Charlotte, NC, The Queen City
As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte (aka The Queen City) is the perfect blend of Southern charm and modern urbanism. With its professional sports teams, iconic skyline, cultural attractions, and fabulous dining scene, Charlotte really does have something for everyone to enjoy!
A City Fit For A Queen
The city of Charlotte is named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz who had become the Queen Consort of Great Britain and Ireland in 1761. If you’re not a history buff, but you’re a Bridgerton fan, it’s THAT Queen Charlotte! The city was named in her honor by European settlers in 1768. Since its humble beginnings, the Charlotte metropolitan area has grown to a population of over 900,000 people and it’s now the 17th largest city in the United States!
Charlotte Sports You Don’t Want To Miss!
Charlotte is a city with a strong sports culture. Whether you are into football, basketball, or motorsports, Charlotte definitely has you covered:
- Nascar Hall of Fame – Did you know Charlotte is the motorsports capital of the United States? The Nascar Hall of Fame is located here and it’s a must-visit for the entire family! Follow the link provided to see everything the Hall experience provides and find out all the info you need to plan your visit.
- Carolina Panthers – NFL fans rejoice! Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers (since 1993) and their home games are played at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. What better way to experience the city than at a football game?
- Charlotte Hornets – More of an NBA fan? Charlotte is home to the Hornets who play at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center – Whitewater Center features 1,300 acres of recreation grounds with whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, and more.
But Wait, There’s More!
If you’re not the biggest sports fan, don’t worry! Charlotte is full of so much more. Museums like the Levine Museum of the New South & the Mint Museum can provide you with a diverse range of cultural experiences. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Uptown Charlotte is a premier venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and performances, and is currently hosting the Charlotte International Arts Festival.
If amusement parks are your jam, you’ll definitely want to check out Carowinds. With over 60 rides and attractions and all your favorite amusement park foods & games, Carowinds will entertain the whole family! If you visit now (until October 29), you can experience Scarowinds which features some fun spooky rides, haunted mazes, and more!
Must Eat Spots in Charlotte
Charlotte has no shortage of great food places. Whatever your appetite or budget, the city has something for you! Here are just a few of my favorite spots:
- Reigning Donuts – Hands down the best donuts in Charlotte. They have later hours than most donut shops so you can get your sweet fix at night too!
- Big Ben Pub – Check out Big Ben Pub and get the best Fish n’ Chips in town!
- Cheat’s Cheesesteaks – Great for lunch or a late-night bite, Cheat’s has some great cheesesteaks and subs (the fries are pretty great too!). Cheat’s is carry out only, so expect to enjoy your sandwich to go or at one of the many picnic tables they have on site.
- The Fig Tree Restaurant – If you’re looking for a delicious dinner, an extensive wine list, and a romantic atmosphere, Fig Tree has you covered. Located inside a 1913 Craftsman bungalow, the restaurant is the perfect date night spot in Charlotte.
Be sure to head to my IG to see videos and photos of more of the spots I mentioned here!
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you for reading and I hope this post inspired you to take a trip to the Queen City! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you love most about Charlotte!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
Norfolk, Virginia
Recently my husband and I went on a beach trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After spending a few days in OBX, we decided to head up to Norfolk/Virginia Beach for a day. The Tidewater area of VA was only an hour’s drive from the Outer Banks so it made for the perfect day trip!
Strategically situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk makes a great start for exploring coastal Virginia. Norfolk is a mid-size city with about 235,000 residents and covers 66 square miles. It has seven miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront and 144 miles of shoreline along lakes, rivers, and the Bay (info provided by the City of Norfolk website). Norfolk is home to the largest Naval Base in the United States, and the city is also the headquarters of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation. The rich military history of Norfolk is reflected in its many monuments and memorials throughout the city.
While the Navy is a significant employer and contributor to the local economy, Norfolk is a city that offers something for everyone. The downtown area is full of great restaurants and shops, and the beautiful waterfront is an attraction you don’t want to miss!
Unique Norfolk Attractions
Norfolk is a city with a rich history and age (it was founded in 1682!) and it’s full of unique sites. Here are some fun places to check out during your visit:
- The Attucks Theater – Built in 1919, it is the oldest African-American theater in the US and is a National Historic Landmark. Today you can enjoy musical performances, plays and late-night jazz at this historic spot.
