Galena Photo Diary




Galena charmed the pants off me. It was one of the most quaint, picturesque towns I've visited. Everyone was so friendly and were keen to have a chat as soon as you walked into their shops. Very different to London! The beautiful weather just seemed to make the town glow. We were treated to weather in the 20s which was such a lovely shock to the system after surviving 0 degrees in Chicago. I'd forgotten what warmth felt like!

We had a tour of the historic Main Street led by such an enthusiastic tour guide. I love it when someone really knows what they're talking about especially when they through a little ghost story into the mix. After we had a few hours free time so I wandered up the hill to take in the town in all it's glory. Stunning!

Suited Downtown, we stayed in the charming Farmer's Guesthouse. Full of incredible knick kacks and a magical cookie jar that was filled up every day, it was such a joy to stay in. They even had an incredible daily event called Wine Time every day with cheese - can we please implement it at 5pm every day? It was by far my favourite place I stayed throughout the trip. The bed was very hard to leave in the morning! Just look at that breakfast below - perfection.




One of the things I was looking forward to the most was the tour of Blaum Bros. Distillery. It was set up just a year ago but has been a roaring success. The tour didn't disappoint! I managed to sample some Hellfyre vodka that very nearly blew my head off. I'm not the best when it comes to shots let along when they contain chilli. Not an experience I'm keen to repeat again.

We were also treated to a tour around Ulysses Grant's home - the 18th president of the United States. A man I admit I didn't really know but it was interesting to learn a bit about him. This history geek never turns down the chance to find out about the past.

It was such a shame not to spend longer in Galena - they had some cracking restaurants - but it was time to move on. Rockford, the last part of the trip, is coming soon!




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Starved Rock State Park Photo Diary




After we spent three days in Chicago, we fuelled up on the biggest breakfast known to man then hit the road. I'm still sulking that I only pathetically managed a quarter. Our next destination was Starved Rock State Park. The legend goes, two Native American tribes were fighting and one was forced up a huge rock. Once they were up there, the other tribe cut off their food and water supply. Eventually they all starved to death. Lovely story eh?

We arrived a little early for our historic trolley tour so we went on a short walk around the park where we came across a frozen waterfall. After clambering across jagged rocks, we eventually landed just underneath a stunning waterfall. It was very surreal to stand on thick frozen water. Mother Nature can be really beautiful at times! Sometimes there's nothing better then popping on some trainers, wrapping up warm and getting out in the fresh air. It's made me want to do some more exploring a bit closer to home.




Feeling like Clint Eastwood was about to challenge me to a stand off at any minute, we popped into August Hill Winery and Illinois Sparkling Company in Downtown Utica. It was incredible - you could have been in any city in the world. Crazy to think it's in such a tiny town. It was so stylish and sleek - the ladies certainly knew their wines!




I was completely blown away by Hegeler Carus Mansion. I've never been given a tour by such a knowledgeable guide - it makes a trip so much more interesting when you're being told stories by someone with such passion. It was such a beautiful building, inside and out. The fact the paint was peeling off, the floorboards creaked and the stairs crumbled all added to it's charm. In fact, it reminded me of Wilton's Dance Hall if you've ever been! I adored the story of Mary Hegeler who was such a pioneer of her time. She put the power into girl power!

After just one night we were on the move again, listening to Kelly Clarkson and B*Witched as we drove on the open road! The only way to do a road trip eh?

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Chicago City Guide

MileNorth Hotel
Whilst in Chicago I stayed in this boutique hotel. Located Downtown, it's just off the famous shopping street Magnificent Mile. The staff were really friendly and my room was insane. I was very kindly put up in a suite and it has to be one of the biggest rooms I've ever stayed in. It's even the proud owner of a rooftop bar - sadly it wasn't open for the season when I was there. The bed was massive and I slept like a baby all three nights. I'd really recommend this if you're ever in the city.

Wicker Park
If you've got a soft spot for second hand shopping, this is your neighbourhood to visit. It's got an abundance of vintage shops - some are quite pricey - alongside the famous consignment stores Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange. It's around $13-14 for a cab journey each way. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at Dove Luncheonette - well worth the queue!

