Exploring Chicago | Holiday Staycation
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- I spent a couple of days in downtown Chicago this December for a holiday staycation, solo-style. I am really enjoying playing tourist in my city, especially with all of the festive shows, decorations, and events. I hope you enjoy tagging along with me on this holiday adventure! Thanks for watching ☺
Explored:
The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast bit.ly/3E7oDBV
Mercadito bit.ly/3yEBvhK
The Goodman Theater bit.ly/3EaPMnJ
Millenium Park bit.ly/3Ee1Xjj
Christkindlmarket bit.ly/3p9a5O4
Althea bit.ly/2E4H3qt
Chicago Shakespeare Theater bit.ly/3E3mTtq
Explored December 2021
* Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate/referral links and I do receive a small commission/store credit if you make a purchase using those links. This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. I very much appreciate your support of this channel in doing so! *
Stuff I Like:
Vera Bradley Duffle Bag bit.ly/3FmpT5q
Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes amzn.to/3HbIPon
AG Pants amzn.to/3H1a9Wh
Vineyard Vines Sweater bit.ly/3FbGYiG
Boots bit.ly/3IY50zU
Jade Travel Yoga Mat amzn.to/33wWdog
Theragun Mini amzn.to/3xlFO10
J.W. Hulme Bag bit.ly/3yGnPD1
Icebreaker Sweater bit.ly/3mj7eQB
Save $100 towards bike accessories during the purchase of a PELOTON bike using my referral code: 3JWDU3 (that’s how I got my Peloton bike shoes for just $25!) bit.ly/3g42CcP
Camera Gear:
iPhone 12 Pro Max amzn.to/2RBFhaj
Sony ZV1 Camera amzn.to/3wTfbzG
Music from Epidemic Sound bit.ly/3E3tQeu
(All songs by Home for the Holidays)
Jolly Season
Together For Christmas
The Merrier Time of the Year
No Christmas Without You
Christmas Dinner
Other Places To Find Me:
Instagram - / sharewithwonder
Facebook - / sharewithwonder
Twitter - / sharewithwonder
Pinterest - / sharewithwonder
A portion of the proceeds from this video support:
The Loveland Foundation bit.ly/2XILVMs
The National Bail Out bit.ly/2XHABAi
The Conscious Kid bit.ly/37fCI1a
My Block My City My Hood bit.ly/2BEwe0b
Greater Chicago Food Depository bit.ly/3biPxbY
Together Rising bit.ly/3du7XbO
Comments are closely monitored and subject to approval in an effort to maintain a positive environment. While constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome, negative comments with no purpose other than to spread malice will be deleted.
* Description contains affiliate links. This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are genuinely my own. *
Love this! This seems like the old Jen we all know and love, I prefer these city & tourist vlogs more than your camping videos but do what makes you happy
Now, this is my kind of vacation. I'm all for adventures, but this beats camping any day of the week for me😜
You should put out more content similar to this! I feel this is more your brand than the solo camping.
Yay! Chicago vlogs rock.. and I've missed seeing big cities during Christmas so much! Also, this video has a really cozy feeling, it's like your old content, I feel inspired now :)
Like this video more than the hiking ones. It reminded me more of your vlogidays gone by. The door slam when you got back from the market around 28:19 startled me. Did you even hear it? Traveling alone I would be hyper alert to noises like that, you stayed so calm. Good for you!
I’ve followed your channel for many years throughout it all, and I love how you seem like you’re shining again. You seem like you’re falling more in love with this new version of you. Solo travelling & doing things by yourself is a magical experience. It’s like writing a love letter to yourself when you spend beautiful moments in your own company. ❤️
Loved this video with the city views! I also like doing things by myself, there's something great about not having to worry about someone else. Wanna take a 2h bath? go for it! Wanna just walk around, just do it! Don't wanna go some place? Just don't! Merry xmas everyone!
