Summer Fun in Chi-Town
TravelI was born in one of the best cities in the US. But moved when I was 16 and never experienced the Windy City as an adult. My favorite time to visit Chicago is of course the summer. I guarantee you’ll never have a shortage of things to do.
The first thing I like to do is have a deep-dish Chicago pizza since you’ll be getting thousands of steps in during your visit in summer. It’s the best way to carb up! Growing up Giordano’s was a family favorite. Although, the last few visits I’ve given Lou Malnati’s some love and haven’t been disappointed. Definitely, try the butter crust! Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s both have locations all over Chicago. The best part is if you fall in love with their pizza, you can have one shipped to you.
If the Cubbies are in town playing a game at Wrigley, YOU must experience the sea of Cubs fans. Wrigley Field is the second oldest ballpark after Fenway in Boston. Get your tickets here.
There’s so much to see in Chicago’s Downtown in summer, that picking a hotel in the city is my recommendation. The Pendry Kinzie and Ivy are a few hotels that are walk able to all my favorite spots or a quick cab/Uber ride to your next adventure.
If you want to take a break from the city life for a day there are several suburbs like Evanston (where I was born) and Elmhurst that are worth a stop all made very easy by jumping on the train. Make sure you download your Ventra app.
Check out the Top 10 Chicago Northern Suburbs.
The best way to see all of the spectacular architecture in Chicago is on a boat tour. Jim is a great tour guide for Shoreline. Every time I take this 90-minute tour, I learn something new about my hometown. Have your camera ready for all the great opportunities for pictures on this summer tour.
After the architecture boat tour, you can grab lunch on the rooftop of the LondonHouse which is a short walk away. It’s been voted one of the top rooftops in Chicago, and sits at the corner of North Michigan Ave. and Wacker Drive. It’s near Millennium Park, Art Institute, and Merchandise Mart.
Let’s keep the theme of the best places to check out city views in Chicago going. You have two options for that perfect Instagram or Tik Tok shot.
What was formerly known as the Hancock Tower now 360 Chicago has food and drinks.
The Willis Tower is the taller of the two buildings, has a cool experience called the Skydeck. Although it’s been renamed, will always be known in my book as the Sears Tower.
River North is a fun neighborhood near the North Side. You can take a stroll along the water or jump in a water taxi and find a spot to grab ice cream, drinks, or dinner. Don’t forget to enjoy Art on the Mart – there’s a free nightly show at 9pm and 9:30.
Some popular spots for dinner or drinks include Girl and the Goat, Ema, Arbella, Three Dots and a Dash. For a fun weekend brunch spot check out Fremont.
For live music check out the Bassment.
If you are in the mood for an activity, how about a cooking class at the Chopping Block or an Escape Room?
My favorite part of this trip was visiting the Morton Arboretum. Which has an exhibit by South African artist Daniel Popper called Human + Nature. The five sculptures are memorizing.
Spread across the 1,700 acres at the Morton Arboretum just outside of Chicago the five enormous figures are made of constructed of wood, glass-reinforced concrete, fiberglass, and steel. The sculptures stand out against all the beautiful green landscape and pay homage to nature’s endurance and diversity. This is Popper’s largest exhibition to date and is expected to run for a year. You must experience this exhibit in person.
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