The Signature Lounge at the 96th
The views from the top of this bar will blow your mind. I'm a sucker for a good view and this one is gorgeous. It's well worth the price of the cocktail to be greeted with that sight. Go at night and the city is absolutely stunning. It was one of my favourite parts of the trip. Try to go during the week and fairly early to avoid the queues. Keep in mind they don't take reservations.

Skydeck Ledge
The unique selling point of the Willis Tower is it has an impressive glass ledge that extends out 4.3 feet. It's such an odd experience to step out and peer down such a staggering drop. My legs felt like jelly as I tentatively stepped out but it was such an amazing feeling. It's the tallest building in the western hemisphere at 1, 353 feet. Definitely something not to be missed!

Boystown
This strip is full to the brim of LGBT bars and clubs. We only went out to one bar and stayed a little while because we had a band to catch. But it looked like it would be such fun and I have from a source that it was so much fun. If I ever come back I'll definitely schedule in a night out here! It's not too far from Wrigleyville which is also a fun place to have a boogie.

Firecakes Donuts
Oh Americans know how to do doughnuts right? These were incredible. So sugary and sickly sweet which is the only way a doughnut should be. Pick up a cup of their freshly squeezed orange juice too. I personally had a soft spot for the Old Fashioned Buttermilk and the Butterscotch Praline. Grab a couple to go and wander around the city enjoying the hustle and bustle.
Lou Mitchell's Diner
Lou Mitchell's is the starting point of the original Route 66 in Chicago. The portions are huge and the service is quick and to the point. It sets you up fantastically for the day! Have the scrambled eggs - they're so fluffy and dreamy. It's not the most fanciest of food but it's very good food. Nice comfort food which is always the ticket. They've been feeding the hungry mouths of road trippers since 1923 so there's lots of history steeped in the place.

Millennium Park
If the sun is shining, make sure you head to the park. Here you'll find the infamous 'Bean' aka Cloud Gate sculpture. You'll be able to see the beautiful skyline of the city reflected - take a walk underneath it. The park is a great place to wander around and gaze at the different sculptures, fountain and outdoor galleries. Grab a takeaway and sit down for a spot of people watching.
Odyssey Dinner Cruise
Lake Michigan is absolutely huge and the best way to appreciate it is with this dinner cruise. Setting off from Navy Pier, you'll be able to enjoy a three course dinner as the sun sets. It circles the river, offering you stunning views of the city behind you - I'm overusing the word stunning right? I just can't think of any other word! You'll get a free glass of champagne and a disco thrown in too for the price. Make sure you hop up to the observation desk for some great picture opportunities.
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Chicago Photo Diary




I'm going to be honest and hold my hands up - I was a bit worried about going on this trip. It was my first time I'd ever gone on a press trip, the first time I'd ever left the UK on my own, the first time I'd flown on my own and I was going to be spending a hell of time with five people who I'd never met. No matter how many times you google someone, you don't really know them. Funny that. Plus some people just don't get my sarcastic humour - I know, strange right?! I like to think that I can talk the ear off anyone but who knew, this could be the time I'd fail. I camped last year with around 12 people at Glastonbury and only knew three. So although I was thrown into the deep end, I still had someone to cling on to if I got out of my depth.

By the time I'd snuggled into my enormous bed on the first night after a glass of prosecco whilst admiring the Chicago skyline, I knew I had absolutely nothing to worry about. The trip was going to be a corker. I don't think I stopped laughing for the entire eight days. It was one of the best holidays I've had - it's hard to put into words just how much fun I had. In a silly way, I'm so proud of myself that I managed to travel solo without any catastrophes. I didn't even lose my passport! Let's forget about the minor detail that I left my phone charger in a hotel room.





On the first night the bar was set high with a gigantic burger oozing with gooey cheese and sweet bacon, the rest of the trip I just ate and ate. And ate and ate. After a quick mooch around the Harry Caray Sports Museum, we headed for a night cap at the Signature Lounge - a definitely highlight of the trip for me. The view was absolutely stunning. Chicago knew how to win me over!

