By Nicole Brewer
Chicago is home to fantastic architecture, divine eats, and some of the best shopping in the world. I called Chicago home for a few years and was never bored there. Summertime Chi is the best due to the array of things that are available to do and the amazing weather. If you are a planning to visit Chicago this summer, there are plenty of things to do and places to stay in the Chi. Go ahead, book a downtown Chicago hotel or venture to the suburbs and enjoy all the charms of this American gem.
Street Festivals
Chicago offers plenty of festivals to enjoy during the summer. Some of the most popular include the Taste of Chicago, the Jazz Festival, and the Chicago Sports Festival. The 2016 Taste runs from July 6th-10th and offers a variety of food to delight your palate, from food trucks to pop up restaurants. Some of the musical highlights this year include the Roots, Billy Idol, and the Isley Brothers. Keep the food festivals rolling by going to the Long Grove Chocolate festival or the Chicago Craft Beer week.
Museums
The Windy City features plenty of museums for art and culture enthusiasts. Head to the Art Institute of Chicago, which offers free entry on Thursdays and features amazing works of art from photography to ancient relics. View archaeological masterpieces at the Field Museum of Natural History, Black culture at the DuSable Museum of African American History, or modern works of science and technology at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Shopping
The city is home to thousands of luxury brands and one of the most famous addresses in the world for shopping on Michigan Avenue, better known as the Magnificent Mile. 900 North Michigan Avenue features luxury shops like Bloomingdale’s and Michael J. Kors. Also on the “Mag Mile” is Water Tower Place, which is home to Macy’s, the Ritz Carlton hotel, and an all glass elevator. Head to State Street and the Loop for more glorious shopping options, including the original Macy’s at State Street (formerly Marshall Field’s) which is a Chicago landmark.
Architecture Tours
Chicago is notably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A huge part of that is due to its architectural masterpieces. Visitors can head downtown to view the famous Marshall Field’s clock or the classic Tribune Tower, which was inspired by the Button Tower of the cathedral of Rouen, France. On a hot summer day, cool off by taking a boat tour with Wendella so you can Chicago’s amazing structures from the comforts of a boat cruise.
Millennium Park
Image via Flickr by Herkie
You can’t come to Chicago and not go to Millennium Park. Take a selfie in front of Cloud Gate, more commonly known by locals as “the bean” or listen to some live jazz at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which was designed by world renowned post-modern architect Frank Gehry. Admire beautiful flowers while taking a walk through the Lurie Gardens, named after the mayor’s late wife. Children also love to cool off on hot summer days by playing in the water in the Crown Fountain.
So regardless of if you’re looking for a chance to enjoy the arts in Chicago or for an opportunity to shop on the Mag Mile, we’ve got you covered with these five things to do in the windy city this summer.
***Please note this is a sponsored post opportunity. All views and opinions are my own.***