Image via Complex Original
Chicago is a playground: beaches, bikes, food festivals, music festivals, block parties, flea markets, art shows, helado men, random drum-lines coming out of nowhere, shooting stars...OK, I’m getting carried away. Whether you’re spending money or just spending time, Chicago has something for everyone. Summer is just around the corner, peeking its shy little head into the skies. And with the warmer days come longer days so, here are 10 ways to enjoy those blissful extra hours.
Corona Extra is not affiliated with any of the events or locations referenced in the above article.
Wicker Park Swag
Wicker Park is perhaps the most dangerously trendy neighborhood in Chicago. Women strut in their boutique-bought piecey outfits, “Is that a blanket with a hole cut in it?” We’ll never know, but, yes, probably. And men ride fixed gears, still, like lone-recluses, wearing stale salvage-denim and probably a big ol’ smelly beard. But, seriously, this neighborhood is popping for a reason: it’s stacked with radical stuff to do. The best in store is without a doubt, July’s Wicker Park Fest. I would suggest starting your WP oriented day with brunch in Logan Square, just a little to the left of the festival (figuratively speaking). Get full on oatmeal pancakes with maple butter to help tide you over for your long, fresh-air-filled day. Entry to the festival is a suggested $5 and the shops inside the blocked Milwaukee Ave. strip are mostly open. Vintage everything. Are you looking for vintage cowboy boots? (Aren’t we all?) There’s an entire store dedicated solely to vintage leather cowboy boots. Back on the festival front, there are live graffiti and mural artists (interchangeable depending on subject matter) creating on the sides of buildings closer toward Paulina St., terrific vendors serving turkey legs, and, of course, music. The 2014 lineup is still TBA, but in the past I’ve seen the likes of El Ten Eleven, L.A. Riots, Flosstradamus, Osmosis, and more. It’s a joyous occasion that will have you exhausted by the end, which, I believe, is the best indicator of having had a long summer day.
Chicago Jazz Festival
Located in the Chicago Cultural Center at Millennium Park, this annual fest is absolutely free. The acclaimed Cécile McLorin Salvant, the youngest performer on the roster this year, is a newcomer to Chicago’s jazz scene and has already created a lot of buzz. The New York Times critiques, “Her voice clamps into each song, performing careful variations on pitch, stretching words but generally not scatting; her face conveys meaning, representing sorrow or serenity like a silent-movie actor.” The fest will also include the out of sight Sun Ra Arkestra, among others.
Andersonville Digs
This iconic Swedish neighborhood has been shifted and shaken in the past fifty years into a buzzing, diverse community of small businesses, young families, and delicious food. While the Swedish influence is still apparent in a few of the shops and the massive flag overarching the strip of Clark St., you’ll find Indian buffets, Polish delis, Italian pizzerias, a crepe restaurant and hookah bar in one, and everything in between. It is one of the few displays of simultaneous youthful hipness and family business humility in Chicago. There is a pretentious gym located in the center of the strip, but their delicious smoothie stand makes up for their incessant Gotye club remixes. There is a small vintage gem located on Clark and Berwyn that houses an impressive collection of vintage sports jerseys, baseball shirts, varsity jackets, and windbreakers. I believe I once saw a wool Jets pullover sweatshirt with a kangaroo pocket. There is also an absurd amount of airbrushed t-shirts depicting Dennis Rodman naked on a motorcycle for around $40. As is the case with most Chicago locales, if you simply turn east and walk four or five blocks you’ll reach the beach. So once you’ve had your fill of superfluous yarn shops, turn to the lake to lay out or watch the sunset.
Rogers Park Adventures
This neighborhood will keep you on your toes as the aesthetic changes drastically from block to block. Devon and Clark is a good place to start the day. Get some breakfast at one of the many diners and soak in the stale scent of last night. Once you’ve set out on your way you’ll see markets, bodegas, and shops selling random computer and microwave parts. Once you reach Broadway the choices that lay before you are all equally optimal, so it’s painful. Albion Beach is a bit to the left and is one of the most intimate spreads of lake and sand in the city. If it’s further into summer and you’re too “beached out” to hit the lake, go south. Broadway has great thrift stores, art shops, a massive antique shop, and…frozen custard. Dinner on Broadway is always ideal because of the invariable outdoor seating. Thai, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Barbecue—whatever you decide, do it outside.
