3 minute read
Take me to the River
1 CHICAGO’S RIVERWALK
Chicago’s outdoor paradise is a sight to see in all seasons. This 1.25-mile stretch of walkway along the waterfront was purpose built for pedestrians to enjoy the terrain and all its features, including six scenic coves. In recent years, new opportunities for dining, lounging and frolicking have opened up, including City Winery (with heated domes in colder temps) and Island Party Hut for a tiki environment. There are also charter boats, leisurely stairs as well as the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum to learn about the rich history.
2 NAVY PIER
This local treasure, which celebrated 100 years in 2016, was originally designed by architect Daniel Burnham as part of his vision to turn the lakefront into public space. Enjoy charter boats including the Odyssey that offers daily dinner cruises, an expansive playground with a Centennial Ferris Wheel to take in the view and indoor activities including the award-winning Shakespeare Theater, the Chicago Children’s Museum and lush Crystal Gardens.
3 CHICAGO KAYAK TOURS
Row, row, row your boat in this exciting urban adventure. In addition to free lessons that make you feel comfortable in your rented vessel, Chicago Kayak Tours arranges unique group tours, from the moonlight and sunset paddles to a Navy Pier fireworks paddle, ghost and gangsters tour and history and architecture tour, each is a great way to enjoy the water while learning more about and experiencing Chicago.
4 LAKEFRONT TRAIL
When you want to take the scenic route, hop on Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile-long stretch of paved ground that abuts beautiful Lake Michigan and is ideal for running, biking and roller blading. The pedestrian-friendly path starts at Ardmore Street (at Sheridan) on the North Side and ends at 71st Street (at South Shore Drive) on the South Side, running through the Edgewater, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, South Loop, Bronzeville and Hyde Park neighborhoods.
The View from Up Top
This is the time of year Chicago residents and visitors look forward to most—summer patio season! While plenty of Chicago restaurants and bars have al fresco dining options, only a few have expansive rooftop space towering high above the city below. Here are a few of our favorites to lounge with seasonal plates and creative drinks, and even take a swim when the temperature gets a little too hot.
VU
As the South Loop’s first rooftop destination, this all-season venue that’s 22 floors above street level offers 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, with a karaoke room, club bar, and solarium bar. There’s also water and fire fountains to enjoy on the rooftop patio with the iconic Chicago skyline as the backdrop. Vu offers a chef-driven beverage program, along with tempting dishes like beet cured salmon, hamachi crudo and chorizo and shrimp toast. 133 E. Cermak Rd.
I/O GODFREY
The indoor/outdoor rooftop restaurant and bar (part of The Godfrey Hotel) recently introduced something truly novel for a Chicago property—CBD-infused cocktails and mocktails. Patrons can add cannabidiol, or CBD oil, to any drink on the bar menu like the Blackberry Basil Mule with vodka, blackberries, fresh basil, fresh lime and ginger beer. A food menu with dishes like vegan lettuce cups and ice cream tacos completes the experience as does the impeccable views. 127 W. Huron St.
CABANA CLUB
The 6th Floor of The Robey Hotel plays host to this scenic lounge space, complete with a pool, that’s open to the public. The rooftop deck has a 360-degree view of the Wicker Park neighborhood where it’s situated as well as the skyline. It features two full service bars, indoors and poolside, with a traditional cocktail menu and frozen delights. Snack fare also includes jalapeño poppers, cucumber salads, popsicles, sandwiches, smoothies and more. 2018 W. North Ave.