Exactly! 😉
Loving the "ole time" vlogs. Reminiscent of early, early vlogs. I have watched from the very start.....I see peace in you. I surely miss the hauls and packing videos. Really enjoyed this one and the packing for the UP hike. Wishing many blessings for you holidays and the new year.
Thanks for sticking with me through all the changes ☺️
Loved this one!!! And the nod to your organization roots with the bag-unpacking 🙂 Totally agree about the solo travelling etc. People would be wise to get to know solo adventuring because they may be in a position someday where they have no choice but to do things alone - it’s a good idea to get comfortable with it by choice first.
Always loved your Chicago vlogs, back to the days you visited Christmas Market and Macy's Walnut room! I went to Chicago and checked them out!
Aw the walnut room! Mom and I have been talking about going back
You look so much happier here! The city suits you. That matryoshka doll was beautiful.
Great video Jen!! I love seeing you being able to relax and have fun. Happy holidays to you and your family!!
Loved this, Jen! Would love a tour of your office, those stars are so festive! Are you planning to share your completed December Daily (if you’re still participating in that project)? I would love to see that, too! I’m an avid DD’er, if that’s a word. 😆
Office tour would be amazing
Loved this! I've never been to an American city, so this was like a behind the scenes tour of a movie or something! I would totally watch other city explorations too - like maybe New York?? And those nesting dolls, wow! I loved the ASMR of the wood squeaks and clicks, so relaxing and nostalgic! :)
I’m very inspired by your solo travels as of lately! I have been watching your channel for many years now and never have commented before but I just had to thank you for sharing this content! I have been married for awhile and sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the routine of life…such a good reminder of the importance of continuing to learn more about one’s self! 🤍🎄
hi Jen
I am from Denmark, and the cakes you mention are very similar to those we call apple slices (æbleskiver). You eat them for Christmas with icing sugar and jam.
Your solo trip inspires me to do the same.
Yum!
Its not depressing at all! I went to New York on vacation on my own and LOVED it! Whenever you are on your own you can do whatever you want! :D
Now I really want chips/guac, tacos & a margarita!
Love this. Chicago is high on my list of places to visit, and it was so much fun seeing it during the holidays in this vlog. Thanks once again for sharing all these adventures with us.
You should do more city travel vlogs, so much more engaging and interesting than hiking vlogs!
The hiking blogs are great too
Thank you for taking us along with you Jen... I am totally enjoying your new content I am always excited to see what you will post text. I wish you, your beautiful children and family a very Blessed and Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
can you maybe do a video on your shoes? It seems silly, but I also have problem feet (arthritis, neuropathy, and a bunionette) and I am curious to know what shoes you get, where you get them, and what difference they make/have made in your ability to hike for miles and complete your daily activities.
Why on earth would they call this a B&B? It's a hotel, nothing like a B&B! Is that for tax or regulation reasons maybe? Baffling.
This was so great. I loved seeing the city, I’ve never been to Chicago. The food looked amazing. Also, loved the sweaters😊
How much was the German pyramid and the Russian carved matrushka dolls? Curious about prices as I don't live in the US.
I don’t remember exactly but upwards of $200 😬💸🎄
Shoutout fellow solo theater goer. I go to NYC a ton for shows on my own. It's the best and I personally never feel lonely. Do you!
Theater is a solo experience whether you’re with a group or not imo so that makes perfect sense to me
Love love your solo trips! I just did Disney's Fort Wilderness by myself with my pup and it was a glorious weekend! Thank you for sharing your, journeys, evolution and joys!
What a wonderful staycation you had. It was lovely exploring that with you. Happy Holidays to you and your family 😊
Thanks for coming along!
We love staying at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago. 👍🏼
Wow. I could live in that room and never leave. Thank you for taking us along!!
I felt the same! So lovely ☺️
I haven't watched one of your videos in so long, so I guess I am out of touch, but I thought you were vegan?
So much better content! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I loved your video!! Enjoying ones company is the best thing ever!!! ❤️ I also adore having solo activities!!! I pity ppl who don’t knw how to do it or consider boring or sad
Late to the party viewing this, but loved this video! If you ever stay in that area again, there are some great restaurants you should try -- Aba is amazing Mediterranean, and Duck Duck Goat and Girl and the Goat are also great!
