Two-timing Beantown with the Windy City

I love Boston. Ask anyone and they will tell you that it is my favorite city in the entire world. I love the history, skyscrapers that could touch the clouds, the hustle and bustle, the easy to master public transportation system, the people, and the food just to name a few. Now that we have spent some time in the downtown area of Chicago, I have a new found love for the city because it has a lot in common with my beloved Boston.

History - check. Great Fire, anyone? Only a few buildings survived and those buildings are dwarfed by the neighboring Hancock Building.

And don't forget Wrigley. Amazing but still nothing on Fenway...

Tall buildings - check. The Sears Tower is taller than any building I have ever been in. From the SkyDeck, the city looks like a Legoland scene.

Adding to the drama is the new ledges that you can stand on as if you are floating on air.

You can maneuver the entire city using only public transportation. We took the "L" to Wrigley and back, buses to the zoo, Sears Tower, and the list goes on.

The food is amazing. Different than Boston, but fantastic all the same. Gino's East required a wait of 45 minutes but well worth it for a deep dish pizza, Portillo's is crazy crowded but nothing makes me feel like being in Chicago with Sam than a Portillo's hot dog. Carson's is a bit nostalgic for Tom and Adam and now has a new meaning for me. While we were there, I was able to meet up with a friend from high school that now lives in Chicago. So nice to see Jenny after all of this time!

And the people to love, Chicago has that, too. Namely, Sam's family. That is the reason, after all, that we made the trip to Chicago this summer. We saw Sam and Adam during our trip to the zoo and at the Cubs game with Jen.

Sam had her baby shower in her hometown for her friends and family followed by a family and friends barbeque. We were so fortunate that we were able to be there and take part in the festivities!