Chicago: Fun and Interesting Facts
Top 10 Things to do in Chicago this Summer!
Stow the boots and put away the layers, summer is coming to Chicago. Give yourself a pat on the back for surviving another winter, and start planning your summer in this fabulous city.
1. Relax at Northerly Island
Head to Northerly Island for a relaxing afternoon that could turn into a gorgeous evening show at Charter One Pavilion (1300 S Lynn White Drive). This spot is one of Chicago’s lesser known but perhaps best outdoor music venues in the summer months. Northerly Island was part of Daniel Burnham’s original plan for Chicago in 1909, but was converted into a private airstrip in the mid 20th century. In 2003, Mayor Daley demolished the airstrip in a somewhat controversial move, and quickly returned the area to its former beauty. With a summer lineup that thus-far consists of O.A.R., Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benetar, Styx and Kansas, there’s no reason not to pick up some tickets and head down to watch a show at the sun goes down over the gorgeous Chicago skyline, with the refreshing lake breeze at your back.
2. Picnic an afternoon away at Ravinia
On the same outdoor music theme, no Chicago summer is complete without a trip North to Ravinia in Highland Park, IL. This venue has an excellent lineup in 2010 that ranges from Enchanting Chopin to JethroTull, and includes everything in between.
As their website self-describes, “Since 1904, Ravinia has been Chicago’s ‘sound of summer’, a place where you can meet up with your friends, have a wonderful time and hear some of the greatest music in the world. We’ve got stars on the stage and stars in the sky, and it’s all within your reach. But there’s more to Ravinia than merely the world’s greatest music. For as many people who walk through Ravinia’s gate each summer, there are just as many ways to enjoy what we call “The Ravinia Experience.” For some, it all starts with a picnic picked up along the way, followed by a hop on the train and greeting your friends at your favorite spot on the lawn. Gradually, day turns into evening, and from the comfort of your perfect lawn spot, it culminates in a great concert by candlelight as you gaze at the stars above.”
3. Practice your swing
Hit a bucket of balls at an urban driving range. Head over to Diversy Harbor (141 W. Diversy Parkway) to Diversy Driving Range. Located slightly south of the Sydney R Marovitz golf course, this is the perfect spot to start the season and warm up those swinging arms. It’s also a great spot to blow off some steam after a long day staring out the windows at the office dreaming about how great it would feel to have an outdoor job.
The Diversy Driving Range offers a Two Tier Range with five target greens, covered and heated stalls and PGA instruction. The range is open year round, and also has an adjacent mini golf course to keep the kids (in all of us) entertained.
4. Outdoor theater on the lake
Go see a show at Theater on the Lake. We’ve all walked, run and cycled by the seemingly abandoned prairie style building in Lincoln Park at Fullerton and Lake Shore Drive. But what is it?
Constructed in 1920, the building was originally a recuperation ward for babies recovering from Tuberculosis. During WWII, it was a USO center for soldiers and sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. For many years, it was unoccupied.
In 1996, the Chicago Park Districtand Theater on the Lake began inviting professional theatre companies to remount their best works at the facility. Both Steppenwolf and SecondCity, and some of the city’s most ambitious and promising companies were showcased at Theater on the Lake.Today, Theater on the Lake features 8 plays in 8 weeks during the summer months.Call the Box Office for scheduling information at (312) 742-7994.
5. Reminisce about the goold old days
Go to a drive-in movie! So it’s a bit of a hike, but in my mind, completely worth the trek. Both the Cascade Drive-In, in West Chicago and the McHenry Drive-In, in McHenry are approximately 50 miles outside of downtown Chicago. But who can put a mileage limit on a night under the stars with a car stocked full of movie-food? Both theaters show double features, and Cascade Drive-In allows patrons to rent a grill for the evening and barbecue during the latest movies! McHenry is open seasonally from May to September, while Cascade is currently open for the season.
6. Get back in the saddle
Bike the North Branch Trail in Chicago. Jump on the Trail at Foster or Devon, and ride the paved or unpaved trails 13 miles north to the Botanic Gardens. Stop in the gardens for a picnic lunch and recharge for the trip back south. Head over to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County website (www.fpdcc.com) to get the South and North trail maps. This path loosely follows the Chicago River, and although entirely surround by urban and suburban land on either side, feels as if you’re in a woodland wonderland. If you’re seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city but aren’t sure how to do it – the North Branch Trail is the answer.
Rider tip: Make sure you’re not picking up a gusty tailwind or you’ll be in for a vicious headwind on the ride back.
7. Go Kayaking!
Head over to North and Magnolia, across from the Home Depot for some quick kayaking instruction, and a dip in the sparkling (?) Chicago River. Although my paddle once struck a dead fish, I kept going back to Kayak Chicago (www.kayakchicago.com) for more. Growing up in New Hampshire, I have an innate love for the outdoors. And I’ve loved recreational kayaking since I was young. However, there is nothing that compares to winding down the Chicago River, passing landmarks like Cabrini Green and the Merchandise Mart, while 20 feet below land. The river is strangely quiet, but for the occasional cars driving over the rickety metal bridges above. The city takes on an entirely different life from the river and it’s not something to be missed.
8. Get down under!
Get scuba certified and make the most of Lake Michigan this summer. Dive Chicago offers scuba certification as well as Wreck Diving Charters for those already certified. Check out their site for an extensive list of wrecks off the coast of Chicago (www.divechicago.com).
9. Ice Cream, iCream?
Cool down at Wicker Park’s hottest new concept, iCream (yes, the ‘i’ is lowercase, and the “C” is capitalized – so you know it must be cool). Located at 1537 N Milwaukee, this place uses liquid nitrogen, commercial mixers and a little bit of magic to create custom ice cream on the spot. This isn’t some cold stone ripoff. These guys make the actual ice cream base, to order!
Step 1: Select your base: regular ice cream, reduced-fat, soymilk, non-fat yogurt, low-fat yogurt, or sorbet
Step 2: Choose your flavor identity: add any one or more of iCream’s distinct flavors and mix-ins to make the creation your own.
Step 3: Add a burst of color: throw in food-safe coloring to give your treat some added identity
10. Taste Chicago
Stop eating now in preparation for the Taste of Chicago 2010. Spanning ten days, there is no excuse not to spend at least one day at Grant Park between June 25 and July 4. This festival includes restaurants from all over Chicago serving up their best dishes to salivating, ticket-holding crowds of Chicagoans and visitors alike. The best way I can think to describe the Taste of Chicago is in the famous song of Templeton, the lovable rat from Charlotte’s Web.
“A fair is a veritable smorgasbord orgasbord orgasbord
After the crowds have ceased
Each night when the lights go out
It can be found on the ground all around
Melon rinds and bits of hotdogs
Cookie crumbs and cotton candy
Melted ice cream, mustard drippings
Lots of popcorn, apple cores
Banana peels and soggy sandwiches
And gobs of gorgeous gook to gobble at the fair”
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