought more was top notch (although a little pricey but it was an experience). Kept thinking of you when we tagged around the city. Next time when it’s not an anniversary trip, I want to look you up for coffee or something!
Lady Mindy, did you know that my cupcake interest was first spawned by your FB pictures?!?! 🙂 You are an inspiration. I chatted today with some folks who insist that the Flying Cupcake is a must in Indy. Have you visited it?