Happy August! Free hotel stay in Chicago
Can you believe it’s already August? Flowers are in full bloom, crayons and notebooks are hitting store shelves and baseball season is more than halfway over. But, more importantly, Gettin’ Carried Away is celebrating a birthday this month… its 1st Birthday, to be exact!
I can’t believe how far my travel blog has come in a year: it won an award; it landed me the Community Manager position at TBEX (giving me the opportunity to meet some of the most influential bloggers/writers in the travel industry); it launched my career as a travel writer; and it became the outlet I longed for, a place where I could share my travels with the world through a medium I dearly love, writing. None of this would have happened without your readership, so thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Birthdays are usually celebrated with the three P’s… parties, pastries and presents. I’m sad to say that I don’t have the resources to throw a huge party for all my followers. And I’m not the best baker in the world, as frosting tends to end up all over me instead of the cake.
However, I do have a travel gift for one lucky reader as a thank you for helping Gettin’ Carried Away get this far: a FREE weekend at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, courtesy of Edelman and the Illinois Bureau of Tourism.
In order to enter for your chance to receive a free hotel stay, leave a comment below describing your best Chicago experience.
- Do you have a favorite restaurant?
- Which attraction do you like the best?
- What is the best neighborhood?
- Even if you have never been to the Windy City, perhaps you tried Chicago-style food somewhere else in the world, or maybe you caught a White Sox/Cubs/Bulls/Bear/Blackhawks game in another city.
The winner will be chosen by a random number generator. Please limit yourself to only one comment, as readers who post more than one comment will be disqualified. The lucky person will be announced on Gettin’ Carried Away’s actual birthday, Sunday, August 16.
- Posted in Travel News on August 1st, 2009
August 1st, 2009 at 11:17 am
Congratulations, Carrie! OK, my favorite Chicago experiences are the ones just hanging out on Saturday afternoons, heading to new restaurants and/or bakeries. My favorite pizza place remains, hands down, Spacca Napoli in Ravenswood, and, as far as neighborhoods, I’m still a big fan of Lincoln Park, despite it’s too-many-students-everywhere image.
August 1st, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I’ll play!
1) Yes - Pizza Metro on Division. Why? The best 3 dollar hunk of pizza ever.
2) The Signature Lounge @ Hancock - it’s free, and the inflated drink prices are well worth it for the view.
3) Ukrainian Village. Hands down. Still has charm.
4) In lieu of this, I think the Pizzeria Uno franchise needs to go down in flames for bringing sub-par deep dish to the rest of America. It’s a shame.
August 1st, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Caught this on twitter. Your blog is really cool!
Greetings from Santa Barbara? Do you ever get out here?
I have only stayed in Chicago once, I’m afraid, spent nearly the entire time in a conference room, in a Hotel right by the airport. I did make it into town once, to try some pizza, which was delicious, but one piece was enough to completely fill me up. And I saw the Blue Man Group there too, which was messy fun.
Would love to have an excuse to come back. And will peruse your recommendations, in case I do.
Thanks!
August 1st, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Sweet sweet. Thanks for this contest. I’m a southside ex-pat living in Austin, TX and get back as often as I can.
1. Rosangelas pizza on the Southside is always a must-stop for me. But on the fancy side, my wife and I love Tru.
2. I see a lot of family when I get back, but last trip we hung out for a day at Millenium Park. Great family spot.
3. Beverly Hills. Home to the now-defunct Southside Irish parade and many of my relatives.
4. I’ve followed my White Sox all over the USA - Detroit, San Diego, Minnesota. And the Bears to Detroit, St Louis and Green Bay. Plus I’ve seen the Blackhawks in Detroit and Dallas. None of them have food to match Chicago style. Well, Detroit has good Italian Sausage sammies.
Thanks!
August 1st, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I can’t choose just one favorite restaurant which is why I love the Taste of Chicago! A little bit of everything all in one spot!
I love seeing concerts at the small venues like the Metro and I can never get enough of the Shedd Aquarium. I would spend every day there if I could.
August 1st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
favorite restaurant has to be rosie’s on 103rd and cicero. granted it’s oak lawn, but it’s still a mile outside of chicago.
favorite neighborhood is talley’s corner, b/c i rarely leave the southside.
best experience is anytime you’re dj-ing. or bulls games, especially if they win, b/c my grandpa gets awesome seats. and we get free big macs if they break 100.
August 1st, 2009 at 8:37 pm
WHAT fun, carrie! and happy birthday to your site!! you’ve done a GREAT job - i really enjoy your site!
oh - lots of favorites in Chi-town!
hot dogs? doug’s dogs.
coffee? intelligentsia! (right next to the cultural ctr, thumbs up for the valrhona mocha)
best bakery? bleeding heart (organic!)
best thai? dao thai (right off the mag mile)
best neighborhood? roscoe village (try the satisfaction promise breakfast at victory’s banner)
best attraction - the oriental institute at the U-Chicago. LOVE it there.
best free attraction - the bean at millenium park
best remodeled attraction - shedd aquarium! i can’t wait to go explore their new addition.
oh gosh, carrie - i could go on and on! i am enjoying everyone’s comments and taking notes!
