#ChicagoforOne: New Yorker Celebrates Buddy's Bachelor Party Alone

New York resident Robert Chernow was expecting to have a blast in the “Windy City” over the extended Labor Day weekend for a buddy's bachelor party, but fate would have none of it. 

Jake Katz, friend of Chernow and groom-to-be, could not make it to Chicago on schedule and instead arrived two days late — thanks to flight delays — leaving poor Chernow to fend for himself. But, instead of sitting around his hotel room moping (or binge watching Netflix), Chernow took in Chicago Cubs and Bears games, visited Navy Pier, made new "friends," and dined at various food establishments in the area. Alone. 

He documented his (apparently not-so-fun) time on his Instagram account, which quickly accumulated over 14,000 followers over the holiday weekend, using the hashtag #ChicagoForOne. 

Click through the pictures of his semi-enjoyable adventure below.

 

Hey @notjake_fromstatefarm, thanks for inviting me to your bachelor party and then having your flight get canceled so I'm the only one here! Let's go Bears! #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 3, 2015 at 3:42pm PDT

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This is Audrey and Nicolette. Even though I didn't sign up for the Master Card they were promoting, they still gave me a Bears schedule magnet because they felt bad and as Nicolette said "this will look good on your mini fridge. (Beat). You seem like someone with a mini fridge". Thanks, Audrey & Nicolette! #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 3, 2015 at 6:57pm PDT

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This is Theresa. She works at Portillo's (which I've been told on Tinder has the best italian beef sandwich in town). According to Theresa, "these sandwiches are normally meant to be shared, but you seem sad enough to finish one by yourself". Thanks, Theresa! #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 3, 2015 at 8:51pm PDT

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This is Chad. He's the ticket agent for the 360 Degree Experience at the John Hancock Tower. According to him "the panoramic views of the city are unforgettably breathtaking...except when the fog rolls in...like this morning". Thanks, Chad! #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 4, 2015 at 7:15am PDT

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This is Aryana. She assures me that "the bus will be here soon. Just wait."...I've heard that one before. Thanks, Aryana! #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 4, 2015 at 9:21am PDT

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Just as 'Captain on the Helm' at #Navypier searches for new land, I search for new friends #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 4, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

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This is Clark! He's my new friend! He's also contractually obliged to not speak... This is going well. #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 5, 2015 at 11:07am PDT

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In keeping with the tradition of this trip, I wanted to continue to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. That's why I was so excited when my uber driver, Rafael, recommended Whirlyball. "It's a mix of jai alai and basketball played in bumper cars...that means you don't have to run at all (looks me up and down)........so you should be okay." Unfortunately, he forgot to tell me you need other people to play... Thanks, Rafael! #chicagoforone

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 5, 2015 at 10:16pm PDT

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This is Jake. He's the bachelor who's party I've been celebrating. After spending 40+ hrs in flight purgatory he has finally arrived and was so excited that he couldn't help scream "thanks for making my weekend all about you". You're welcome, Jake...welcome to your bachelor party! #chicagowithfriends On a side note - I'd like to thank everyone for their unwavering support in my time of loneliness. Chicago is an amazing city with even more amazing people. I've had 2 days to experience this first hand and now I'm asking that you show the bachelor the same hospitality! He's been cooped up in a hotel in Queens since yesterday and now only has 48 hrs to make up for lost time! I'll keep posting where we are and if you can come meet up, have a drink and help us give him the best damn bachelor party ever! Thanks, everyone!

A photo posted by Robert Chernow (@rwchernow) on Sep 4, 2015 at 5:31pm PDT

Needless to say, Chernow’s friends finally caught up to him and the weekend was saved.

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