- The USS Wisconsin – The Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. USS Wisconsin was launched in 1943 and earned five battle stars for her WWII service and one for the Korean War. There are guided (and self-guided) tours available daily.
- The Norfolk Botanical Gardens – Virginia’s largest botanical garden, the NBG’s feature 175 acres that can be viewed by tram, boat, or on foot. There are more than 60 themed gardens (including an awesome children’s garden) for you to explore and the gardens are open daily.
- Spirit of Norfolk Cruise – A dinner cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk is a must for any visit to Norfolk. You’ll cruise the river and enjoy top-notch food and service. Dinner isn’t your only option on the Spirit of Norfolk, they offer weekend brunch cruises, lunch cruises, and many other fun options! Check their website for cruise times and tickets.
Where to Stay
For our trip to Norfolk, we decided to stay downtown and opted for The Main Hilton Norfolk. This beautiful hotel is in a great location and within easy walking distance of all the downtown sites, including the vibrant Waterside area. The rooms are reasonably priced and well-appointed. I enjoyed sampling the different restaurants and bars located on each floor of the hotel.
Norfolk Must Eats!
Now that you’ve got your activities planned and you know where to stay, let’s talk about what to eat! Here are some of my top favorite places to eat in the city…
- For Brunch, Freemason Abbey – Freemason Abbey is located in the home of a former church and it makes for a unique dining experience! Their brunch menu features standard breakfast fare like benedicts, waffles, and omelets, with some special items like their Wild Wild Western Skillet (made with wild boar sausage) mixed in. Mimosas, bloody marys, and other cocktails are available to compliment your brunch. Give Freemason Abbey a chance if you’re looking for good food in a unique setting.
- For Dinner/Date Night, Byrd and Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse – This is the perfect date night spot in Norfolk! It’s cozy and upscale, and children under 12 are not permitted. Reservations are highly recommended. My husband enjoyed the bone-in pork chop and I loved the pan-seared salmon. The wine is extensive and you won’t be disappointed with the service.
- For Lunch, Philly Style Steaks & Subs – Do yourself a favor and just go. That’s it, just go (and enjoy one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have).
- For A Sweet Treat, Granby Waffle Shop – Located inside the mini food hall at Slover (located next door to my hotel recommendation, Main at Norfolk), Granby Waffle Shop serves sweet and savory waffles topped with just about anything you could dream up! I had the Strawberry Shortcake Waffle and boy was it SWEET! I could only eat a few bites but if you’ve got a sweet tooth to satisfy, definitely check this place out!
- I purposely did not make a breakfast selection, I haven’t tried enough breakfast spots in the area to be able to call one the BEST. Typically when I visit the Hampton Roads area, we head to VA Beach for breakfast. I’d love to hear any Norfolk breakfast recommendations you all might have, leave me a comment!
Thanks for Joining Me In Norfolk And Stay Tuned For Posts About The Outer Banks and Virginia Beach!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
- How To Spend A Fall Day in The Queen City!
- Don’t Miss Out On the Fun In Greensboro, North Carolina!
- The Most Fantastic Food Finds In Wilmington, North Carolina!
- A Luxurious Stay at Maine’s Inn by the Sea
- Enjoying Life One Lighthouse At A Time – The Portland Head Light
- My Brief Love Affair With Boston…
- Haunted History, My Time At Monticello
- The Chicago Riverwalk – A Stunning Waterfront Oasis!
I enjoyed trying my first “real” cannoli during my recent trip to Boston. My experience with cannoli so far has been the frozen type you find at catered events, so needless to say I was blown away by an authentic cannoli!
Mike’s Pastry & Their Famous Cannoli!
Mike’s Pastry has been located in Boston’s North End since 1946 and they are known for their one-of-a-kind cannoli. Just touring the streets of Boston I passed so many people with the famous Mike’s Pastry boxes in their hands. Going to Mike’s is something of a tradition when you visit Boston and I’m certainly glad I didn’t miss out. You aren’t just limited to Boston’s North End to enjoy Mike’s Pastry, they have 3 other locations in MA, and they ship their famous cannoli (and other pastries) worldwide. Check out their website here!
Cannoli!
The cannoli shells at Mike’s Pastry are handmade in-house and there are so many filling options to choose from. My husband and I kept it simple and went with Plain Ricotta & Chocolate Ricotta. They were both finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar. While I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth, these pastries were delicious! I couldn’t make it through a whole one, it was so good but just too much for me.
