Summer Adventure Part Two: Chicago’s Kimpton Hotel Allegro Edition

As you may have read, I just returned from New York City from a family vacation.  A few short days later, this road warrior embarked on a special journey to Chicago.  Kimpton Hotel Allegro invited me to stay with them and participate in their Allegro Kids Rule summer program.*

Seriously?!  I was so excited to take part in this adventure!  First of all, the hotel is amazing! The décor is elegant yet fun and playful. 

During their Kids’ Hour, lemonade and popcorn are served in the lobby along with a Wii station and board games to play.  Then, directly afterwards is Wine Hour.  Did I mention that they are both complimentary?  How cool is that?!

The Allegro Kids Rule program also includes a scavenger hunt which was a great way to see the city and introduce me to the  kid-friendly sites of Chicago.

Fun Fountains!

Lots to see walking around!

Sue at the Field Museum

Top of Sears (Willis) Tower with Marie's new friend Sami

Chicago-style hot dog (my first ever), and it was deliciously spicy!

Chocolate chip pancakes at 312

 Fun times, but when I return with Harrington and Thomas, I would break up the scavenger hunt into two days because Marie had a blast playing at the fountains and wanted to see *everything* in the Field Museum.

To be honest, after the series of five-alarm meltdowns Marie had in New York, I was a tad bit nervous to take her on this trip.  Turns out, I really didn’t have that much to worry about (minus a three-alarm meltdown in the Field Museum! Thank goodness that my new friend Lynsey from Moscato Mom and her daughter were very understanding).  I think what really helped was the location of Hotel Allegro.  It’s a short walk to State Street and Millennium Park, but it is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  I could be shopping at the Disney Store and eating Garrett’s Popcorn one minute, and relaxing in our super cool room the next.

Also, 312, the restaurant adjacent to the hotel, was amazing!  Not only was the food delicious (best brioche French toast I have *ever* had), but the service was incredible.  They didn’t have chocolate chip pancakes on their menu, but I asked if they could please make some for Marie.  They totally did, and they were the yummiest, gooiest she had ever eaten (guess I’m going to have to step it up and put more than three lonely chocolate chips in each pancake).

Traveling is one of my most favorite things to do in the whole entire world.  It does something for my soul; I feel renewed and energized experiencing life outside of my little suburb.  I was so excited to share my passion and this adventure with Marie.  I place a premium on stretching the boundaries of life beyond my Babes’ backyard, and this was a wonderful opportunity to do so.

I am now plotting and scheming on a return visit to show Harrington and Thomas all the amazing sites we saw! 

And to be quite honest, I think Chicago is my new favorite city.

How’s your summer vacation?  Have you been on any adventures?

*Kimpton Hotel Allegro picked up the tab for the room, parking, and some meals; however, these opinions are all mine!