Things To Do
The Art Institute of Chicago
Perhaps the greatest art museum in the world and also where we had our engagement photos taken. If you visit, be sure to look for the artwork in our pictures!
North Avenue Beach
One of Chicago’s most popular beaches within walking distance of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The beach has food vendors, volleyball courts, kayak rentals and more. In the summertime, there’s no better place to be!
Lincoln Park Zoo
A wonderful zoo in the heart of Chicago, and it's always free! We're particularly fond of the lions, red pandas, and polar bears.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo and also free! Designed both to showcase exotic plants and grow the thousands of plants needed for Chicago's parks. The Conservatory and surrounding gardens should be at their best in early June! 🤞🏻
Delilah's
Whiskey bar with good taste in weird movies and the birthplace of our former book club.
La Crêperie
Longtime French bistro specializing in sweet & savory crepes. Mary’s go-to is their crepe with chicken, goat cheese and roasted tomato, while Jack’s regular is the steak frites.
Foursided
Stylish greeting cards and stationery items, plus vintage goods and unique Chicago-themed gifts.
Gramaphone Records
Rub elbows with world famous DJs digging through crates stuffed with electronic music of all stripes.
Music Box Theatre
One of Chicago’s best and most historic movie theaters. We've seen some incredible screenings there—Shrek at midnight with a sold out crowd, Goodfellas private screening party for Jack’s birthday, The Muppet Movie in the back garden, to name a few. We love the MB and go so often that we became members last year!
Tango Sur
BYOB Argentinian steakhouse. We've paired many movies at the Music Box with steak and spinach mashed potatoes from Tango Sur.
The Catcade Cat Cafe & Rescue
A non-profit cat rescue and lounge where you can hang out with cats, play video games, and have a drink. All cats are available for adoption, so maybe someone will take home an extra special souvenir from the Riedy-Gring Wedding… 🤭😉 $17 for one hour of hanging out and heavy petting. Be sure to make a reservation—they fill up quickly!
Pick Me Up Cafe
Funky diner spot right around the corner from our apartment. Excellent breakfast food at all hours, plus sandwiches plus coffee plus cocktails and delicious pie, too!
Uncharted Books
Used book store with a resident dog and a rumored secret room.
Interstellar Space
Excellent used record store specializing in 20th century jazz and rock. Tell 'em Jack sent you.