If you’re looking for something to do before the festivities begin, we highly recommend spending an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago. A short distance from our hotel.

It’s one of our favorite places in the city, and where we had our very first date. Be sure to take in the, museum’s miniature rooms. Detailed worlds hidden beneath the larger galleries. We spent far longer there than we expected, pointing out little details, making each other laugh, and slowly realizing neither of us was in any rush to leave. We visit every year and it is our favorite gallery.

For one of our favorites stop at Redhot Ranch.

A no-frills spot in the city a counter-service stand under the train known for fried shrimp, and one of the best griddled burgers. It’s loud, fast, greasy in the best way, and exactly the kind of place you'd expect Dwight to recommend.

Chicago has plenty of fancy restaurants, but Red Hot Ranch is the kind of place that reminds you why neighborhood spots matter. Order a burger, and some shrimp (with hot sauce) and enjoy one of our guilty pleasures.