I highly recommend you check out Mike’s Pastry on your next trip to Boston. I’m no cannoli expert but I do know good food when I taste it, and these are not to be missed!
Other New England Posts You Might Enjoy:
Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Inn by the Sea is a beautiful hotel right on the water in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I had the pleasure of staying here during my summer trip to Maine and I loved it!
Upon arriving at the Inn by the Sea, the first thing I fell in love with was the pristine lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs! It was my fantasy Maine hotel in person! My favorite feature of the hotel is how it’s located on the beach. You simply take a walking trail from the hotel right down to Crescent Beach.
All The Details on Inn by the Sea!
The coastal views and beauty of the Inn by the Sea make it a hotel to remember. The hotel is pricey but well worth it. All of the hotel amenities you would expect are available (free Wi-Fi, free parking, on-site gym, Spa services, poolside patio, etc.) and there is a fabulous in-house restaurant, Sea Glass, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I tried Sea Glass for breakfast and the Avocado toast was so good! During our stay at the hotel, there was a s’mores bar set up on the patio which was fun (and delicious).
The accommodations match the luxuriousness of the Inn. My husband and I booked a King loft suite. Loft suites are two-level accommodations featuring a king-sized bed on the upper level. The first floor of the guestroom offers a wet bar kitchenette including a mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, glassware, and dishes. The kitchenette opens into a large living space with a full-size pull-out sleep sofa and executive desk.
A balcony opening from the living space features ocean views and seating for two. On the second floor of the Loft Suite is a lofted bedroom and oversized bathroom. The bathroom offers an air jet tub, a glass walk-in shower, and a heated floor.
Luxury But Make It Close To Town…
A great feature of the Inn by the Sea is its proximity to Portland, Maine. It was so convenient to stay at the Inn and then only have a 20-minute drive into Portland. Most of the activities and dining I had planned for Maine were in Portland, so a conveniently located hotel was key for me. Stay tuned for the full blog post I have coming on things to do in Portland, including a sunset cruise with Portland Schooner Co. Until then, rest assured that Inn by the Sea is close to all Portland, ME has to offer!
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is located just a short walking distance from Inn by the Sea. Simply exit the hotel and follow the delightful little wooden walking trail that turns to sand as you get closer to the beach. The hotel provides umbrellas and beach towels for your use, all complimentary!
Crescent Beach is a mile-long crescent-shaped beach with saltwater coves, wooded areas, beachgrass-studded sand dunes, and lots of rock ledges. The beach is perfect for picnics, nature watching, walking, swimming, boating, and fishing.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for joining me and I hope that you’ll get keep Inn by the Sea on your list for your visit to Maine. It’s always fun getting comments and feedback for you all, please keep them coming!
Other Maine Posts You Might Enjoy:
Hey guys! Wilmington, NC is one of my favorite cities to visit. It’s convenient to my hometown of Durham, NC, it’s got the beach, plenty of charming hotels, and lots of activities for the whole family. Most importantly it’s full of great food! Here are some of my favorite spots in Wilmington!
Bagel King & Donuts
Bagel King & Donuts offers the most delicious bagel sandwiches ever, and the donuts are pretty good too! The shop is open early (6:30 am most days), so it’s perfect for breakfast. You can purchase freshly baked bagels individually, by the dozen, or go for a sandwich like I did. There is a wide variety of bagels, spreads, fillings, and toppings to choose from so be prepared to study the menu for a bit. I definitely recommend Bagel King for a quick breakfast in Wilmington.
Brooklyn Cafe & Market
Located in Wilmington’s historic downtown district, Brooklyn Cafe & Market is a small cafe serving some delicious fare. Brooklyn Cafe serves scratch-baked pastries, coffee, beer, wine, and more. I stopped in for an order of their famous beignets and my favorite drink, a London Fog. Both were delicious and the service at the Brooklyn Cafe was top-notch!
Los Portales Taqueria
After a fun-filled day at Kure Beach, I was ready for some tacos and margaritas and Los Portales Taqueria hit the spot for both! Los Portales is just a short drive from Wilmington Beach and was super close to my hotel, The Hive. The menu features fresh Mexican fare, with lots of unique margaritas to pair with it. The taco fillings go from your standard asada, pollo, carnitas, and chorizo to beef stomach, beef cheek, and tripe. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, there is something for everyone. I enjoyed the food but I LOVED the margaritas. They were made with fresh fruit puree and were perfect after a hot day on the beach. Please give Los Portales and try when you’re in Wilmington and need your taco (and margarita) fix!