Thanks for sharing with us. I really enjoyed watching this. You have me thinking about experiencing a night away on my own. Merry Christmas Jen 😚
You should start a travel tour company for single women. You have such amazing adventures but I wouldn't know where to start.
Jen, this was such a garage video. I used take a vacation, every year, by myself. My husband didn’t always want to go to some of the places I wanted to go. I’m retired now and I have to admit I’ve become a bit hesitant to travel alone. I have OnStar and an iPhone and AAA, which I didn’t have years ago, but I guess it’s an age thing. So glad to see some of Chicago where I can live vicariously through you.😀
Loved this ! I love the journey you’ve been taking us on! I’ve solo travelled for years as well as with my partner and family - it’s fabulous! Great for calming the soul. Love that there was such a mix of content - b&b tour, packing, OOTD, venturing, city tour, Christmas, well being, and shopping haul! You knocked it out of the park! Merry Christmas!
I love taking my girl friends to this place!!! It's fun to hop a train and have fun girls night! Never been anyone alone its not my thing to travel alone. I'm a chicken 🐔
You never know until you try ☺️
I live in the area and love Mercadito too. You can get all of the tacos in a lettuce shell which is also really yummy. My husband and I went recently with friends which made it easy to try ALL the tacos. I saw a Christmas Carol at the Goodman in 2015 when I was pregnant with my daughter, I can’t wait to take her!
What a treat! Loved your travel in Chicago. I loved it all. I really liked your new handbag! Very pretty. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Jackie from Indiana
I had a wedding party stay at this B&B and it is so beautiful in person. Photographs well, too. And, yes, you stayed in West Loop 😀 next to Fulton Market.
Kudos to you! You are really inspiring me to put my brave on and do some solo travel in 2022 instead of sitting home and missing out.
Every time I go to Boston, I feel like a tourist. I grew up just miles away, lol. I wish I could get myself to go on some solo adventures. Merry Christmas!
Go for it! You never know until you try it ☺️
What is the style pull over you're wearing? I've been looking for something like that!
Loved this vlog Jen, self care is so important especially at this time of the year and what better than a few nights away having lovely festive fun xx
Has anyone ever told you, you look like Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing? 😊
Everyone needs to learn and experience traveling and living alone. Before I got married I traveled all over Europe by myself.
I love the city during the holidays, we’re 40 mins south of San Francisco and we always do staycations in the city during Christmas time 🎄
Do you ever take your kids to Chicago? I lived there for a long time (before motherhood) and I always thought it was great for kids. I am sure they would loved the Chriskindlmart. Well, maybe next year.
Looks like a fun trip! And I totally understand wanting to take trips and be by yourself sometime. I just got my license at 33 (health issues kept me from being able to drive for so long) and I'm already planning days to just do things alone locally. Walks, parks, shopping. It's small things and as much as I like being with people - it's freeing to do things on your own. Looking forward to more of your adventures. ☺️
I love being a tourist in my city. Thank you for sharing. The bed and breakfast looks super cute.!
I would love to see your skin care routines if you find time?
I think you’re great. It’s so inspiring to see you go and do things that you want to do. You’re not letting your circumstances stop you. That’s awesome!
Any plans for a current " walking pharmacy " bag ?
Good for you that you let your children play with things!
This was lovely.
❤️❤️
I love these kinds of vlogs. My family are huge travelers also!
Jen- did you see the hidden mickey in the tub? 😄
This is OG org Jen content! Love it.
I love every minute off this video! 💕
Gah I need to get to The Goodman, Bethany Thomas (the ghost of Christmas present) is my relative! I’m really enjoying your content! I love to do things alone as well (and I’m married 😆), but you’re right there’s so much to be said about treating yourself! I love that you share your excursions with us.
Wow!! She was fantastic! ✨
This type of travel vlog was so much better. Keep this style coming.
