27 Places To Check Out In Chicago
Does anyone else get a little bit depressed about their birthday?
Don’t get me wrong, I love having the excuse to go out and celebrate with family. In fact, this year my husband and I are going to Chicago for the weekend. But it’s kind of sad to realize another year has passed, you know? I tend to forget my birthday is even coming up until someone else reminds me and then I struggle internally about whether or not I even want to celebrate it. I mean, all it does is mark another year that I haven’t reached certain goals, and that makes me feel like shit.
But this year is a little different.
This year I have the best husband and partner I could have ever wished for. And I’ve got other big things happening behind-the-scenes in work and in my personal life! So even though I’ve not met all of my goals (and even though my blogging has fallen a little on the wayside recently), I’m really excited to see what 27 brings me.
Since we are headed to Chicago this weekend to celebrate, I asked my travel agent friend and fellow blogger, Sarah Key from The Keys To Travel, for some suggestions. Here’s her list of 27 places to check out in Chicago:
Restaurants
If you’re looking for great food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, check out:
- Have brunch at Over Easy in Ravenswood.
- Try Stan’s Donuts for breakfast.
- Taste the best Mexican food and margs at Big Star.
Breweries & Bars
For the beer and cocktail fanatics, check out these breweries and a local speakeasy:
Outdoor & Recreation
Looking for something outdoors during the warmer months? Try these:
- Kayak down the Chicago River.
- Visit Oak Street Beach.
- Walk around Navy Pier and take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
- Bike the 606 – an abandoned rail line now turned 2.7 walk/bike trail.
- Watch the Chicago River turn green for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Check out Wrigleyville – they recently redid outside the stadium and now there is a lot of outdoor area and things to do.
Entertainment
Just want to have a good time hanging out, watching a show, or at a game?
- Play arcade games at Logan Arcade.
- Laugh at Second City – Chicago Improv where Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and more launched their comedic careers .
- Catch a game at Wrigley Field or Soldier Field.
Family Fun
Needing something a bit more family-friendly? Why don’t you:
- Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo – it’s free!
- Play at the Maggie Daley Park giant play garden.
- Take a traditional photo in the bean at Millennium Park.
- Enjoy ice cream at the iconic Rainbow Cone built in 1926.
- Visit the Shedd Aquarium.
- Explore Museum Campus – where the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium are all located.
Other Attractions
Make sure you check out these really cool places too while you’re in Chicago:
- Step onto the Skydeck – The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the Ledge’s glass box extends 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, 1,353 feet in the air.
- Shop the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Street.
- Go to Garfield Park Conservatory – glass house structure with more than 10,000 plants!
- For the architecture buffs, check out Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio.
Where else do you like to visit when you are in Chicago? Let us know in the comments below!
