hiiiiii 👋 maybe you’ve seen me running around #Chicago with a coffee in one hand and camera in the other, but we haven’t properly met… I’m Alana and i grew up in Chicago’s northern suburbs, always finding reasons to come downtown — to the city that stole my heart from the first time I saw its gorgeous, towering skyscrapers. After law school I moved to Chicago and started the law firm job that for so many years I thought I wanted. I quickly found out that measuring my life in 6 minute billing increments wasn’t for me. But closing that door let me open another one — photography. Through photography I discovered that work could be joyful. And I discovered Chicago again. In a different way. Deeper, more intimate. Then came video… I quickly fell in love with the way that video could tell a story beyond still images. It let me share all the beloved, weird, and unique bits that make Chicago so special. If you’ve made it this far, thank you so so much for coming on this journey with me. Thank you for sharing my passion and love for Chicago (and beyond). I hope to inspire and inform and I’m always here to answer your questions about Chicago, other places I’ve traveled, photography, and video. Now help me get to know you by telling me something about yourself! ♥️// #AlanaInChicago ‪__________‬ ‪📍Chicago, USA 🇺🇸‬ . . . . . . #chicagophotographer #chicagophotography #chicagosnow #windycity #chicagoloop #ThingsToDoInChicago #rivernorthchicago #chicagoexplore #rivernorth #travelinfluencer #chicagohome #chicagoevents #chicagolife #chicagofun #chicagoillinois #chicagothingstodo #chicagoinfluencer #visitchicago #chicagotravel #coldweatherstyle #chicagogram #wearetravelgirls #chicagofoodie ‬#sheisnotlost #ChicagoLifestyle #ChicagoFun #ChicagoBlogger #chicagowinter

you’ve found your people… come explore Chicago (and beyond) with me ♥️ ps, if someone you know needs to understand why you love Chicago, tag them below ⬇️ . . . #chicago #chicagoloop #chicagophotographer #chicagocreatives #chicagoinfluencer #chicagolife #thingstodoinchicago #chicagotravel

CHICAGO THEATER WEEK is back 🎭🎬♥️ and it’s the best time in Chicago to get discounted tickets to popular theater performances all over the city and suburbs! [SHARE this Reel with someone who needs to go with you to a Chicago Theater Week show] 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄: 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: tickets are on sale NOW for performances from Feb. 8 – 18 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴: Chicago Theater Week tickets are $30, $15, or even less!! 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 / 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: head to ChicagoTheatreWeek.com [use promo code “CTW24” or “CTW30” for discounted rates!] 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: • Auditorium Theatre | @auditoriumtheatre • Blue Man Group at Briar Street Theatre | @bluemangroup • Chicago Shakespeare Theater | @chicagoshakes • Chicago Symphony Orchestra | @chicagosymphony • Court Theater | @courttheatre • Goodman Theatre | @goodmantheatre • iO Theater | @iochicago • Joffrey Ballet | @joffreyballet • Lyric Opera of Chicago | @lyricopera • Northlight Theatre at North Shore Center For The Performing Arts | @northlightthtr • Paramount Theatre | @paramountaurora • Steppenwolf Theatre Company | @steppenwolfthtr • Teatro ZinZanni at the Cambria Hotel | @teatro_zinzanni • The Second City | @thesecondcity • Writers Theatre | @writers_theatre 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: • Highway Patrol at Goodman Theatre • Studies in Blue at Joffrey Ballet • Cinderella / Champion at Lyric Opera of Chicago • Selling Kabul at Northlight Theatre • A Home What Howls at Steppenwolf Theatre Company • In The Heights at Marriott Theatre • Anything Goes at Porchlight Music Theatre • Antigone at Court Theatre in Hyde Park Have you been to Chicago Theater Week? What performances are you seeing this year?! 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 ➡️ @alanainwanderland 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 of the best things to see and do in Chicago! . . . #chicago #chicagotheatre #thingstodoinchicago #chicagogram #windycity #chi #chicagotheater #ctw24 #chicagocomedy #chicagosymphonyorchestra #chicagoloop #joffreyballet #lyricopera #hydepark

