The Road(trip) to Chi-Town

Earlier this year, we took a girls trip down to Chi-town aka Chicago for Regina’s big 3-0. She wanted something low-key but exciting enough to have options dependent on our mood…or appetites. The American Beauty Show happened to be in Chicago the same weekend we wanted to go so we couldn’t have chosen a better time and place. Since we are based in Minneapolis, MN, Chicago is always a super easy trip to take with any number of people. We packed up a rental and hit the road with Lan and Maryna, i.e., us if we were older and took smoke breaks.

The drive down to Chicago is about a 6.5 hours long, 7-8 hours if you make pit stops, which if you leave early in the morning, you might as well. Before you hit the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, stop at Ha Tien, an Asian grocery in St. Paul, just about 20 mins from Wisconsin. It’s the perfect initial stop for Banh Mis, spring rolls, salty snacks, and beverages. I can’t think of a better way to kick off a road trip with your besties, can you? This post is dedicated to the pre-Chicago stops before the party starts in the citayyy.

Here’s the break down of pit stops and pro-tips when road trippin’ to the Chi:

WisCAaaaansin

Wisconsin has a lot of open land and cows – and because of that, the cheese curds and beef sticks are plentiful, which is good for anyone stopping at any of their gas stations. My favorite variety are garlic dill cheese curds and spicy beef sticks. Knock those down with an ice cold diet coke and you’re golden.

• Three hours into the drive, you’ll hit the Dells i.e. the Las Vegas (but not really) of the Midwest. There are a few casinos but it’s known for the plethora of indoor water parks. Save the dells for a pit stop on the way back from chi – that way, you can stop at the Outlet mall to pick up the Adidas sweat suit you’ve been eyeing on Insta.
• The Pink Elephant – photo op time, stop here to take a pic with a statue of a pink elephant wearing glasses – just a cute memory to capture. It’s off exit V. Yes, you drive through farm land to get here and it is borderline sketch, but do it for the ‘gram.
• Four hours into the drive, you’ll hit Madison, the Capital if Wisconsin, also home to the Badgers. It’s a big city but feels like a college town, so take a drive down to the campus if you have time, and go State Street for some eats and goodies. There’s a food spot near Memorial Library on campus that has little food carts parked and ready to serve. Go for the empanada truck, there some kind of crack avocado salsa they serve there and it is BOMB. If you have some cash on you, stop at Rising Suns Deli for Thai/Laotian/Cambodian food. Love their beef dried noods.
  • On your way out, hit up La Michoacana for authentic Mexican paletas and Ice cream. I personally loved their flamin’ hot cheetos snack box with cheese sauce slathered in the container.

Pro tip: Get your dolla dolla bills and coins ready once you hit the five-six hour drive mark because the tolls will start as you start heading into Illinois.

Illinois aka Chicago suburbs

At this point, if you didn’t stop in Mad-town for a snack, you’ll probably be pretty hungry. Good thing there are several spots to stop before you hit the heart of Chicago.

• One of the first stops once you’re in Illinois is Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights. This is like Disneyland for Japanese food and drinks. I ALWAYS bolt to the food court and get in line at Santouka Ramen. Pro tip: this stall is cash only, so be prepared! Santouka serves up fresh ramen and has maybe a dozen items on their menu. The Salt Ramen is hands down the first thing you should order, along with an extra side of pork cheek. A small bowl is shareable but they have large bowls for those who are HANGRY.
  • A few stalls down is an ice cream stall – get the Matcha Green Tea parfait and black sesame ice cream!! The presentation is beautiful and the black sesame soft serve is so hard to find, so its nice to have that option.
  • Walk around the corner from the food court and you’ll see the bakery – GET THE CRUSTLESS PRE-SLICED loaf of bread. You will NOT regret this decision. I dare you to make a grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly sando and hate it. Really, I dare you! There’s also a huge variety of Japanese buns to select, you can easily burn 15-20 mins browsing the bakery.
  • The grocery section itself is like a wonderland filled with perfectly cut meats and cutely arranged snacks and bento box accessories – the presentation in this grocery chain is just on point and worth a lap.
  • Before you leave, the Lady M cake shop within the store is also worth a stop. They have crepe cakes in a variety of flavors – the matcha green tea and vanilla are muy delicioso.
• If Japanese fare is NOT your jam, then a detour down to Niles to visit the Super H Mart would be a solid stop. This is a Korean supermarket/k beauty shop/gift shop/bakery/food court/Korean Fried Chicken mega center. If you’re not into getting food and just need a break, go next door to King Spa-Korean Spa. If you are not familiar with Korean Spas, search “Conan Korean Spa” and watch it – it is hilarious!! You can eat, relax, and sleep at this spa and it is decently price. Just be aware that there will be naked people walking around (separated by males/female areas) all over the place.
• Chicago Pizza – you don’t have to be in the middle of the city to get a slice of Chicago Style pizza. Check out the Lou Malnati’s in the burbs prior to hitting the city so you don’t have to scramble for parking or wait in line.
• Pro-tip: if you don’t mind being a little last minute, check out hotels once you hit the city. Every time we’ve gone, we’ve never struggled to find a room and they are always cheap if you book right before your stay. The hotels close to the airport are nice because you can park in their over night lots and then the train station will take you any where around Chicago.

At this point, you should be in the City or pretty darn close. If you’re a shopper, stay near the Magnificent mile. If you’re a foodie, you can’t go wrong in the Lakeview area. Chinatown is always fun, and exploring Lincoln park is classic. Stay tuned for a deep dive into things to do and places to go when you’re in Chicago!