Elijah’s Seafood Restaurant
For a classic seafood dinner in Wilmington, I highly recommend Elijah’s. Elijah’s is located right on the Wilmington Riverwalk and they offer some al fresco dining. It was so relaxing sitting on the patio, watching the sunset, and enjoying a great meal! The menu is your standard seafood restaurant fare, crabcakes, seafood platters, oysters, and a fresh catch of the day. The menu also features some land items if you’re not a seafood lover. My husband and I really enjoyed the crab dip as our appetizer and we both got a fried seafood platter with flounder, shrimp, scallops, and oysters, fried to golden perfection! Elijah’s also offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages and I highly recommend you make a reservation before you visit.
Thanks for Reading!
I appreciate you joining me at some of my favorite Wilmington restaurants! I’d love to hear what some of your go-to spots are…be sure to leave a comment!
Other Wilmington Posts You Might Enjoy:
Longchamp – Affordable French Luxury
Happy Summer ya’ll! I’ve been having some major fun in the sun this summer and trying to keep it stylish while I do it! Longchamp and their gorgeous bags have helped keep my summer looks effortless, chic, and interesting. If you’re not familiar with the French brand, Longchamp, please allow me to introduce you to what may become your new go-to!
A true family business, Longchamp was founded in 1948 by Philippe Cassegrain and is still family owned and operated by his children today. Longchamp is known for creating quality handbags at affordable prices and their signature iconic bag is the Le Pilage.
Le Pliage – A Style Board
Links for all pieces are included below.
Get The Longchamp Looks!
Longchamp Basket Bag – The Longchamp Le Panier Pliage Basket Bag is my favorite summer bag. The bright white pairs well with so many of my summer looks, and the bag is versatile enough for all occasions. The Basket Bag is canvas with a straw effect and it features a removable shoulder strap. Most importantly this quintessentially French bag will only set you back $235.00! That’s a far cry from most French luxury brands (looking at you Chanel…). I opted for the white version of the bag, it is also available in red and brown. I’d love to hear what Longchamp handbag is your favorite!
J.Crew Teddy Short – J.Crew is a longstanding favorite of mine. I love how the brand stays chic & elegant and these shorts are no exception. The emerald green color gave me a nice contrast with the white/neutral and because it’s J.Crew, the shorts are quality. Follow the link and snag a pair before the fall items arrive!
Zara Bodysuit – Can you have enough bodysuits? I say no, and typically I head to Amazon for my bodysuits but Zara is a goldmine too! Zara offers a wide range of colors and styles that will help you effortlessly transition into fall.
Finishing The Look!
Steve Madden Fisherman Sandals – These chunky lug sole fisherman sandals by Steve Madden are just the thing for any summer look. I paired them with sandals here, but I’ve also worn them with maxi dresses and jeans! These shoes are light and airy and not at all “heavy”. This particular shoe is available in pink and black as well.
J.Crew Jade Sunglasses & Layer Necklace – J.Crew has a fantastic accessories selection. I can always find a new jewelry piece, sunglasses, or hair accessory in J.Crew. If you haven’t tried J.Crew for accessories, do yourself a favor and check them out!
Thanks!
Thanks for joining me and be sure to show Longchamp some love! Remember French-inspired style doesn’t have to break the bank.
Other Style Posts You Might Enjoy:
Bite Into Maine Has The Best Lobster Rolls Around!
Hey! Welcome back to my series on Portland, Maine! During my visit to the Portland Head Light Lighthouse, I had the pleasure of lunch at Bite Into Maine. It was such an experience enjoying an authentic New England lobster roll in the park with the famous Portland Head Light behind me. For me, it just doesn’t get any better.
Bite Into Maine
Bite Into Maine has several locations in Maine, and I dined at the Food Truck in Cape Elizabeth, right inside Fort Williams Park (home of the Portland Head Light Lighthouse). It’s such a lovely drive into the park and immediately behind the parking area, you’ll see the Bite Into Maine Food Truck.
