Allison & David
Things To Do
Bloomingdale Trail
This beautiful 2.7 mile-long walking path is a former rail track that spans several Chicago neighborhoods, including Wicker Park (where Allison lived) and Logan Square (where David lived). David proposed on the section of this walking path overlooking Damen St, one of the first places we explored when we visited Chicago for the first time before moving here.
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
A leisurely but fun and informative cruise along the Chicago River is a great way to see the city and learn about its unique history. We really enjoyed this activity and would highly recommend it!
REI Kayak Launch
Another great option for seeing the city is by kayak. REI offers kayak rentals and a place to launch from, so you can paddle down to the heart of it all but avoid the crowded city streets.
Lakefront Trail
Take a long walk or rent a bike (blue Divvy bikes) along the beautiful Lakefront Trail for great views of the city.
The Second City
Chicago is known for it's comedy scene and Second City is one of the best places to catch a show. Comedy legends including Steve Carrel, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert trained and performed here.
Museum of Science & Industry
There are always plenty of fun exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry, and fun fact - the building was created for the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition (World Fair) held in Chicago.
Garfield Park Conservatory
This oasis of greenery was always a welcomed break during Chicago winters, but is a worthwhile stop any time of the year!
Logan Square Farmers Market
This was one of our favorite farmer's markets in the city, and was luckily just a few blocks from David's apartment in Logan Square. Plenty of delicious food to try!
Katherine Anne Confections
If you're a chocolate lover, this spot has the best everything chocolate in the city!
Bake
This was a frequent stop for us on weekend mornings as it was conveniently located just down the block. Some of the best scones and quiches you will ever have!
Small Cheval
Simply the best griddle burgers you'll ever have. This was our go-to guilty pleasure and was dangerously close to where we lived.
Pequod's Pizza
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, with the most popular being Giordano's and Lou Malnati's, but we found one of our favorites to be Pequod's!
Fatso's Last Stand
In addition to deep-dish pizza, Chicago hot dogs are another culinary specialty of the area. One of our favorite hot dog stands was just up the street from Allison's first apartment, but if you don't make it here, any hot dog stand throughout the city makes for a great lunch!
Dark Matter Coffee - The Mothership
Without a doubt our favorite coffee roaster in the city, which we discovered when Allison first lived in Ukrainian Village/West Town. If you don't make it here to their roasting site, keep an eye out for their logo at various cafes and restaurants in the city as a sign of great coffee!
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
A fantastic local brewery with delicious bar snacks, including authentic Wisconsin cheese curds!
Map Room
Laidback neighborhood beer bar with a great selection of craft and imported Belgian beers on tap. This was another stop for our celebrations on the day of our engagement.
The Violet Hour
This "hidden" cocktail bar is known for its creative drinks and secluded atmosphere where cell phones are discouraged so that patrons focus on the company present. Look for a large door painted as part of a mural for the entrance and you're in for a treat.