have you been to #Chicago’s iconic seafood hot-spot Bar Mar | @barmarbyjose yet??🦪🤍🐙 If you work, live, or just pass through the Chicago Loop, chances are you’ve seen this absolutely stunning restaurant with the massive lit-up octopus. After many years walking by Bar Mar, I finally gave this place a try and I’m so glad I did!! 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄: 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 120 N Wacker Dr, Chicago (inside the Bank of America Tower building) 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀: 11am-11pm M-F, 3-11pm Sat, 11am-8pm Sun (this place is very popular with the work lunch and after work crowd and I highly recommend making a res!) 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘆: Neptune’s Pillows (sesame rocoto, spicy tuna, fresh wasabi - amazing), Imperial Oysters (baked with backfin crab, green pepper, horseradish breadcrumbs - absolutely perfect), Sticky Toffee Pudding (warm date cake, toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream - hot, gooey and delectably rich) *I also tried the croquettes which were tasty but not unique enough to order again I would recommend Bar Mar for a lovely date night, a girls’ night out or even a fancy work lunch — the bigger the group, the more dishes you’ll get to try 😉! SHARE this Reel with someone who needs to take you here and 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 → @alanainwanderland 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲! . . . #chicagorestaurants #thingstodoinchicago #chicagofood #chicagofoodie #chicagoeats #chicagoinfluencer #chicagodining #chicagoloop #joseandres #chicagothingstodo #chicagocreatives #chi #312food #tapasbar #tapasrestaurant

are you ready to have a shamrockin good time at #Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing?! 🍀🎊💚 [SHARE this post w your leprechaun crew and get ready for the biggest party of the year in Chicago] 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘆𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴: the Chicago River dyeing for St. Patrick’s Day is a 60+ year old tradition led by the local plumbers union — they use boats to distribute 50 lbs of plant-based, environmentally safe dye to turn the Chicago River a gorgeous, emerald green color! 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘆𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴: March 16th starting at 10am (but I highly recommend coming 1-2 hrs early for prime viewing spots along the bridges and riverwalk — see my last Reel for all the best spots!) 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘆𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴: the river dyeing takes place between Columbus Dr and State St 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿: weather in Chicago for the St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing is always unpredictable, it can be mild and sunny with temps in the 50’s or super cold and snowing (I usually recommend layering up depending on the forecast for that Saturday) Have you seen the Chicago River go green for St. Patrick’s Day?? It’s such a fun, festive time in Chicago — I definitely recommend adding this event to your bucket list and making it over for the river dyeing! 🍀💚 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 → @alanainwanderland 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲! . . . #chicagostpatricksday #stpatricksday🍀 #thingstodoinchicago #chicagofun #windycity #chicagoloop #chicagothingstodo #chicagoevents #chicagoinfluencer #chicagoshots #chicagoriver #chicagoriverwalk #chicagoviews #chicagophotographer #chicagophotography #chicagoarchitecture #chicagocreatives #chicagolife #chicagotravel #visitchicago #chicagolifestyle #stpaddysday #bucketlistadventures #travelinfluencer #chicagotrip #bestdestinations #alanainchicago #chi #312

ready to see #Chicago’s river go GREEN with the blood of a million leprechauns on March 16th?!? 🍀🎊💚 [SAVE THIS LIST OF THE BEST LOCATIONS TO SEE CHICAGO’S FAMOUS ST PATRICK’S DAY RIVER DYEING] Chicago’s river dyeing is happening March 16 at 10am, but if you want a prime viewing spot I highly recommend getting there before 9am and finding an unobstructed river view between State and Columbus! 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗦𝘁. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝘆𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴: 🍀 bridges between State and Columbus 🍀 upper level of Wacker Dr (esp near Michigan Ave) 🍀 in front of the Apple store 🍀 riverwalk restaurant patios and rooftops (esp LondonHouse | @lhchicago) 🍀 on a boat tour like Shoreline | @shorelinesightseeing 🍀 along the riverwalk (when it opens to the public) Where will you be watching the Chicago river dyeing from?? This is one of the most festive, all-out party days in Chicago so share this Reel with your Leprechaun crew and great ready to have an amazing time! 🍀🍀🍀 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 → @alanainwanderland 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲! . . . #chicagostpatricksday #chicagoriverwalk #thingstodoinchicago #chicagofun #windycity #chicagoloop #chicagothingstodo #chicagoevents #chicagoinfluencer #stpaddys #chicagoriver #chicagofestivals #chicagoviews #chicagophotographer #chicagophotography #chicagoarchitecture #chicagothingstodo #stpatricksday #chicagotravel #visitchicago #chicagolifestyle #stpatricks #stpatricksdayparade #travelinfluencer #chicagorooftop #bestdestinations #alanainchicago #chicagobar #stpaddysday

