I love Chicago. I love all the people. I love all the food. I love all the stores. I even love the sound of the horns honking. A few years ago, I convinced my sister (@sugartude) to make a trip to Chicago to visit the Chicago Marathon Expo. Honestly, I don't remember why I wanted to go for one day. But, after much deliberation, she finally consented. We drove to Chicago, did a few things, and drove back that night. It has become our annual tradition. I think we are now experts at quick travel and navigating downtown Chicago for Marathon weekend. Here are my tips for making a trip to Chicago for the Chicago Marathon Expo and some exploring…

Take the South Shore Line commuter train if you are from Michigan or Indiana! The first year we drove, paid a lot for parking and spent quite a bit of time in the parking garage trying to get out…when it was PACKED with people leaving. While I love driving in Chicago, it is just easier to take the train. We've parked at both Michigan City and Dune Park. I prefer Dune Park because there are more parking spaces. Plus, it takes you right to McCormick Place for the expo. Pro tip: If you are running around downtown and don't make it back to McCormick Place, you can hop on the train at Millennium Station and not take away any time from shopping.
Look at the exhibitor list for the Marathon and determine your "must visit" booths. You can even pull up the floor plan to determine where they are. With all the people and distractions, it is very easy to miss a booth. If there is something you want to see, put it on the list. This year I wanted to see the Grateful Grapes Wine Co. (My custom etched wine will be here in 10 days!) Pro tip: Make a list on your phone! It will save you so much time trying to remember.
If you are reading this, you already know that the Chicago Marathon is extremely popular. You probably have social media friends that will be at the expo. This is a great opportunity to meet people you follow or people that follow you. Most years, we meet a few of our Instagram friends. Plus, a lot of the online communities will have a meet up or shakeout run the day before the marathon
Don't forget the food. We always bring snacks/water with us. Otherwise we would be tempted to try the cookie dough bowls! (SERIOUSLY! I don't know how we walked by them twice and didn't get any) We also plan our lunch ahead of time. Do you want to eat at an iconic Chicago hotspot? We have two go-to places. Either Portillos for hotdogs or Shake Shack for burgers. This year we went to Portillos…and it didn't disappoint! Most years, we also go to Sprinkles Cupcakes. I love the Cupcake ATM and the doggy cupcakes. But, I was able to control myself and we completely avoided it.
Plan to shop, but have a budget. Chicago has some of the best shopping around. Add in an impressive expo and you have the makings for a budget buster day. I am a shopaholic. I love walking around with bags. So, I set a budget that way I never go overboard. I shop at the expo first and then head to the "Mile". Pro tip: Bring extra shopping bags or a backpack. Carrying store bags around can be uncomfortable…especially if you are doing a lot of walking.
Speaking of walking… Plan for the weather and dress for comfort. I always find it funny seeing people shopping in extremely high heels. If you can do it, more power to you! I need comfort. Chicago can be windy, cold, rainy or hot and sunny. You have to be prepared to bring what you may need or buy it. I tend to layer clothes and bring an umbrella in my backpack. And, know that you are going to walk. A lot.

So, plan a trip to the Chicago Marathon Expo in 2019…because you know I will be there! I'll be the one with the shopping bags…

Please leave a comment and let me know what you found to be the most helpful!