The food truck features a full lineup of sandwiches, sides, drinks, and of course some Whoopie Pies for dessert! My husband and I ordered two Maine lobster rolls and two Connecticut rolls and a side of freshly made chips to share. The lobster rolls are available in 4.5oz and 6oz sizes and all rolls are priced at $29.50 (4.5oz) and $37.50 (6oz). My total for 3 4.05oz rolls and 1 6oz roll and chips was $134.00. Yes, pricey for lunch for 2 but it was well worth it! Bite Into Maine’s Connecticut-style roll is just warm lobster meat with butter and the Maine-style roll is chilled lobster meat tossed with mayo and chives.
Maine vs Connecticut, Which Is Your Favorite Style?
Not sure of the difference between Maine-style & Connecticut-style? Here’s how to spot the difference.
Maine
In most cases, a Maine lobster roll is served cold and usually tossed with mayo, celery, and seasonings before it’s stuffed into a bun. The bun itself is called a “New England” or “Frankfurter” and it’s very similar to a hot dog bun. The only difference is that the sides of the “Frankfurter” are flat making them easy to butter & toast (or grill). The buns are typically the same for either style. Since most people associate lobster rolls with Maine, The cold Maine-style version is the most common to come by on your search.
The key takeaway, Maine lobster rolls are typically cool and lightly tossed in mayo on a butter-toasted roll.
Connecticut
While Maine-style lobster rolls are cold, Connecticut-style rolls are served warm and only dressed with butter. There is usually no dressing, just lots of melted butter to douse your sandwich in!
The key takeaway, Connecticut lobster rolls are served warm and only dressed with melted butter, still served on a butter-toasted roll.
And The Lobster Roll Winner Is…
I absolutely loved both versions and I’d happily pay the high price tag for either version, but if I must choose a winner I’ve got to go Connecticut-style! Hold the mayo for me and BRING ON THE BUTTER! That warm claw and tail lobster meat drenched in butter…on that butter-toasted roll WITH a squeeze of lemon…ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! I’d love to hear from you all, what is your preferred style?
Thanks for Reading!
When your travels lead you to Portland, Maine, do yourself a favor and check out Bite Into Maine. Whichever style of lobster roll you prefer, Bite Into Maine does it to perfection and you won’t be disappointed!
Other New England Posts You Might Enjoy:
Portland Head Light Lighthouse
On my recent visit to Maine, I enjoyed visiting the famous Portland Head Light Lighthouse. Portland Head Light is located in Cape Elizabeth Maine, on the shores of the beautiful Fort Williams Park. Portland Head Light looks out over the Portland Harbor which is within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine.
In addition to the lighthouse, Fort Williams Park offers ninety acres of hiking, picnic facilities, sports & recreation views, and the most stunning ocean views!
A Brief Lighthouse History Lesson
In 1787, construction on the lighthouse began (for the UNBELIEVABLY low cost of $750!), and was completed in 1791. The first lighting of the tower was on January 10, 1791. Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. During the American Civil War, raids on shipping in and out of Portland Harbor had become commonplace, and because the lighthouse was so necessary, the structure was raised an additional 20 feet.
Today Portland Head Light stands 80 feet above ground and 101 feet above water. The light station is now automated and the tower, beacon, and foghorn are maintained by the United States Coast Guard. Portland Head Light Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Keeper’s Quarters
The current keepers’ house was built in 1891, and up until 1989, it was home to lighthouse keepers. The keepers’ house and grounds are owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth and are now operated as a maritime museum.
Everything You Need To Know For Your Visit To Portland Head Light!
Fort Williams Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. There is NO admission fee to the park, but some parking areas do have a small fee.
I visited Portland Head Light in June and the weather was unexpectedly chilly (for me anyway, I’m a NC native and June means HOT). Be sure to dress in layers during your visit to the lighthouse, I’m told the temp never goes above 70 degrees!
While there were plenty of visitors to the park, it was never overwhelmingly crowded, with more than enough room for everyone to see and enjoy the sights. As always, I do recommend arriving early to get the best photographs!
For food, don’t miss the Bite Into Maine food truck! The food truck is parked at the top of a hill right inside Fort Williams Park and they serve the most delicious lobster rolls! Don’t worry, my next blog post is all about Bite Into Maine so you’ll be able to see and learn more about their awesome food. In addition to Bite Into Maine, there are Gelato carts and other food options in the park, and with all of the picnic areas, you can certainly bring and enjoy your own food!
Thanks For Joining Me In Maine!