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY (Chicago edition) 💘🌃✨ how are you celebrating this day of love?? swipe through for beautiful February moments that’ll make you fall in love with Chicago 💘 Blue Cross Blue Shield building lit up for Valentine’s Day (and heart month!) 💘 Garfield Park Conservatory | @gpconservatory adding pretty Valentine’s touches to its indoor gardens 💘 Chicago Jeweler’s Row lit up at sunset (fun fact: I got my wedding band designed at Wedding Bands & Co | @kooroshfinedesign right here in Jeweler’s Row!) 💘 Lyric Opera House | @lyricopera — the ultimate Valentine’s date night in Chicago (last year Jake and I got fancy and went to see the Joffrey Ballet perform here!) 💘 Blue Bottle Coffee | @bluebottle because the way to my heart is through coffee and great views 💘 Coquette Chicago | @coquettechicago dinner date with my love, how perfect is the aesthetic for celebrating Valentine’s Day?! where do you go for romantic vibes in Chicago?? for me it’s as simple as a long stroll through the city at sunset, stopping somewhere for a great meal 😌 // #AlanaInChicago ‪__________‬ ‪📍Chicago, USA 🇺🇸‬ . . . . . . #chicago #valentinesday2024 #chicagorestaurants #windycity #chicagoloop #ThingsToDoInChicago #chicagofood #chicagophotographer #fultonmarket #travelinfluencer #chicagohome #garfieldparkconservatory #chicagolife #chicagofun #westloop #chicagothingstodo #chicagoinfluencer #visitchicago #chicagotravel #chicagotheatre #bluebottlecoffee #chicagotheater #chicagostreetphotography ‬#bluebottle #ChicagoLifestyle #chicagogram #enjoyillinois #chi

5 places in Mexico City that are forever etched in my heart ♥️🇲🇽✈️ [share this Reel with someone who needs to explore Mexico City with you!] 1️⃣ Frida Kahlo Museum | @museofridakahlo — one of the most popular sights in Coyoacan (Mexico City’s oldest neighborhood), the Frida Kahlo Museum (aka Casa Azul) is a must-see if you want to learn more about Kahlo’s art and life and enjoy one of the loveliest gardens in Mexico City 2️⃣ Palacio Postal — if you love over-the-top architecture and design you have to stop into Palacio Postal in the historic central district of Mexico City; the building dates back to 1907 and has been in continuous operation despite regular earthquakes! 3️⃣ Fonoteca Nacional | @fonotecanacional — this National Phone Library is a true Mexico City hidden gem and aims to preserve Mexican culture by safeguarding audio archives; it is headquartered in the stunning Casa Alvarado, an 18th-century building built with Andalusian and Moorish influences 4️⃣ Gran Hotel | @granhotelcdmx — this Mexico City hotel houses a jaw-dropping stained-glass Tiffany ceiling designed by French artisan Jacques Grubera (also don’t miss the Louis XV style chandelier in the lobby and the wrought-iron railings on the first three floors!) 5️⃣ Museum of Anthropology | @mnantropologia (aka Museo Nacional de Antropología) — the largest and most-visited museum in Mexico and one of the best I’ve been to; here you’ll find artifacts and stories from Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage (make sure to see the Stone of the Sun and the Aztec Xochipilli statue + set aside time to enjoy all the gorgeous outdoor spaces!) Have you been to any of these places in Mexico City?? What would you add to this list? 🇲🇽 Save this Reel as inspiration to explore more of Mexico and 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 ➡️ @alanainwanderland 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲! . . . #mexicocity #mexicocityofficial #mexico🇲🇽 #mexicodf #mexicomaravilloso #méxicocity #coyoacan #coyoacán #fridakahlo #fridakahlomuseum #casaazul #palacio #mexicotravel #mexicocreativo #granhotel #museonacionaldeantropologia #cdmx #cdmx_oficial #dondeir #polanco #condesa

