Things To Do
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs! Wrigley Field is the oldest National League ballpark and has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916. Second best baseball stadium in the Country!
Cloud Gate (The Bean)
Cloud Gate is British artist Anish Kapoor's first public outdoor work installed in the United States. It sits in Millennium Park along the lake front. The 110-ton elliptical sculpture is forged of a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates, which reflect Chicago’s famous skyline and the clouds above. Mainly great for taking selfies.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago's Grant Park. Check out the Modern Wing! Diana's favorites include Joan Mitchell's 'City Landscape' and Nathalija Gontcharova's Spanish Dancer and so many more. Jon likes the lions who guard the front entrance. The museum is free Thursday nights from 6-8PM!
Chicago Riverwalk
Take a leisurely walk along the Chicago River! The riverwalk spans from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street. Check out City winery for a drink along the way.
The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre is a landmark theater located on North State Street in the Loop area of Chicago. If you're on State Street it's worth a stroll by!
Tribune Tower
The neo-Gothic tower that stands on Michigan Ave. The building is famous for having a vast collection of stones from many of the world's most famous structures. Fragments of the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Angkor Wat and Abraham Lincoln’s tomb can be found in the exterior facade of the tower. It's pretty cool to walk around the outside and see the fragments!
Sweet Mandy B's
We've searched far and wide (mostly in Chicago and New York) and this is the place, folks, - best cupcakes you can find. Barry O even agrees!
Lakefront Trail
An impressive 18-mile-long stretch, Chicago's Lakefront Trail is a paved path that extends from Ardmore Street on the North Side to 71st Street on the South Side. Great views if you're up for a walk or jog! Diana loves running along the path. Jon does not run.
Portillo's Hot Dogs
Best Chicago hot dog in town! Get the Italian beef dipped. For 1,000 calories on the side Jon recommends the chocolate cake shake... and cheese fries. #worthit
The Signature Room at the 95th®
Pro tip: Skip the lines and ticket prices at the Willis Tower and check out great views of Chicago at the Hancock Tower in the Signature Room on the 95th floor. All for the low price of one overpriced martini.
Pequod's Pizza
The best true deep dish local pizza (according to Jon). Great weekday lunch special - $6 for a personal deep dish pan pizza and a beer. The caramelized crust is a game-changer. You might see Jon there at lunch on Friday. If you're going here you might as well mosey on over to Sweet Mandy B's for a cupcake after.
Kingston Mines
For the best in live music blues with authentic Chicago bands, run, don't walk - to Kingston Mines. Open till 4AM.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free and great for kids!
Diversey Harbor
Walk around and check out the boats! Jon often fished here and rarely caught anything!
Wendella Boats
Take an Boat Tour for a unique view of Chicago's world class Architecture and unique history
The Purple Pig
One of our favorite restaurants in the city. Make a reservation in advance and try the Pork Neckbone Gravy
Hotel Lincoln
Across the Street from the Lincoln Park Zoo, this hotel has great rooftop bar called J Parker with refreshing cocktails and fantastic views.
Taste of Chicago
HUGE food festival that is free to enter!
Windy City Smokeout
Annual festival that is the same weekend as our wedding! Beer. BBQ. Music.
Southport Art Festival
Street festivals in the summer are always a good bet in Chicago! This festival showcases artwork, live bands, drinks, and neighborhood cuisine. The festival extends from Waveland to Grace on Southport Avenue. Its hours are Saturday, July 14 from 10am–7pm and Sunday, July 15th from 10am–5pm.
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Delicious french inspired steakhouse. One of the best spots in Chicago. Great atmosphere and cocktails. Get the seafood tower if you want to splurge.
Siena Tavern
Great restaurant close to the hotel. Owned by former Top Chef contestant. Great menu of fresh, modern food. Great options for sharing!
RPM Italian
Classy vibes and great homemade Italian food. Highly recommend.
Bongo Room
BRUNCH! Specialty pancakes and unreal eggs benedict. In cool and funky Wicker Park Neighborhood. There is another location in South Loop (30 min walk from hotel or short taxi)
Doughnut Vault
Massive donuts!
Beatrix
Great brunch spot close to hotel with fresh fare and homemade juices.
Sunda
Fantastic upscale Asian food with great cocktails
Green Street Smoked Meats
Best BBQ in the City.