One of my long-time favorite bands was touring this fall, so I planned a quick girls trip (plus Abner) to Chicago to see them in concert. It was my first time visiting Chicago, so we went up the evening before, to have the next day completely in the city and do some exploring before the concert. Thanks to some suggestions from a friend who’s a Chicago native, we were able to hit a number of the main tourist must-sees and mix in some local spots, too.

We had to get a Chicago-style hot dog while we were there, and of course try deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s - which was probably the best pizza I’ve ever had. We also stopped by the Little Goat Diner for lunch while exploring the city -  which was the most adorable diner, especially all dressed up for Halloween. There was a local coffee shop just around the corner, Sawada’s Coffee, so we grabbed a latte and espresso before heading back to get ready for the concert.

Our most amusing adventure was when we found out the venue wouldn’t allow sweet little Abner to join us at the concert. So, Calvin and Emet drove 5 hours there, stayed with us that night, and 5 hours back the next morning - just to spend some time with Abner so we could go to the concert. Good gracious I am so thankful for that kind-hearted man. I was secretly glad it all worked out that way, so I didn’t have to miss Calvin and Emet so much after all.

The hotel (Field House Jones) was in a great location right downtown, and had such fun decor. Emet enjoyed checking out the slot cars on the lower level with Calvin while we were at the concert, and the lobby doubled as a public cafe and coffee shop, which was perfect for getting coffee and breakfast in the morning while we planned out the day, before bundling up Abner and heading out.

I’ve been a fan of Florence + the Machine for the last ten years or so, and Abigail and I had been talking about the possibility of going to the concert since before Abner was born, and weren’t sure it would actually happen. So it was fun to actually make it happen together, and to finally see Florence in person; her personality, all her energy, running around the whole time still singing and dancing.

Before leaving town the day after the concert, we stopped by Navy Pier to walk out onto Lake Michigan and stroll around the shops. They don’t call Chicago the windy city for nothing. It was the most windy, clean, beautiful, cold city. We got to see our first snow of the season out on the pier while we were there. As beautiful as it was, it was too much wind and cold for me- but I loved having little Abner all bundled up and close inside my jacket.

The view of the city skyline against the brilliant blue-green water was amazing, and we got another fantastic view as we left. The sun was setting as we were leaving the city, and the brilliant colors of the sunset lighting up the Chicago skyline was magical.

|  Credits: Author & Photography - Jacintha Payne |