Things To Do
Green City Market Lincoln Park
The farmers market is open Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm. Lauren & Andy HIGHLY recommend waiting in line for Gayle V’s for grilled cheese or Avrom Farm’s for chicken & waffles.
North Avenue Beach
One of Chicago's most popular beaches with the option to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, bikes, and kayaks, paddle boards, and wakeboards. Be sure to stop in to Castaways for a Chi-ami Vice.
North Buena Deli (Lincoln)
This is one of Lauren and Andy’s favorite lunch spots conveniently located near the venue / Hotel Lincoln. Lauren’s go-to is a chipotle chicken on French, and Andy’s is a Sicilian on French.
Alice & Wonder
Hit Lauren’s favorite local store and design your own hat with custom patches.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Entry to the Lincoln park zoo is free, and the zoo is open 10am - 5pm every day in May. Make sure to check out the carousel and the seal feeding!
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Timed entry tickets are free and required for entry. Advanced tickets are available up to 30 days out.
Annette's Italian Ice
Stop by Annette’s for a sweet treat, but make sure you bring cash! This is one of Lauren’s and Andy’s most visited spots in the summer. Andy’s go-to is the black cherry Italian Fro-Yo, and Lauren’s is the coffee caramel chip.
Shops of Armitage Avenue
Explore Lauren’s & Andy’s street and do a little shopping. Some of their favorite spots are mugsy (for men), bliss & belle, hotel chocolat, and gorjana.
Lakefront Trail
Take a walk on or bike the 26-mile lakefront path. Some fun places to stop along the path are The Dock at Montrose Beach, Clock Tower Cafe, Castaways, Shore Club, Reggie’s, South Shore Social, and Pier 31 (honorable mention as this was where Lauren & Andy caught the boat that Andy proposed on)
Wrigley Field
Catch a cubs game at the friendly confines on Friday at 1:20, or if you’re feeling risky, Saturday at 1:20. Don’t miss the chance to grab a Chicago Handshake before at Murphy’s Bleachers. If you order a hot dog, make sure it’s a Vienna beef, and only apply ketchup at your own risk.
Architecture River Tour
There are tons of companies that do architecture boat tours on the Chicago River. Lauren and Andy have done the Wendella tour (linked below) and had a great time. Plus, kids under four are free! If you have time, grab a drink and bites at the Northman while you’re over there.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a Chicago staple with various attractions, dining, and shopping. You can’t miss the iconic Ferris wheel nor the arguably more iconic boat drinks at Margaritaville.
Shopping at Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile has over 400 shops, and is the shopping hub of Chicago. From Nike, to the Starbucks Roastery, Nordstroms, and the Harry Potter store, there’s something for everyone.
Millennium Park
Check out the iconic Bean (or as some call it, the cloud gate).
Goose Island Salt Shed Pub
Goose Island Pub is located next to the Salt Shed music venue, with a skyline view along Chicago River. It's a great spot to grab beers and a burger. Lauren’s go-to order is a hazy beer hug and a smash burger, and Andy’s is a 312 and a grilled cheese.
Chicago History Museum
Open Tuesday–Saturday from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays from 12:00 - 5:00 pm.
Shedd Aquarium
Located in museum campus, open 9 am - 5 pm.
Adler Planetarium
Located in museum campus, open 9 am - 4 pm
Field Museum
Located in museum campus, open 9 am - 5 pm with last entry at 4 pm. Home to the famous Sue the T-Rex and Maximo the Titanosaur.
Pequod's Pizza
If you’re in the mood for Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza, Lauren’s and Andy’s favorite spot is Pequods. If you have never tried Giardiniera on pizza, you know what they say, when in Rome!
Mr. Beef
As seen on the Bear, Mr. Beef is a Chicago staple serving Italian beefs for over thirty years!
Kasama
Also featured on The Bear, Kasama’s breakfast sandwiches cannot be beat. We would recommend ordering ahead for pickup, otherwise you will likely be waiting in a line. It is also home to Lauren’s and Andy’s favorite tasting menu for dinner.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
The world’s largest Starbucks featuring five floors, including a rooftop terrace. Be sure to hit the third floor’s experimental coffee bar and the fourth floor’s cocktail bar for an espresso martini or matcha margarita (Lauren's personal favorite).
