Prohibition Walking Tour in Chicago

What happens when you take a group of friends, a large metropolis, a bunch of alcohol and a history lesson? We're about the find out. You might think I'm talking about Drunk History. But I'm referring to a walking tour we took in Chicago for a friend's birthday. Walking/ drinking/ architecture/ history/ eating tour. What a mouthful.

Here's a picture diary of the things we did. Please forgive my lack of detail, I had been drinking.

Anniversary Weekend Part 3: Matthiessen State Park

Something you have to take a break from working out and working hard to.... Work out and work hard. But hiking is a way that Bryan and I bond while still feeling productive. So after a long day of hiking, we had brunch and did more hiking. The day started off with brunch at Brandy's in nearby Peru, IL.

Cinnamon sticky buns and coffee

Crunchy French toast and Crabby Eggs Benedict

The day took us to Matthiessen State Park, Starved Rock's lesser known neighbor. Through the park was smaller and less famous, it added to its charm. Smaller groups of people, grander canyons and more intimate trails. 

Just for perspective: there is a man and his dog in the lower right corner

Roots

After another long day of hiking, what else would I do? Eat ice cream of course. I probably should have chugged the Gatorade, but Green river works too. 

Our anniversary just to happened to fall onto the day of the Harvest Moon/ Lunar eclipse. So on our ride back to down to good old Champaign Urbana, we pulled over to the middle of nowhere to soak it all in.

Harvest moon and lunar eclipse

Happy one year wedding anniversary to my love and cheers to 8 years of knowing and loving each other. The weekend could not have been better. 

-Akemi-chan

Anniversary Weekend Part 2: Starved Rock State Park

Why did we spend our romantic anniversary in a small town in the middle of nowhere? Hiking! In addition to being an awesome hobby, we're trying to be more active and healthy and spend less time on the couch. I see no better way to spend all weekend together, with minimal spending, than hiking for several hours. 

Starved Rock State Park is a local treasure. The sight of a historical, or even mythical, event and the grounds for a sprawling park full of hiking trails. We had almost no knowledge of this location, except for the numerous recommendations. It did not disappoint. Walking around such a beautiful place, while holding hands, helping each up up hills, and physically pushing and supporting each other was a great bonding experience that made us even closer. 

The view on top of Starved Rock

Jump for joy, But really, don't do it

Fuzzy buddy

✌️

Canyons galore

Don't look down

Our lunch spot

Taking a break in a cave

❤️

I know it wasn't a great idea, but we went straight from the park to the wine bar. We were dehydrated but I wanted to do some wine tasting before the shop closed. I love bubbles and port, so I got my fair share of wine at The Illinois Sparkling Company. I got a little too tipsy, but it was worth it.

Port and wine-shaped chocolate

Pink bubbles

Yeah, rootbeer floats for dinner from The Rootbeer Stand

The day was fun, but the weekend is not over. We were absolutely pooped after 8 hours of hiking and 15 miles of ground covered. The next day will not be as ambitious, but not any less breath-taking.

-Akemi-chan