Molly & Marty
Things To Do
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute is hands-down our favorite museum in Chicago - and it's a close walk from our wedding venue, The Blackstone! You can marvel at masterpieces by Matisse, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Monet. And don’t miss the magical miniature rooms—Molly’s all-time favorite exhibit!
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Another one of our all time favs! The Driehaus is like stepping into a Gilded Age time machine—Nestled in a jaw-dropping mansion just off the Mag Mile, this hidden gem is packed with dazzling Tiffany glass, ornate woodwork, and vintage vibes. It's part art museum and part history tour - If you're into architecture, design, or the finer things of the 19th-century, it’s an absolute must-see.
Wendella Tours & Cruises
You can’t visit Chicago without doing the architecture boat tour! Cruise along the river, take in the epic skyline, and hear all kinds of fun stories about the city’s past—like Al Capone’s gangster days and the infamous Great Chicago Fire (spoiler: it may or may not have started with Mrs. O’Leary’s cow 🐄). We love it every time! Book tickets in advance - this is one of the most popular activities to do in Chicago!
Emerald Loop Bar & Grill
We don’t typically send our favorite people to spots in the Loop — it’s not our usual scene — but Emerald Loop is the exception. This bar has won us over with its perfect vibe: Marty’s ideal playlist, ranging from Led Zeppelin to Kendrick Lamar, and the best draft Espresso Martinis in town for Molly. It also holds a special place in our hearts — it’s where we ended up sitting at the bar after shopping for the ring on Jeweler’s Row. Emerald Loop turned out to be just the right spot to laugh and talk about our next exciting step and future together.
Gold Coast
We love strolling through the Gold Coast—it’s classic Chicago charm with some of the city's best shopping and dreamy streets to explore Chicago's best real estate. Favorite Street to Walk: North Astor Street Our Cocktail Spot: Sparrow – a cozy, vintage cocktail bar. Best Spot to Eat & Sip: The Viagra Triangle (if you know, you know 😉) – featuring favorites like The Bellevue & Hugo’s Frog Bar) Great Brunch or Lunch Spot: 3 Arts Club Café (inside RH) – Chic spot set in a glamorous courtyard with chandeliers More Bars to Visit: Butch McGuire's & The Lodge
Lincoln Park
Favorite Streets to Walk: Armitage Avenue (Between Halsted & Racine) & Clark Street Our Favorite Hangout: Ranalli’s – 1925 N Lincoln Ave This is our go-to spot and home to what we consider the best patio in all of Chicago. It’s where we gather almost weekly for date nights and hangouts with friends. Our must-order Ranalli's items to share: Hot Honey Soppressata Pizza Fries with Garlic Aioli on the side Brussels Sprout Salad Another Restaurant we Love: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Free Things to Do: The highlight of Lincoln Park is, without a doubt, the park itself. Enjoy a day exploring the Lincoln Park Zoo, the scenic Nature Boardwalk, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, & North Ave. Beach — all free to visit.