Loved this vlog! Feels like the old Jen!
Hi! Do you still play guitar?
I loved watching this! I miss your vlogs! As a mom of a toddler a little trip like this alone sounds so wonderful ❤️ I hope to get to do it someday as well. My husband and I moved about 45 mins outside Chicago a few years ago, so I love when you go in the city and show us around give me ideas of things to do.
This was joyful
Reminds me so much of my home town NY!
Hi from germany 🙋🏻♀️
The food looks pretty yummy. It looks like you had what we call „Krapfen“ or „Quarkbällchen“ at least where I am from. The potatoes cakes are „Kartoffelpuffer“.
Merry Christmas 🎄 ⭐️
Aaahaha I thought staycation meant what it is, not a high end hotel but staying at home! You Crack me up!!
I do have a partner, but we live far away from my friends and loved ones. Being shy, anxious, child free, and chronically ill, I've had a difficult time making friends (excluding online friendships) as an adult. I've found myself relying on my partner's availability to do things. Otherwise, I'm at home. I'm really missing out. I want to start taking myself on solo dates and you're inspiring me to do so. At restaurants, how do you occupy your time? Bring a book?
The bed-and-breakfast looks wonderful. I might have to stay there the next time I’m in Chicago. Thank you for sharing!
I always loved living in Chicago. I originally found your channel the first year we had moved away and I was searching for Christmas in Chicago videos and I came across one of yours at Christkindlmarket at least 10 years ago. We had small kids back then and not a lot of money so we didn't get to do the theater stuff (although my kids did get to see A Christmas Carole with their schools) so I love these videos. This looks like an amazing time!
Really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing...beautiful b+b...did you give the ram a name? I am hoping it was ceramic! 🎄
I’m of German heritage on both sides of my family. The picture you inserted of the carousel-type decoration is a Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas Pyramid). It’s thought to be a precursor to bringing trees into the home at Christmas.
Jenn, what a beautiful city you live near! Thank you so much for sharing some of the fun things you can do in Chicago. I am loving the fact that you are embracing everything by yourself! You are such an inspiration to others. That B n B was amazing!!!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well!!! Much love from Virginia Beach!
I normally don’t comment, especially not something like this. I see so many comments about the “old Jen” and not liking the camping videos. I love the camping videos! I enjoy seeing you change and evolve as a person. Good for you! I can’t imagine expecting a person to stay the same and always like the same things.
There is something to be said and I've always enjoyed my alone time. Granted through the six years of mostly being single. I had a few moments with someone. It's just all this alone time is a bit excessive and sure I'm at fault for it. But yeah I do enjoy it sometimes. It would be nice to see The Matrix with someone who was as interested in it as I am. That's just possible. Similar to a lot of things that at times I would enjoy with others. I've just learned to accept that everything for the most part has to be done alone. Unless I want to monogamous and be someone's forever and ever. I'm not interested in that though. I miss staycations in Chicago with my friend. She's really cool. She knows a lot of great restaurants there. I highly recommend star lounge if you enjoy iced mocha. Great place to be on foot as you are. Enjoy your vacation. I certainly will miss visiting Chicago
This was so beautiful to watch Jen......so happy you treated yourself....you go girl !!!! And inspiration to others.....Merry Christmas beautiful Jen!!
I don’t usually comment but just wanted to thank you for sharing! Absolutely loved this video and you can tell how joyful you were in it. Love the message & love the inspiration to get out a take yourself on a special day or trip.
Merry Christmas to you & your family!
I don't know who is throwing shade (I MIGHT be too old to use that term, oh well) on you for traveling solo, but as a wife and mother of two, I am completely JEALOUS of your solo travels. Especially this one! I just love Chicago and haven't been in a few years. As grateful as I am of my family (especially my children), I really envy and ENJOY watching your adventures as a solo traveler. They are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing Jen!
Thinking of visiting Chicago in June so this was very helpful! Thanks! and gotta say.. LOVE that shower/tub thing, so different.