Looking out at the water and seeing the colored lobster buoys in the water felt like such a quintessential Maine experience that I’ll forever be grateful for! Please be sure to stay tuned for my next post, all about the delicious lobster roll truck inside Fort Miller Park!
Other New England Posts You Might Enjoy:
Chicago Riverwalk
After enjoying the sights at Millennium Park and getting some mandatory pictures at The Bean, we headed to the Chicago Riverwalk.
The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile-long path located on the south bank of the Chicago River. The pedestrian-friendly riverwalk stretches from Lake Michigan to Lake Street and it is free to the public (current hours are 6 am – 11 pm). A true waterfront oasis, Chicago’s Riverwalk offers so much to do, from simply enjoying waterfront views, to boat tours, to dining al fresco at top-notch restaurants, your options are almost limitless!
Experiences On The Chicago Riverwalk You Don’t Want To Miss!
There is so much to see and do on The Riverwalk, it can almost be overwhelming! To help you navigate and make the most of your time, I’ve put together a list of all the top activities I think you should try and experience on The Chicago Riverwalk. I’d love to hear if there are any of your favorite activities I may have missed!
- Food & Drinks On The Chicago Riverwalk – The Riverwalk is the perfect place to grab dinner al fresco and sip wine right on the riverfront. There are so many great restaurants and breweries to choose from on the Riverwalk. We dined at River Roast for lunch and it was phenomenal! The cuisine options are almost limitless on The Riverwalk! Choose from pizza (of course), Italian, fine dining, casual concepts, and tons of breweries. You won’t be disappointed by the food selections on The Riverwalk!
- Chicago Riverwalk Boat Tours – Sadly, I did not take a boat tour while I was on the Riverwalk. I did, however, enjoy watching the tour boats passing along the walking paths!
- Kayaking – For such a big city, Chicago has a large number of outdoor spaces and recreation options and I was pleased to see kayaking available right on the Chicago River! Head to my IG page to see photos of kayaking on the Chicago Riverwalk!
- Public Art – Everywhere you turn on The Riverwalk there is beautiful public art to see! Bring your camera and be prepared to be inspired by the artwork all around.
Other Chicago Posts You Might Enjoy:
Millenium Park, Chicago, Illinois
Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and it is the home to the iconic Cloud Gate, more commonly known as “The Bean”. In addition to The Bean, Millennium Park features interactive fountains, gardens, skating rinks, rock climbing, public art, and tons of green space. It’s mind-blowing just how much there is to see and do in this free, public park!
Cloud Gate AKA “The Bean”
The Bean is one of Chicago’s most famous icons. It was created by the famous artist Anish Kapoor in 2005 and it is one of the largest outdoor sculptures of its kind in the world. You don’t want to miss a photo opp at Cloud Gate on your visit to Millennium Park!
Pro Tip – Be sure to plan your visit to The Bean early! Because it’s such a tourist attraction, crowds can gather quickly. Come early!
Lurie Garden
Located in the southeast corner of Millennium Park, Lurie Garden is an unexpected tranquil garden in the middle of Chicago! Lurie Garden is home to wildlife, birds, and insects, and the botanical landscape has won numerous (WELL-DESERVED) awards. I had so much fun exploring the gardens and of course, taking photos in the beautiful green spaces!
Additional Millennium Park Attractions
- Jay Pritzker Pavilion & The Great Lawn – Designed by world-famous architect, Frank Gehry, this state-of-the-art pavilion and lawn is an amazing place to see live entertainment! Be sure to check my IG post for a video of the Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn.
- Crown Fountain – Conceptual artist Jaume Plensa designed this interactive video sculpture and it has to be seen to be believed! The sculpture is composed of a black granite reflecting pool positioned between a pair of 50-foot glass brick towers. The towers include LED video screens that display the faces of Chicago locals! How incredibly cool is that? You definitely don’t want to miss Crown Fountain.
- Maggie Daley Park – Maggie Daley Park is a play garden with suspension bridges, tube slides, a 40-foot climbing wall, and an 18-hole mini golf course. Even better, adults can enjoy Maggie Daley Park too! There are tennis courts and picnic areas along with serene walking paths to enjoy.
Thanks for Joining Me In Millennium Park!
Be sure to check back for my last Chicago blog post where we’ll visit the beautiful Chicago Riverwalk! I hope you’ll leave me a comment and let me know what some of your favorite Chicago spots are!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
