Last week we traveled to Chicago for the H&H show, but this trip turned into so much more than work. We stayed a few extra days to spend time with our son Austin and his husband Tommy, and honestly, it reminded me how important it is to slow down and really experience a city.
Since the weather was beautiful and there wasn’t much scheduled after the show, we decided to do a few touristy things — and I’m so glad we did.
Gary, Debra and Tommy - Chicago May 2026
One day Tommy took us to the Art Institute of Chicago while Austin was working at the hospital delivering babies. OMG. What an experience! The museum is enormous and packed with world-famous artwork. I absolutely loved it.
Chicago Museum of Arts Entry
One of my favorite exhibits was the incredible collection of miniature rooms — over a hundred tiny, detailed spaces filled with miniature furniture, decor, lighting, and architecture. They were fascinating. I could have stared at them for hours.
Example of Mini Room
And the Impressionist collection? Stunning. Honestly, I thought it was even bigger and more impressive than collections I’ve seen at the Met, MoMA, or the art museum in Washington, DC. Room after room of masterpieces… it was inspiring beyond words.
Art from Chicago Museum of Art that caught my eye!
The next day we headed downtown for an architectural river boat tour on the Chicago River. The tour lasted about 90 minutes, and the weather could not have been more perfect — crisp air around 58 degrees, sunshine sparkling everywhere, and not a cloud in the sky.
Chicago Architectural Boat Tour of Chicago • May 2026
We’ve also been scooting all over the city on the Chicago ‘L’ — Chicago’s elevated train system. It’s affordable, easy to use, and honestly part of the adventure itself. I love seeing how people move through a city and how each neighborhood has its own personality.
Gary & Debra - Chicago May 2026
The boat tour was fantastic. Chicago architecture is unbelievable. Everywhere you look there’s another building with an interesting story, shape, or history. Check out the photos — there were so many details that caught our eye.
Great Boat Tour of the City
We’ve really fallen in love with Chicago… except maybe in the dead of winter. That kind of cold is not for me! But this trip — along with a trip we took to Boston several years ago — reminded me that we have some truly amazing cities right here in the USA that deserve to be explored.
Gary, Debra and Austin - Chicago May 2026
Sometimes inspiration comes from trying something new, walking unfamiliar streets, taking a museum tour, or simply getting out of your normal routine for a few days. Even a quick 3–4 day getaway to a nearby city can completely recharge your creativity and perspective.
So here’s my challenge to you:
Try something new. Explore somewhere different. Keep an open mind to the possibilities each day can bring.
And when you do… tell me "Where Ya Been?"
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