August 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 am
As a journalism major, I really enjoy reading your blogs from time to time. You cover such a wide variety of topics including sports, which is my focus as I further my career.
1.) Nonna’s pizza in Crestwood, IL is a personal favorite of mine. Whether it is the world’s largest slice of pizza or not, I can’t get enough of it. Free drink too!
2.) Attraction - anything and everything about Navy Pier. There’s something for everyone at Navy Pier and you have to go on the Ferris Wheel at least once.
3.) I’m going with Crestwood as the best neighborhood simply because it’s where I’ve lived all 21 years of my life and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Everyone knows everyone in C-wood. It’s truly a neighborhood like no other!
4.) And just for good measure…”and when it comes to baseball we’ve got 2 favorite clubs…the Go-go White Sox, and whoever plays the Cubs!”
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:14 am
Congrats on your milestone. Married to a northsider so I am a big Cubs fan. Too many good restaurants to pick a favorite but best free attractions include Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, and of course Millenium Park, especially the bean.
Neighborhoods? All of them are nice but like Park Ridge, Skokie, Mt Prospect is warm and friendly, Arlington Heights was done up the right way.
August 4th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Congrats on the blog bday! Every time I go to the city, my favorite place to go is the bean. As silly as it sounds, I feel like spending time there just makes you appreciate the city more. After growing up here, it’s easy become ignorant to the city’s beauty. But when you can look at it through a new perspective, like the mirrored bean, it makes you stop and say wow, Chicago really is the best city in the world. And then you can “hug” the city.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Congrats, Carrie! You’ve certainly accomplished a great deal over the past year.
I’ve had many enjoyable trips to Chicago and always look forward to returning. (The Oct. 25 Baconfest looks appetizing enough to plan a return trip sooner than later.) Here are some of my Chicago faves:
Favorite Celebrity Spotting: Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax
Favorite Hamburger Joint: Billy Goat Tavern
Favorite Tourist Trap: The Ledge at The Willis Tower
Favorite Night-Out Restaurant: Marche in the Randolph Street District Market
Thanks for offering this contest!
August 8th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Chicago is easily one of my top 5 favorite U.S. cities. I visit it every couple of years and have plans actually to return this October for the marathon.
My favorite Chicago experience was when I treated my brother for his birthday and brought him to the windy city. It was his first time and he loved it. We hit up all the usual touristy spots like Pizzeria Uno, Sears (Not Willis) Tower, and took a river cruise.
Fav restaurant: Table 52 by Oprah’s chef Art Smith. Awesome food, decor, and service!
Fav attraction: I lucked out and got a free water taxi ride down the river through the city and back. Definitely a great view of this architecturally historic city.
Polish town in Chicago is my favorite part of town. It is bigger than the Polish area in NYC and has so much to see, do, and eat. Also downtown is great and Lincoln Park is pretty neat too.
I have to admit as a “Noo Yawka”, that I prefer NY style thin pizza over the Chicago deep dish. But I love a Chicago style dog over a NYC dirty water dog.
P.S. Love your website! Bring TBEX 2010 to NY.
Andrew
TheBrooklynNomad.com
August 8th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Oh sweet, 1 year! How fantastic.. And with all you’ve accomplished thanks to your little place on the web!
Chicago is simply an amazing city.
1. I do not have a favorite at the moment.. Where ever my taste buds can fine a fantastic Chicago style hot dog! (so tasty!)
2. The entire city! I love walking around exploring new places.
3. Unfortunately i haven’t spent quite enough time to pick a favorite neighborhood. I did enjoy my time in Lincoln Park, but I know there are many other great neighborhoods out there.
4. Ive only seen my Blackhawks at the Chicago Stadium and United Center.. and right now im very content with that!!
August 11th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hey Carrie,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now and love your views on travel, Chicago, food, and baseball. Congrats on the anniversary!
My favorite Chicago restaurant is Heaven on 7 but for pizza it’s probably Uno’s or Aurelios which isn’t actually in Chicago but the suburbs.
My favorite tourist attraction was one I took recently. My dad’s office was hosting some out-of-towners and I was invited to go with on the Chicago River architectural boat tour…so awesome!! The city looked super beautiful and I learned some things about Chicago that I never knew before.
Keep up the good work, I’ll keep reading!
-Amy
August 12th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
congrats and happy anniversary - - - - may you have many more and may you continue to write and travel. so many people are not able to do what they love. Keep your love for traveling and writing going.