The next three days were a whirlwind of buying too much make up, eating too much fried food, sore feet and a neck ache from spending too much time looking at the sky. I even took myself over to a neighbourhood known for it's vintage and made it back in one piece. I went to see an amazing band whose lead singer was ironically from Brighton. Just can't get away from those pesky Brits! I battled the crowds to seek out the Bean. I ate a Mexican dish that nearly blew my face off. I attempted a Man Vs Food dish and failed miserably. I went on a boozy dinner cruise around Lake Michigan. I stood 1,353 feet in a glass box overlooking the city with a severe case of jelly legs. I sampled the foodie delights of the city thanks to a culinary tour. God bless the person who invented deep dish pizza.





I only have New York and a day in Washington DC to compare the city too, but Chicago has my heart hook, line and sinker. It's skyline is gorgeous - New York is just tall, tall and tall. Whereas Chicago has so many different, interesting shapes. There's a lot less hustle and bustle and the people seem a lot more friendlier. It's very easy to navigate around the Downtown area and it's a fantastic place to just wander and soak up the atmosphere.
I know the lens of some of my pictures is dirty - I'm kicking myself!
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NYC Part Two









During the second part of the week we braved a visit over to Bronx Zoo. Despite the reputation you hear we made it out alive! The zoo was a bit of a disappointment and despite the good reviews we'd read it really wasn't that good at all. It was just so large which isn't a bad thing but it seemed to have a serious lack of animals. London Zoo may be ridiculously overpriced but it's 10 times better. Leave the zoo in the guide books if you visit NYC guys!

We also decided to rent bikes and cycle around Central Park. Got to admit I was bullied into this as I was not keen at all but I'm so glad we did it. I really recommend it. You see so much and we did the six miles perimeter in around 2 hours. It hurt like hell but we got to see everything! Of course we refuelled in Hooters after as you do.  We did the majority of our shopping in the last few days. Boy did we shop till we dropped! I was a bit underwhelmed by Macys, I thought Bloomingdales was top notch. A way to comp[are is to say Macys is Debenhams and Bloomingdales would be Selfridges. The service was just so much better in the latter and it was spotless. Just a much nicer shopping experience!

We also visited the Top of the Rock at night. It was absolutely pouring down and unfortunately we couldn't go outside so I didn't get very good pictures. But the view was gorgeous, it was particularly nice to see the Empire State all lit up. Such a beauty! I think I preferred seeing the city at night with all the twinkly lights showing off. I had the most bizarre experience in Time Square that night. We were walking back from dinner in the rain and then all of a sudden it started snowing! SNOWING! We had gotten sunburnt the day before in the park. It was madness! I've got to admit the city's a lot better in the sun!
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NYC - Part one











Looking back at these has made me want to jump on the very next plane back to the Big Apple. I need to go back!

We crammed in so much in just a week and it still wasn't enough. There's so much more I want to see and do. In the first few days we caught a ferry over to Liberty Island where we saw the awe-inspsiring Statue of Liberty before we stopped off at Ellis Island. It was a shame some of it wasn't open (it's still recovering from Hurricane Sandy) but it was still interesting and mind-boggling reading about the sheer number of immigrants that came on those shores. I got to catch my first game of Baseball and I can't say I was overwhelmed. It's very stop and start meaning there are many times throughout the match when no one is playing. It was an experience i'm glad I had but I much prefer seeing a football match!

The view from the Empire State was insane. Up there with one of the best views i've seen hence why i'm grinning like a cheshire cat in the first picture. Like I said I loved Chelsea Village/Meatpacking as it really was picture perfect New York. It was just how I imagined what the city would look like. Rows and rows of brownstones lining the tree filled streets. It was also home to Chelsea Market which i'd love to go back and explore in closer detail. The vintage on sale was just asking for a rummage!

Finally I fulfilled a bucket list wish and rode in a horse and cart around Central Park. We had a charming Irish chap who reeled off random but interesting tibits. It was a tad smelly being sat next to the horse's behind but it was a lovely way to see the park. Pick a sunday like we did as no cars are allowed in the park!

Stay tuned for part two. I took a hell of a lot of pictures!
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A Essex based lifestyle blogger who lives a champagne life on a lemonade purse!

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