Cory & Caitlyn
Things To Do & After Party
Lincoln Park Zoo
What is it? One of the last free zoos in the country, this 35-acre attraction connects visitors with animals from all over the world. Why go? Sure, you could pay for a ticket to a zoo, but more than 1,000 critters are waiting for you to visit them, free of charge, in Lincoln Park. From mammals (beavers, lions, otters and bears) to birds (penguins, eagles and parrots) to reptiles (snakes, crocodiles and turtles), there's something for every animal lover. Don’t miss: The expansive Regenstein Macaque Forest, where snow monkeys swing from branch to branch.
The Second City
What is it? Where Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley and Steve Carell cut their comedic teeth. Why go? Before they joined the cast of Saturday Night Live or became big-screen stars, those folks above practiced their craft on the mainstage at the Second City. The venue's premiere revue features some of the institutions most talented performers in a series of loosely-connected, topical comedy sketches. Don’t miss: Once the show is over, stick around for the encore, where the cast tests out new sketches and get to show off their improv talents.
875 North Michigan Avenue
What is it? The Signature Lounge at the 96th boasts one of the best all-expansive, panoramic views of Chicago. Why go? Instead of paying the $20 to get into the 94th-floor Hancock Observatory, take the bullet-fast elevator up to this 96th-floor bar in the sky and drop that cash on a stiff drink. Perched high over the city, long-popular bar located at the old John Hancock Center (which is now called 875 N Michigan Ave) has huge floor-to-ceilings windows to take it all in. Don’t miss: The panoramic, vertigo-inducing views of the city never get old.
Lost Lake
What is it? A boozy island vacation in the heart of Logan Square. Why go? Escape to a place where the walls are plastered in palm leaves, the bartenders are clad in Hawaiian shirts and drinks are served with a barrage of colorful straws and garnishes. Helmed by bartender Paul McGee, Lost Lake makes a small storefront in Logan Square feel like a much-needed getaway, complete with a shifting menu of tiki drinks that range from strong, rum-forward concoctions to sippable, fruit juice-infused cocktails. Don’t miss: Sharable large-format cocktails that everyone can enjoy.
Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours
What is it? The breeziest way to survey the city's famed architecture. Why go? An architectural tour is a must for any visit to Chicago, and the Chicago Architecture Foundation employs certified volunteer docents who narrate the history behind 50-plus downtown buildings. Hop aboard the Chicago’s river boat architecture tour from its boat docking station located along the beautiful Chicago Riverwalk for the 90-minute tour. Don’t miss: Of course there's a full-service cash bar inside. You can also bring your own (individually wrapped) food.