A little bit hot and humid followed by thunderstorms in the day. No wind in sight…
Welcome to Chicago in August!
I'm here, right now, soaking in the energy of Chicago near Riverwalk North. The Windy City is captivating with its blend of grand cityscapes and charming, quiet corners. I am eager to explore beyond the tourist spots and uncover the true heart of Chicago, one local gem at a time.
My first AMA event and volunteer trip to Chicago in 2011 was to Rosemont, one train stop from ORD and then I have visited Chicago many times for work conferences in the loop near the river walk through the years 2014-2018.
My last visit was in October 2021 which changed my life for good. And I am changing my narrative of me and Chicago in this trip in August 2025. One trip at a time. One day at a time.
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.
- William Arthur Ward
The Pessimist, Optimist, Realist is a quote I came across in a museum in Chicago in 2018 and it has stuck for good. This is the mantra that I aspire towards every day. Earlier, I was often the pessimist finding faults in everything and now I am working my way towards being a true realist, trying to understand the context.
There have been times when I think that we don’t have the time to have a strategic view and we are too busy doing what we always did. The outcome is that we will get what we always got. I believe that we should always challenge the norm and open our minds to learn new things.
And guess what, I am truly amazed by the new perspective and clear thinking. It’s a new day and a new beginning every day, so why let our thoughts think otherwise?
I tried to swim in the pool early morning and that feels good to start the day along with mindful motivation on InsightTimer and Duolingo - my wake up ritual.
Love this message from the hotel room window :)
Here's what I explored in my Chicago solo travel, focusing on the hidden gems, walks, and architecture.
Stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk is nice for an evening stroll. It's more than just a path; it's a living canvas dotted with public art, quiet nooks, and local cafes. I love watching the boats drift by and simply soaking in the urban canyon views without the typical downtown rush. It's the perfect way to feel connected to the city's pulse while enjoying a moment of calm.
Navy Pier's Butterfly House
600 E Grand Ave
My favorite highlight for this trip is the Butterfly House - a surprise discovery and a serene experience. Walking among hundreds of butterflies from around the world provides a unique and colorful opportunity.
It's a lovely, immersive encounter with nature right in the heart of the city. It was wonderful to see the butterflies come sit on my cap, on my bag, on my shoulders and my heart. I learned that these butterflies are from Costa Rica. Thank you El Bosque Nuevo Farm in Costa Rica for protecting and taking care of the bio-diverse rainforest.
The Merchandise Mart
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
A monumental building with its sheer scale and striking Art Deco design make it a fascinating architectural marvel from the Riverwalk. It was once the largest building in the world, and its intricate lobby, is worth admiring up close. It's a key hub for design and tech, reflecting Chicago's evolving identity.
For Next Time: Lincoln Park & Garfield Park Conservatory
Hope to visit the Chicago botanical gardens another time. Lincoln Park with the gardens, walking trails and spend time at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. This historic Victorian glass house transports you to a lush, tropical paradise with a Palm House, Orchid House, Fern Room, and a Show House that changes seasonally.
Lincoln Park Conservatory 2391 N Stockton Dr
Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N Central Park Ave
The Garfield Park Conservatory is an indoor botanical garden, a tropical oasis even on a breezy Chicago day, and definitely feels like a local secret. This is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the nation, often referred to as "landscape art under glass." It boasts thousands of plant species from around the world across eight indoor display gardens. You'll find waterfalls, koi ponds, and an incredible variety of flora.
Neighborhoods & Architectural Gems
Beyond the downtown loop, Chicago's neighborhoods are where its true character shines. I'm excited to spend time just walking through
River North's Hidden Architectural Wonders: While the main Riverwalk buildings are grand, I'm finding smaller, equally impressive structures tucked away. The area around Grand and State/Dearborn is filled with former warehouses now converted into galleries and studios, often retaining their historic charm. Tree Studios (601-623 N. State St.) is a row of charming Queen Anne-style buildings from 1894 that were built to house artists' studios.
Walking around the block, stumbled on a cute gift shop with Parisian finds. P.O.S.H. 613 N State St
Authentic Bites around the Riverwalk
My dining experiences are all about savoring local flavors:
Ema (Mediterranean) - Sweet corn hummus, Hot honey Halloumi, Salmon Kebab
Loved the decor and the Salmon Kebab is pure bliss - chef’s kiss!
Havana Grill (Pan Latin)
I got the fish tacos and my mentee got the cuban roasted pork with plantains and yuca.
Ramen San (Japanese) - Karaage, Pork belly Mantou bun, lunch special - miso salmon with rice, salad, and Tonkotsu ramen, thank yuzu (pineapple, yuzu lemonade)
Nonnina - Meatball spaghetti and chef's special dessert with cinnamon gelato + strawberry and peach.
Levain Bakery - Brioche with cinnamon butter
Burdick - Dark hot chocolate in a rich European style with single source options (Madagascar, Bolivia)
Le French Patisserie - Right by the butterfly house I came across this beautiful artisan confectionery. Enjoyed the guava and passion fruit dessert, pistachio and strawberry cookie and the rose matcha latte.
Exploring the smaller, independent eateries tucked away in the River North area – fantastic spots for a casual, delicious meal.
Chicago, you're more than just a skyline;
you're a city of beautiful walks, hidden gardens, and welcoming neighborhoods,
and I'm loving every moment of getting to know you.
And finished reading the book Let Them - this was a good reminder to focus on ABC of healing.
Highlights - Let Them
In the ABC Loop, you have three steps:
A: APOLOGIZE, then ASK open-ended questions.
B: BACK OFF, and observe their BEHAVIOR.
C: CELEBRATE progress while you continue to model the CHANGE.
Healing is a choice.
If the timing, proximity, or energy is off, Let Them.
Let Me be understanding.
Let Me check in without an expectation, but just because I care.
When someone feels that you accept them as they are, they feel safe with you.
What you want is unconditional love, acceptance, kindness, and compassion.
I’m thinking about you, you are not going to go through this alone, you do not need to text me back, I just want you to know I am always here.
When you’re struggling, you don’t want to burden anyone else, because you already feel like a burden.
How can I create an environment that makes change and getting better easier?
… your physical environment plays in your mental, spiritual, and physical health. It’s everything from the space you live in, the clutter around you, the food in your fridge, the people that you spend time with, and the plans in your calendar.
The first step to changing your life is taking responsibility for the fact that your life isn’t working.
And what a beautiful way to come back to San Francisco and celebrate our annual Bayview Sunday Streets. I got to enjoy gumbo social’s seafood boil, mogu mogu and Yvonne's sweet potato pie.
Was lovely to volunteer and see our folks at the Bayview library. I appreciated the live jazz music and bubbles as well. First time experiencing a 3D photo booth with Bayview shuttle and here is a video clip for y’all. What a lovely sign - Catch flights, not feelings ✈️
And who knows where to next?
No where or Now here …
A nice thought from the United flight.
Loving the Sakura gel pens… adding sparkle to my travel destination.