Chicago is a great sports town - - so i like seeing the different sports teams play their rivals.
also, i would love to one day watch the 4th of july fireworks from a window of a hotel room downtown. the view is awesome. (so my friend has told me)
love to read about your travels……
fave restaurant:morton’s
best neighborhood: that’s hard - - chicago has so many different neighborhoods - -each is unique and has something to offer. but i do like rogers park, lincoln park, beverly
August 15th, 2009 at 2:39 am
Congrats, Carrie! You’ve certainly accomplished a great deal over the past year.
I’ve had many enjoyable trips to Chicago and always look forward to returning. (The Oct. 25 Baconfest looks appetizing enough to plan a return trip sooner than later.) Here are some of my Chicago faves:
Favorite Celebrity Spotting: Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax
Favorite Hamburger Joint: Billy Goat Tavern
Favorite Tourist Trap: The Ledge at The Willis Tower
Favorite Night-Out Restaurant: Marche in the Randolph Street District Market
Thanks for offering this contest!; Congrats, Carrie! You’ve certainly accomplished a great deal over the past year.
I’ve had many enjoyable trips to Chicago and always look forward to returning. (The Oct. 25 Baconfest looks appetizing enough to plan a return trip sooner than later.) Here are some of my Chicago faves:
Favorite Celebrity Spotting: Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax
Favorite Hamburger Joint: Billy Goat Tavern
Favorite Tourist Trap: The Ledge at The Willis Tower
Favorite Night-Out Restaurant: Marche in the Randolph Street District Market
Thanks for offering this contest!;;
August 15th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Congrats and happy anniversary .. picking just one favorite place in Chicago is soooo hard. However, I’m gonna’ have to go with the lakefront. I fall in love with Chicago each and everytime I drive down Lake Shore Drive. I love when you start to see runners and bicyclist along the running paths. I love seeing people playing volleyball at North Ave Beach. I love seeing all the boats. The lake just makes my heart happy like no other place in the world.
August 15th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I try to generally get to Chicago once a year, for a Hawks game. I am in and out and unfortunately haven’t gotten to see terribly much of the city.
I don’t have a favorite restaurant as I try to try new things everytime I am there. I do agree with Alice that Morton’s was great and Oysy on Michigan Ave. was surprisingly good.
I guess I would have to go with the United Center as my favorite “attraction.” Does that count? I maintain that there is no better place to see a game than the United Center!
No idea about the best neighborhood.
I have seen Blackhawks games in Detroit, Buffalo and Washington (in addition to Chicago). This year I will be adding Anaheim, L.A., San Jose, Columbus and possibly Pittsburgh to see the Hawks. What can I say, I love my Hawks.
August 15th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I’ve only been to Chicago once - for an interview last month. The good news is, I got the job, and will be moving out there next month. Goodbye Seattle! Hello Chicago!
While I was there, I ate at the West Egg Cafe on N Fairbanks at E Ontario, and at Gino’s East on East Superior. Maybe it’s just because I’m used to the terrible food in Seattle, but I thought they were both really good! I’m excited to see what else the city has to offer.
August 15th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I hope I am not too late in entering —
I’ve never been to chicago, but I have friends who gush about it and I love love looove
ZACHARY’S deep dish PIZZA in Berkeley, California. It’s great for dinner , and its great as breakfast
Also I met a guy at a pool hall/bar once and his hometown was Chicago and we had the longest conversation about Chicago is THE city.. .its huge and spread out. and its beautiful and he told me how you can walk and walk and walk everything is a wonder because it all looks so historical and beautiful. It was a great conversation.
August 15th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart as being the first city I visited with my first true love. Yes sounds cheesy but in my mind it will always be a romantic city. Kissing in the streets under the falling snow. Holding on to his arm for dear life as my feet would be slipping on the ice. Eating at the restaurnat he mentioned when we first met and later promised he would take me to prove to me that the best chef in Mexican cuisine is American! I still have the picture of us at the bar of Frontera Grill, it is an iconic photograph of us, our relationship. Taking a walk on the beach of the great Lake Michigan, breakfasts at the bistro which I do not remember the name but only a few blocks away from the lovely Sofitel, the art museum with one of my favorite Monet waterlilies paintings and my first real deep dish pizza. So many memories and good feelings come about when I hear Chicago. Was there a song ever made of this city, if not, for me, it is long overdue!
August 16th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
[...] already listed all the blessings I have received because of my travel blog, so I don’t want to do that again. What I need to [...]
August 28th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Hey Carrie
Thank you so much for the free weekend at the Palmer House Hilton. I was originally going to try and use it for October, but will have to push that back due to going to England in late September. I might just use it during the brutally cold winters that you get in the windy city. Maybe around Christmas. Either way I look forward to returning to one of my favorite U.S. cities.
Thanks again
Andrew