I live in Naperville & I don't have my kiddo this Christmas and I'm kinda wishing I was brave enough to do this in Chicago lol For now I will watch you and be inspired.
What a neat place! Thanks for sharing it with us. 😀 Have a wonderful Christmas. 💕
Jen, I admire you so much. Doing all the things you do solo. I aspire to be more like you. It was a pleasure to watch your Chicago staycation. That B & B was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your thoughts with us. Hope you and your children have a very special Holiday time.💕
I absolutely love when you show what and how you pack! Whether its a camping/hiking/ or city excursion, you always put such good thought into what you bring along.
Truth? I watched this video earlier and then placed it on "loop" while I was tidying tonight as soothing background noise. Yes I know, this is not an organization video per se but just hearing your voice motivates me to get my things together like back during OLJ days.
Merry Christmas! (Blows awkward kiss back in weird gesture)
I need 😴
Ugh I’ve been trying to find that Vineyard Vines cuffed sweater everywhere but it’s gone😔 I miss your haul videos or favorites because you always find really good pieces. Anyways I loved this video, it’s nice to see you embracing this season of life without fear of others criticism!
Love!!!❤️
You have been my favorite YTer since I’ve started watching you like 7-8years ago! Through all the changes. If i could watch a video from you every day i would!❤️❤️❤️
I am German/American and I grew up with Pyramide (German pronunciation) every Christmas. You will love having it.
Loved watching Jen, I have visited Chicago many years ago…. it was 1995 ! I’m sure it’s changed in that time , I would love to visit again when Covid travel restrictions are eased . Looks like you had a lovely time 😊
i stayed at a Bed and Breakfast for the first time this past October when I traveled to Colorado. My 12 YO and I stayed at the Old Town Guesthouse in Colorado Springs and it was such a fantastic option to larger hotels! It is more intimate and homelike! Thank you for sharing this adventure!
Glas you're having a blast Jen.
Next year I'm planning to do some of this solo fligth get away.I just wanna clear my mind and the world around me in different perspective.
Stay safe☺😍
As a follower for many years, I look forward to your travel videos. I want you to know that I have always supported you with my prayers. I found your channel when I was going through a very difficult few years and your videos helped me so much by allowing me to disconnect for awhile. Thank you, Jen for that. May you enjoy your new adventures as I know we who support you will, also.
Love love loooove this!! As a married person with a companion I love traveling with, I also loved my solo time a few years ago. We’d gone to San Diego on business and I was a “plus one”. We were close to the convention center, walking distance to so much and I LOVED being able to float around “invisible” and observant to everything and everyone. And a solo show?! Yes, please! I feel taking in a show alone helps to let what we are seeing sink in in a different, maybe even deeper, kind of way.
I was in Chicago as a chaperone on my oldest son’s senior trip. We did all the standard tourist things. I would love to do the things you have done over the years. ❤️
I’ll say it again- I have a feeling you and another one of my youtube/ Instagram favorites- Mary A Love Tart would get along fabulously.🤷🏼♀️😘
Loved this video, too!
I LOVE your new content and this video. You’re such an inspiration to women and being a single mama. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Now you’re talkin! I’m not a camper or hiker, but staying in beautiful places like this one, wow! I’m originally from the Chicago area so really enjoy your city trips. Thank you.
You look like you had so much fun! I envy you for being strong enough to take yourself out places alone. I wish I had that confidence. I love watching your travel videos because you are truly enjoying your life. There has been a very clear shift in your vibe over the past decade and I love it.
Is it safe to use bathtubs in hotels in terms of hygiene? As far as I know you can get some things like funguses and infections from bathing in a bath where many other random people bath. It sucks because I loooove baths!! Any tips anyone knows to maybe be able to eliminate that risk?
Bleach wipes? Kills 99.9% of germs etc. Honestly it’s not something I’ve ever considered as I’m sure the bath is cleaned after every stay.
Jen, this was so fun! It reminded of your videos from back in the day. As a fellow Chicago suburbanite we don’t get down to the city very often, but I love it when we do.