The Lincoln Navigator was named the 2018 North American Truck of the Year. Needless to say, when I got the chance to collaborate with the luxury brand I jumped at the chance. This was actually my second time collaborating with the brand. However, this time was extra special because they gave me the 2018 Lincoln Black Label Navigator to drive around the city for 48 hours. The travel girl in me decided to create a Chicago city guide on behalf of the luxury car.
Navigating Through Chicago With Lincoln
If I could travel once a month, I would be a happy camper. It feeds my soul. I’m also an SUV girl. There is just something about an SUV that makes me feel cool. Lincoln is synonymous with luxury and I love luxury travel. And let me tell you, the 2018 Lincoln Black Label Navigator is luxurious. Therefore, it’s a must that I combine the two.
The 2018 Lincoln Black Label Navigator design and service is highly curated. The 2018 Black Label ownership comes with benefits for dining, premium maintenance and vehicle care. This was the inspiration behind the city guide – to provide a highly curated guide inspired by Lincoln ownership. I drove the SUV with the available Burgundy Velvet exterior color and matching interior that accommodates 7 people.. The third row is ideal for me and the boys. They are getting bigger by the minute. The front driver and passenger seats also provide a wonderful massage feature. The vehicle has so many available features and was so lovely to drive. For more information, visit here. In the meantime, let’s get down to what to do while visiting Chicago.
Chicago City Guide
Chicago is a big city and a big SUV can easily get me from point A to B. The 2018 Lincoln Black Label Navigator took me to several points in the city. Let’s take a fabulous ride.
Soho House
Soho House Chicago is a members club and hotel located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. It is known as a creatives hub for business and recreational use. It also provides a few non-member options like its gorgeous lobby filled with chandeliers and healthy fare at The Allis. It’s perfect for a hotel stay, meetings, a bite to eat or an after-dinner drink.
Sawada Coffee
If you’re a coffee or green tea lover, this is the place for you. This is the first US location of the world-renowned barista and latte aficionado, Hiroshi Sawada. This is one of my all-time favorite spots in Chicago for coffee. The military espresso is my absolute fave. It consists of green tea, vanilla syrup, cocoa powder and a shot of espresso. Along with another local cult favorite, Doughnut Vault for doughnuts. You will also find locals using Sawada Coffee as a workspace.
Gibson’s Italia
Gibson’s Italia (which I also mentioned in this post), located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, offers some of Chicago’s most amazing Italian food. You should definitely try the baby kale salad with wild strawberries and white truffle vinaigrette. In addition to the salad, my go-to is the 7 years aged Acquerello risotto with baby scallops and leeks. This dish will knock your socks off.
Blind Dragon
Chicago is a lot of fun. Nightlife is a staple for us Chicagoans. Wanna grab a drink in a cool space? Look no further than Blind Dragon located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Blind Dragon is an Asian inspired cocktail driven lounge with a private karaoke room. Now, do I have your attention? I love karaoke! This place is so cool. You have to check it out!
Four Seasons Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel doesn’t need much of an introduction. The name definitely speaks for itself. It’s perfect for a hotel stay, however, the tea service and the spa are one of a kind. The spa was just what I needed for a little mama time out. Did you know you have access to the pool and relaxation rooms before or after your spa service? I was able to make an afternoon out of my appointment. I sat by the pool and took a nap after my body sculpting thermal body wrap. It was a great day I can’t lie. Hadn’t had one quite like it in a while.
The Four Seasons also offers a phenomenal tea service. The Allium offers high tea service the last Saturday of every month for $58 per person. You receive a tea tower of sweet and savory items along with rare tea cellar options. I have to say, it is one of my favorites in the city. Everything is absolutely delicious. Holiday tea service begins November 3, 2018 with Allium’s holiday tea. Held from 230 pm to 4 pm, the holiday tea goes to daily service from November 23 to December 30. Price is USD 58 for adults and USD 30 for children.
Holiday cheer is near. You can also join Santa Clause for Gingerbread Tea Service. Join Santa Clause in Allium for new Gingerbread Tea on Saturday, December 22. With seating’s from 1 pm to 2 pm, younger guests can decorate gingerbread cookies at their tables. For an additional fee, the pastry chef will provide a gingerbread house to be decorated tableside.
St. Jane Hotel
The St. Jane Hotel is spectacular. A fabulous hotel located in the historical Carbon and Carbide building at 230 N. Michigan Avenue exudes opulence. Art deco design and modern furnishings make it perfect for an additional option for a place to stay. The best part? Lincoln is the official luxury vehicle of St. Jane Hotel and provides complimentary house car service around the city, so you too can experience the Lincoln Navigator! In addition to lodging, the hotel offers an amazing restaurant called Free Rein.
Free Rein is delicious. I have a ton of allergies and they were extremely accommodating. The halibut, sweet corn soup and the 40oz Slagel Farms Ribeye are must-haves on the menu. The restaurant also offers breakfast and lunch.
Barney’s
Chicago is a premier destination for shopping. You simply can’t visit this city without popping in a few shops. Barney’s Chicago is one of my favorites. Jennifer Ether is my girl on the contemporary floor. I learned about my new go-to denim label thanks to her. I love a good high waist jean and the brands the boutique offers are right on trend. The jeans I’m wearing in the photo are from Jen at Barney’s. Barney’s also offers cosmetics, shoes and home furnishings.
Neiman Marcus
I have a sweet spot for Neiman Marcus. Historically, the store is my first love. My first job out of college was as an intern and then the management training program at Neiman Marcus in Atlanta. I worked for the company for two years. The Michigan Avenue store offers the best fashion has to offer. The DVF boutique is where you can always find me. It’s so young and fun. I got this amazing faux fur stripe jacket at the boutique. Isn’t it darling? Ask for Samantha Roman or Janey Garcia at DVF. She’s the best. If you stop by shoes, ask for Tony Burns. He’s been my shoe guru for years. Melissa Brumund at Celine is a gem. She can assist you with all of your handbag dreams.
ByFashionaholic
Are you in town for a gala, wedding or just a fun date night? Did you forget that special piece for your trip? Look no further than ByFashionaholic. It is Chicago’s premier go-to for couture fashion. You can rent the most amazing couture pieces for any occasion. Shoes, handbags, jewelry and clothing are yours to wear like you own it.
Let me Guide You
Call me biased but Chicago is my favorite city. Lincoln has quickly become one of my favorite luxury vehicle brands. I hope you have enjoyed my curated guide through my favorite city with my favorite SUV, the 2018 Lincoln Black Label Navigator. Feel free to save, share and repost this guide with your friends. I had fun and I hope you will too.
xo,
Ceta
This post was sponsored but all opinions are my own.