Things To Do
Bridgeport: Cria & Josh’s Neighborhood!
- Maria’s Bar (right down the street from our house!) - Gospel Brunch at the Polo Inn on Sundays - Palmisano Park - Jackalope Coffee and/or Base Coffee at the Bridgeport Arts Center - Shopping at So Happy You’re Here, Bridgeport Records, Augustine’s Spiritual Shop, and Tangible Books (where Josh hosts a monthly experimental music gathering!) - ChiTown Movies drive-in theater—order food and drinks to your car while watching classics like Shrek, Mean Girls, Jurassic Park, or Back to the Future - Marz Brewing, with great beer and a free arcade!
Pilsen
- 5 Rabinitos and the Frida Room are two of our favorite spots to eat - The National Museum of Mexican Art is a must-see — and it’s free! - The Textile Discount Outlet is a treasure trove for anyone into textiles or art supplies - Wander around to soak in the amazing murals all over the neighborhood - Pilsen Community Books, a cozy local gem
Hyde Park
- Home to Josh & Cria’s favorite spot in all of Chicago: the Point! (Promontory Point on Google Maps) — the ultimate place to swim year-round and just relax - Medici on 57th is delicious and has a great vibe - This neighborhood has some great bookstores, like 57th Street Books (right next to Medici) and Powell’s Books - The University of Chicago campus is beautiful and often hosts cool events
Chicago Parks!
We highly recommend exploring Chicago’s beautiful parks! The city’s green spaces are full of life — from coyotes and flying squirrels to the endangered Rusty Patch Bumble Bee and around five species of bats. To find a park near your lodging, check out this guide: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/park-finder
Downtown / The Loop
- The Chicago Athletic Association’s 2nd Floor Lounge is open to the public, with a gorgeous atmosphere and great snacks and drinks — right across from… - The Bean and Millennium Park, which are just steps away from... - The Cultural Center, known for its stunning tile work and a small free museum - We highly recommend the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History (Cria’s favorite - she worked there restoring Uintathere fossils in college!), and the Shedd Aquarium - The river architecture tours are absolutely incredible - Gotham Bagels serves up bagels so good they rival New York quality
Places to See Music!!
- Elastic Arts* - Constellation* - The Hungry Brain* *These three great spots for experimental music (and spots you will often see Josh performing at!) - The Hideout - Thalia Hall - The Beat Kitchen - The Empty Bottle