The Taste of Chicago
The Taste of Chicago, or simply The Taste, is a tumultuous time in a young, hungry man or woman’s life. The absolute chaos that is the maze of varying body-types hindering you from efficiently reaching the turkey leg tent makes for a slightly infuriating, yet ultimately satisfying experience. The grandeur of the festival—it is the largest food festival in the world and there’s live music—lies both in its size and startling aromas. I mean, this place permeates savory goodness. Once you’re in, there’s no turning back. Even if you catch yourself in a sea of whiney children begging for snow-cones, just know that there is a decadent, juicy, roasted-to-perfection pulled pork sandwich waiting for you on the other side. As for the attractions, past performers include Chaka Khan, Moby, fun., Slick Rick, Jill Scott, and more. Admission into the festival is free, and food tickets are sold in strips of 12 tickets for $8.
Downtown Shenanigans
Downtown Chicago or “The Gold Coast” certainly has the whole “grabby consumerist” tourist allure, but it also houses some righteous establishments and two of the most attractive beaches I’ve ever laid eyes on. Michigan Ave. runs from Lake Shore Drive (right on Lake Michigan) to Sibley Blvd. The beauty of Michigan Ave. is that for every Gap and Forever 21 you pass, you also pass The Art Institute, SAIC, Millennium Park, Columbia University, and The Water Tower, with gorgeous flower planters and stretches of grass along the way. I am not and have never been an avid museum-goer, nor an advocate for them, but I must say that The Art Institute changed my life; so just do it. The John Hancock building, the tallest in world in 1968, stands at 1,127 feet tall and the restaurant within beholds perhaps the most visually advantageous view of the city. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s the same price (with a better view) as the Sears Tower’s skybox… and there are cocktails.
Uptown Streets
Uptown is the most iconic, historically rich neighborhood in Chicago. At first sight, its streets appear a bit drab, but a warm smile and a “hello” will always be reciprocated. It’s a sweet town with a big heart and tons of legendary stories. If you take the CTA to Wilson, you’ll be right in the heart of Uptown. Take Sheridan to Broadway and hit up the thrift stores or get to Racine Ave. and check out Riviera Theater, The Aragon Ballroom, The Green Mill, and all of the lovely hot dog and taco joints along the way. My dad plays jazz guitar at The Green Mill once a month so I’ve had the pleasure of spending some time there. I would definitely check it out as it’s infamous for being Al Capone’s old smuggling grounds.
The Essential Cubs Game
Even though you probably care little to none about Chicago baseball and even less so about the tragic failures that are the Cubs, attending a Cubs game in the summer is a must. Wrigley Field is a crucial ingredient in fulfilling an authentic Chicago experience. The neighborhood surrounding the stadium is reminiscent of Fenway on a Saturday night minus the Boston accent. Aforementioned, if you want to see true Chicago (Cubs) pride, talk to a Cubs fan. Nothing displays the intensity of one’s love for this city like an amped up die-hard.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Chicago has the best casual food in America, so try to imagine how good the burgers are. By way of the transitive property, if no one nowhere can mess up a burger that bad, then Chicago burgers must be succulent mounds of perfection. It’s math. Roscoe Village Burger Fest has an array of burger stands, live music, and all the radness that lies on Belmont and Damen.
Lush Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is where everyone wants to live when they grow up. Brownstones, perfect cafes and bakeries, an attractive nightlife, a badass zoo, and late night pizza—what more could you want? It is truly a walk in the park. Any direction you may choose, simply start walking and your day will be full of worldly, interesting shops with enticing doo-dads and endearing old pictures. The only must that I demand of you is that you attend a show at The Second City. Whether it’s the resident troupe or a student production, they always come on strong. They incorporate the best, cringe-worthy, unapologetic improv into all of their productions, upholding the classic Second City way. If you get there early, be sure to check out the hall of alumni, including Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch, Stephen Colbert, Jim Belushi, and Keegan-Michael Key.