Chicago

The Space Between

Another thing about the space between buildings in a big city like Chicago is how much depth they have…this one looks like it goes back forever, and it’s really hard to even determine what time of day it actually is because of the height of the buildings.

The Space Between

The space between buildings in a big city like Chicago is an interesting thing to behold. The fire escapes on both sides of this alleyway caught my eye, because it’s just not something you usually see in suburbia, and they add so much visual interest.

Tulip Time on Michigan Avenue

Since Memorial Day landed pretty early on the calendar this year, Combo Breaker was also earlier than usual, which meant that we were able to catch the tail end of tulip time on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Yes, they were largely faded, but we still got to see some flowers as well as the tulip sculptures that herald the spring season on the Magnificent Mile.

Maybe someday I’ll see them at the height of their bloom!

Markel Family Combo Breaker 2025 Getaway–Day Seven

We took our time getting ready to leave for home last Monday morning, but at last it was time to say goodbye to the Renaissance and Combo Breaker 2025. We drove through Chicago on the way out so we could see the city one last time:

And then stopped at Rainbow Cone, as has become a tradition.

We took a break at Wally’s again:

And stopped for a late lunch/early dinner at Portillo’s…bet you thought I was sick of Italian beef after serving so many sandwiches at the event, but no, I was not!

And then it was on to home, with memories of Combo Breaker 2025 fresh in our minds and an eye toward Combo Breaker 2026!

Markel Family Combo Breaker 2025 Getaway–Day Two

The second day of our Combo Breaker trip was one of my favorite days of the whole year, because we took the Metra into Chicago!

Bunny’s first objective is always to find the pigeons and feed them, and it was a successful mission!

We walked close to 10 miles…down to Buckingham Fountain, up the Magnificent Mile, and everywhere in between!

It was a chilly, rainy day, but that didn’t (if you’ll pardon the pun) dampen our spirits!

It was nice to take a break indoors at Water Tower Place, though, and we stopped in a few of our favorite shops while we dried off and warmed up.

We visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery again this year, and this time, we actually figured out the menu and ordered some drinks…I got a lavender matcha malt (shocking, I know), and it was absolutely amazing…I’m going to try to recreate it at home!

Of course we stopped by Marshall Field’s of Blessed Memory, where we admired some of the historical details of the building and bought an entirely too expensive (and small!) box of Frango mints.

But eventually we had to get back on the train to head back to the hotel…we always ride upstairs on the return trip.

Back at the hotel, we switched to Combo Breaker mode and got to work alphabetizing badges. Once that was done, it was time for another swim and more game time in the lobby.

Up next…a trip to Italy? And the real preparation for Combo Breaker begins!