Levi’s Denim Jacket // Everlane T-Shirt (wearing a small, under $20!) // Abercrombie Midi-Skirt (similar here) // Madewell Transport Tote // Veja Sneakers
It’s been 7 months since we said goodbye to Ohio and relocated to Chicago. It feels like that time has gone by in the blink of an eye. Zak and I were just talking about how this move has been so positive for both our personal and career growth, as well as our relationship. It’s such a vibrant place to live with endless options of things to do, culture and tons of great FOOD right outside our door.
I’ve received a couple emails over the past month asking for any tips for relocating to the city. Seeing that we found an apartment in one day and moved within a two-week time frame, I am by no means an expert. In fact, it was a bit disorganized. But, I wanted to share my favorite things about the Gold Coast as well as some tips for small apartment living!
Thank goodness we had the help of a wonderful real estate broker (contact Terry if you need someone, he was stellar) when we moved to the city because we were 98% clueless on neighborhoods and prices. We ended up choosing our unit based on those two things… ONE // The neighborhood, people, restaurants and shops were exactly what we were looking for. Both aspirational and attainable with extreme walk-ability (my feet are my favorite mode of transportation) and quick access to public transit. TWO // The rent allows us to live below our means and save. Mind you, our place is small and I’m not certain how long we will stay, but it’s far less expensive than some of the other places we looked at, all while being in the heart of the Gold Coast. And location was a top credential for us.
A few of my favorite spots to hit up in the Gold Coast…
J.Crew Eyelet Blouse (runs large, wearing an xs) // AG Boyfriend Jeans (old, but similar here) // Steven Sandals // Madewell Transport Tote
Coffee, Cafés & Brunch:
La Colombe // Draft Oat Milk Latte. That is all.
Petite Margeaux // Nestled within the Waldorf Astoria, you can grab a cappuccino and macaroon and enjoy some neighborhood people watching outside the window. Or inside the hotel, for that matter.
3 Arts Café // Located on the main floor of the Restoration Hardware multi-level store, 3 Arts is basically an indoor greenhouse or botanical garden café. I love getting a lobster roll, glass of prosecco and taking endless photos of the chandelier and all the home décor inspiration. A must-see whenever we have friends visiting.
Somerset at the Viceroy // Very much a ‘ladies who lunch’ type of spot where the food is as delicious as the décor is pretty. Exhale (where I teach yoga) is offering sunrise rooftop yoga at 6:30am on Saturdays from June 8th – September 2nd! Come flow next to the pool on the Viceroy rooftop patio!
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden // My BFF Gina brought me to brunch here about 2 years ago and it’s simply adorable. A blend of an English garden and a (cool) Grandma’s kitchen make this spot the perfect girls brunch situation.
Fig & Olive // The prettiest views and patio. Definitely hit up their brunch for shareable crostinis or smoked salmon poached eggs and rose.
Lunch & Bites:
Velvet Taco // Our go-to if we want a quick lunch or dinner. Nashville Hot Tofu taco is my favorite, but they are all stellar.
Aster Hall // Basically a fancy food court for adults with upscale eats, treats and cocktails. It’s located on the 5th and 6th floors of the 900 North Michigan Ave Shops, so you can grab a fresh juice, small cheval burger or giant oatmeal cookie and then hit up the shops.
Joe & The Juice // Healthy juice bar and coffee shop combo. I’ll go grab a ginger shot if I’m not feeling great or a fresh-pressed apple and mint juice.
Sprinkles // The fact that Sprinkles is right down the street is both a blessing and curse. Pop inside to grab cupcakes for a celebration or just hit up the ADORABLE cupcake ATM for a quick sugar fix.
Dinner & Drinks:
Walton Street Kitchen // Great space with a nice view of State Street. I love their sweet + sour rock shrimp and spring pea risotto.
Maple & Ash // A little bit ‘sceney’, but a posh place to sit at the bar with friends and enjoy a cocktail and oysters with friends.
Sparrow // This cocktail bar still feels unknown and under-rated to me but is 100% worth going to. 1930s-era rum focused cocktails. Got very drunk here the 2nd weekend we lived in the city. Memories.
Freds at Barneys // A great place for dinner if you’re shopping on Oak Street. I love their artisan pizza.
Tavern on Rush // Another lovely patio option on the corner of Rush Street with plenty of steaks, seafood and people watching.
Shopping:
The Gold Coast has LOTS of high end shopping options (Dior, Jimmy Choo and Tom Ford come to mind) but plenty of spots I regularly hit up as well. I often wander into Madewell, lululemon, Patagonia and Vineyard Vines. There is an Away travel shop, Warby Parker and Blue Mercury along the same stretch, so there is never a lack of retail therapy options.
Extra Bonus:
Proximity to the lake! Living so close to Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach was not on my radar when we moved to Chicago and picked our location. But now living so close to the lakefront path and access to sand volleyball and tennis courts, I can’t imagine not living so close to the water. It feels like a little escape that’s only a 10-minute walk away!
There we have it for part one! Part two to follow, talking about tips and organizing tips for living in a small space, good dog parks and where to work-out in the Gold Coast area!
Ohhhh Sparrow 🙂 Hagge Uppe didn’t make the cut?? Xo