The question, “What are your most cherished sights?” is an easy one for me. Â Watching my daughter grow up. Â Hands down, my favorite sights are seeing my daughter discover new things, enjoy beauty, appreciate life! Â We did all of those things today at Taste of Chicago. Â It was my daughter’s first time going, although I’ve been to countless years of this fun festival. Â Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked about a block away from Taste of Chicago and loved hopping over there for lunch. Â It was heart-warming to share the experience of Taste of Chicago with her.
We started at the north end of the Taste of Chicago, and worked our way down the line of delicious smells and sights of some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Â Entry to the Taste is free. Â The main line of food booths stretch down Columbus Drive, between Monroe and Balbo. Â Attractions branch out towards Buckingham Fountain and Lake Shore Drive on the east.
The last day of the Taste of Chicago is July 15th, so don’t miss it! Â The Taste is shorter this year so hurry, it’s the must-do event of the summer!
Entrance to Taste of Chicago 2012
There are some mainstay, famous Chicago names!
Eli’s Cheesecake
Billy Goat Tavern
Something new this year, there were “Pop-Up Restaurants” that were only at the Taste for one day.
“Pop-Up” Restaurants are only at the Taste of Chicago for one day. Tomorrow’s “Pop-Ups” will be different.
 While food is a big part of Taste of Chicago, there is more to do than just eat!  We stopped at the Transitions Lenses booth for a free eye screening and goody bag.  Transitions everyday lenses automatically adapt when outdoors to give you comfortable viewing and provide eye protection from damaging UV light.
Don’t miss the Transitions booth at the Taste of Chicago – free vision screenings! Â It’s located near the corner of Congress Pkwy and Columbus Drive – it’s “G” on the map, across from Restaurant #25.
 
Rosie getting her free vision screening at the Transitions booth at Taste of Chicago
Rosie has been asking to see Willis Tower, so we took a quick cab ride over there. Â This day created so many memories for both of us. Â I will definitely cherish the sights of this day!
Rosie had seen commercials for the “Skydeck” at Willis Tower, so we went to see it. It was so fun to watch her “wow” at the view.
Then we headed back to the Taste of Chicago for more fun and…. eating, of course! Â We didn’t make it over to the cooking tents, but there are cooking demonstrations and master chefs. Â The music at the Taste is incredible, as well. Â Jennifer Hudson performed yesterday!
The Original Rainbow Cone! A Chicago favorite for 86 years. It’s Orange Sherbert, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate – all in one cone.
I saw the smile and wonder on my daughter’s face because of healthy vision. Â She saw the fun sights of Chicago today because of healthy vision. Â It’s so easy to take our vision for granted and it is such a blessing to be able to see. Â I hope we always remember to take care of our sight!
About Transitions Optical, Inc.
Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International. Â The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide. Â Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.
As the Official Sponsor of Sightseeing™ Transitions Optical help you see the world the way it’s meant to be seen. By continually adapting to changing lighting conditions, Transitions Optical enhance your everyday moments so your experiences are more vivid, more vibrant, more true.
More info on Transitions Optical: en-us.transitions.com,
Transitions lenses on Facebook:Â http://www.facebook.com/transitionsslenses
Follow @transitions on Twitter
Sight of the Day Photo Contest:
Capturing everyday moments through photography gives you the opportunity to cherish memories for a lifetime. Enter the Official Sponsor of Sightseeing™ Sight of the Day Photo Contest for your chance to win the Ultimate Sightseeing Dream Vacation! Learn more here about the contest and My Eye Promise.
Link to more info about Taste of Chicago.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received compensation to participate in a SocialMoms and Transitions Optical blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.