I love working in the travel industry. I truly feel grateful every day that I get the opportunity to not only connect with people from all over the world to discuss tourism, but to then get on a plane myself and take off to different cities and states (and one day, even countries) really inspires me.

If you hadn’t guessed by that intro or the blog title itself, I had another opportunity to travel to the Windy City for work last month. While you will have to wait for my official review in the August issue of Global Traveler, The Pendry Chicago, where I stayed, did not disappoint. The stay was personalized and elevated in every way.

STK Steakhouse was where we had a team dinner on our first night in town. From the elegant energy of the restaurant itself and the table-side show where the chef torched my fish, the steakhouse chain ended up taking the win for my favorite meal of the trip. The melty and warm cookie skillet for dessert may have helped, as well. The Roanoke restaurant made for a great lunch and proved to be business-meeting certified as we entertained clients and all had a great meal.

EXPO Chicago is an annual contemporary art fair held at the Navy Pier in Chicago. The Peninsula Chicago currently has an exclusive exhibit, AFRICOBRA, that had been debuted at the fair by five black artists from Chicago. This historic collection resides in the lobby and surrounding areas of the hotel. A private showing of the urban and colorful collection during our trip made me feel inspired and enlightened.

The weather was pretty gloomy and rainy this time around, but it won’t be long before we are back. Navy Pier is next on my list … .

— Haley Fogarty, advertising manager