CHICAGO VALENTINE’S DAY INSPO 💘🏙️ [share the list below with your Valentine and give them a hint that you want to do something special!] 💕 if your Valentine loves art, take them on a date to the Art Institute of Chicago | @artinstitutechi 💕 if your Valentine loves an incredible view, take them to one of the best views in Chicago at Cloudbar | @cloudbarchicago at 360Chicago | @360chicago 💕 if the way to your Valentine’s heart is through their stomach, take them to a romantic Italian dinner at Alla Vita | @allavitachicago (must try: Rigatoni alla Vodka and Mushroom pizza) 💕 if your Valentine is plant-obsessed, take them to one of the most lush, jungle-like places in Chicago: Lincoln Park Conservatory | @lpconservancy (swipe➡️ for a rare photo do me and my Valentine here!) Jake and i aren’t big on Valentine’s gifts, but we do love using this celebration of love as a reminder to spend time together doing something special in the city — how do you feel about Valentine’s Day?? Any fun plans? 🤍 // #AlanaInChicago ‪__________‬ ‪📍Chicago, USA 🇺🇸‬ . . . . . . #chicago #artinstituteofchicago #valentinesdayideas #windycity #chicagoloop #ThingsToDoInChicago #chicagorestaurants #chicagophotographer #chicagoeats #chicagofoodie #chicagohome #chicagofood #chicagolife #chicagofun #chicagoillinois #chicagothingstodo #chicagoinfluencer #visitchicago #chicagotravel #chicagocreatives #chicagobar #360chicago #chicagoview ‬#lincolnpark #lincolnparkchicago #chicagogram #enjoyillinois #chi

Chicago’s hitting highs in the 50’s Thurs and Fri this week so ya know what that means 🔥🩳👕👙 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 this with someone who thinks Chicago winters are too cold and let them know you’ll be wearing shorts this week + 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 ➡️ @alanainwanderland 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 of the latest Chicago news and the best things to see and do! . . . #chicago #chicagofun #thingstodoinchicago #chicagogram #windycity #chi #chicagoweather #chicagowinter #trendingmeme #trendingaudioreels #chicagoloop #chicagolife #chicagolifestyle

Caravanserai coffee shop transports you to Mexico without ever leaving Chicago, plus it’s a true Chicago hidden gem — most of my coffee obsessed friends had no idea it exists! ☕️🫶🇲🇽 [SAVE this Reel and add it to your Chicago bucketlist!] 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄: 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Caravanserai is located at 2901 W Belmont Ave, Chicago (in the Avondale neighborhood) 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀: think Mexican Villa with colorful tiles + desert plants and massive murals by local artist Jason Brammer | @jasonbrammer (inspired by Mexico’s San Cristóbal) 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁-𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸: the creamy, decadent horchata latte but you also can’t go wrong with any of the chocolatey espresso drinks (a specialty here!) 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱: there’s a daily rotating menu of tamales from local Mexican hot spot Estrella Negra | @cafeestrellachicago and on weekends you can try their signature pozole! There’s also a great selection of sweets from Chicago favs West Town Bakery | @westtownbakery and Do-Rite Donuts | @doritedonuts have you been to Caravanserai yet?? 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘 this Reel with someone who needs to go (or who needs to take you on a Chicago coffee date here 😉) and 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 → @alanainwanderland 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲! . . . #chicago #avondale #thingstodoinchicago #windycity #chicagorestaurants #chicagocoffeeshops #chicagoinfluencer #chicagofoodie #chicagocoffee #bestcoffeeintown #horchatalatte #chicagofoodie #logansquare #lakeviewchicago #darkmattercoffee

anyone else have this song living rent free in their brains?!? 🐢🎷 // #alanainchicago . . . #chicago #thingstodoinchicago #chi #windycity #chicagolife #chicagogirl #chicagoloop #trendingmeme