My favorite city: Chicago!

I’ve talked before about my intense, head-over-heels love for Chicago. OK, so head-over-heels love might just be a tad bit dramatic, but the intense part is most definitely accurate! So when Zillow asked if they could interview me about all things Windy City, I jumped at the chance. The online real estate database is working on a city spotlight project and wanted my take on my favorite spots and why the city means so much to me. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite questions below!

City or the burbs?
Oh, definitely the city. My mom grew up in the suburbs, so we’ve been there a lot of times too, but there’s just something about the pulse of Chicago that makes me smile. I had all my surgeries at Children’s Memorial Hospital (now Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago) and the University of Chicago hospitals, and believe it or not, I have such fond memories of those days. Every time I’d have to go to the hospital or to a doctor’s appointment, my parents made a point of taking my sister and me to do something fun afterward. We went to Lincoln Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry and Lake Michigan.

Windy City, Second City, Chi-town, Chicagoland, or City of Broad Shoulders?
Chicago is the only city I’ve ever heard of that tags the word “land” to the end of it, and I’ve always thought that was the coolest thing ever. It makes Chicago even more unique than it already is and adds an air of mystery to the city.

Best neighborhood for 20-30 somethings?
Even when I was a kid, I loved Lincoln Park. The Children’s Hospital is there, and the houses along the tree-lined streets were gorgeous! If I won the lottery, Lincoln Park would be on my short list of Dream Places To Live.

Is Frank Lloyd Wright architecture a big deal or old news?
My cousin is an art history professor and also specializes in architecture, so she’s pretty hip when it comes to Chicago buildings. I’ve honestly been more into the city’s museums and zoos. Life, to me, really comes alive in those places!

Best park in Chicago (Lincoln, Millennium, Grant Park or…)?
My family and I went to Millennium Park for the first time a few years ago, and of course, I loved it! The cascading water, the Bean, the grassy knolls. Such a great spot to take in the beauty of downtown.

Favorite way to get your local morning news?
I used to watch WGN every morning when I was in high school. I enjoyed the news anchors’ little quirks and the fun segments they’d have.

Willis or Sears Tower?
Neither…my fave is definitely the John Hancock Building. I went there a couple years ago and had lunch on one of the top floors — talk about eating in high style. The city’s horizon was breathtaking.

Cubs or Sox?
OK, honestly, I’m not a baseball fan. But when I was a kid, I was pretty obsessed with the Chicago Bulls. My dad and I went to one of their games, and it was so exciting: The bright lights, the crowd — the excitement was just contagious!

Tricks to survive the brutal winters?
Well, after this winter, I think I want to move to Miami and bunk with Rose, Dorothy, Blanche and Sofia. But, since that’s next to impossible, my biggest tip would have to be layering! Dress in lots of layers — t-shirt under the sweater, thick socks, etc. Also, since I work from home, I pretty much stayed indoors most of the season. And, a huge mug of hot chocolate never hurts!

Chicago’s best kept secret?
Its people. It has its cast of characters, that’s for sure, but I’ve never seen so much pride in one group of people. They’re genuinely proud to be from the Windy City and take it very seriously. I mean, what other city would dye its river green?

What is your favorite city, friends? What about it holds a special place in your heart? Let’s chat! xoxo

(Please note: This is not a sponsored post, but merely a fun collaboration with Zillow!)