Elizabeth & Matthew
Things To Do
Bridgeport
Our favorite neighborhood in the city and where we call home! Start your day with coffee from our favorite cafe, Bridgeport Coffee. Then head over to the Zhou B Art Center (open M-Sat from 10-3). For dinner, check out Antique Taco for delicious food (shrimp tacos are a must have!) and cocktails. Maria’s Packaged Goods and Marz Brewery are great places for a night cap! All these spots are within a mile of each other and right down the street from Bridgeport Art Center and our first apartment.
West Loop
After Bridgeport, the West Loop is our favorite neighborhood for dining out! Randolph Street is filled with shops, amazing restaurants, and bars. Some of our favorites are Little Goat Diner, Au Cheval (best burger in Chicago!) and Green Street Smoked Meats!
Millennium Park
Located directly across the street from the Chicago Athletic Association, Millennium Park is full of holiday spirit during the winter time! Grab some hot cocoa at a local cafe and take a walk through the park to see Cloudgate (aka The Bean), Pritzker Pavilion venue, and the glass block “living” faces. Afterwards, rent some ice skates and enjoy the holiday decor and skyline views from the ice rink!
Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center (formerly the Chicago Library) is truly worth a visit! The internal marble/mosaic work and the Tiffany glass dome easily makes it one of our favorite buildings in the city! It is only two blocks north of the Chicago Athletic Association.
Chicago Architecture Center
Architecture tours are a great way to see the city and the Chicago Architecture Center does them the best! On December 1st, 10:15 a.m. they have tour of the Chicago Athletic Association for $30.
Field Museum
One of our first dates was at the Field Museum. We’ve both been here many times and there is always something new to explore!
Broadway In Chicago
Chicago is home to some of the finest theaters. The Auditorium Theater is about a 10 minute walk south of the Chicago Athletic Association and the Cadillac Palace Theater is a 15 minute walk west.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Another one of our first dates was at the Art Institute and it happens to be just one block south of the Chicago Athletic Association. The Thorne Miniature Rooms is a must see.
Live Music
If you need to hone your dancing skills before the wedding, there are plenty of great venues in the area where you can catch some fantastic live music. Thalia Hall is one of our favorite venues in the city, and is located 2 miles north of the Bridgeport Art Center in the Pilsen neighborhood. If you happen to be in the West Loop, you can catch a show at the Bottom Lounge, City Winery, or Cobra Lounge. If time is tight and you want to stay in the Loop, Jazz Showcase or Buddy Guy's Legends might be good options. Reggie's is also pretty close by in the South Loop.
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Zoo is always a good time and will be decked out with holiday lights in December!
The Second City
Located in Old Town, (about a 10 minute car ride from the Chicago Athletic Association) Second City offers a ton of different shows to choose from.