Scout & Joshua
Things To Do
Museum Campus Drive
At the south-east corner of downtown, Grant Park leads into what is known as Museum Campus, a peninsula that houses 3 world-renowned science museums: the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. You can really spend the better part of a day in any one of them, so we wouldn't recommend trying to cram all of them in the same day. For the ambitious, there is also the option of purchasing the Chicago CityPASS, which covers tickets to multiple museums and sights around the city and saves some money on buying tickets for each location individually.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the only free admission zoos in the United States, is fun for the whole family. Winter at Lincoln Park Zoo includes their annual, family-orientated holiday celebration, ZooLights, featuring dazzling light displays and holiday-season festivities. You can enjoy musical light shows, live ice-sculpting demos, carousel rides, train rides, Ferris wheel rides, Light Maze, holiday drinks and snacks, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and more!
The Second City
Located in the Old Town neighborhood, the famous Second City improv theatre gave a start to many of the biggest names in comedy such as Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, and Stephen Colbert. They offer an ever-changing series of live improv shows that start from afternoon/early evening to late at night.
The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the most popular Chicago destinations and rated #1 Museum in the World on TripAdvisor, the Art Institute is fun for art lovers of any kind. The museum includes an impressive Impressionist exhibit and a massive modern and contemporary art wing.
Willis Tower Skydeck
A classic Chicago tourist destination, we recommend standing in a glass box suspended 1,353 feet above the city.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is home to the infamous "Bean" and the setting for a combination of sculpture, architecture, and landscape design. In the winter there are two options for ice skating: a classic rink in front of the Bean or the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon situated closer to the lake.
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is a 20-acre public park located right next to Millenium Park. It boasts a large playground for children and an ice skating ribbon which is popular with both locals and tourists.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a 3,300 foot long pier located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. You can take a ride on the Centennial Wheel, watch a play in the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, take the kids for an adventure in the Children's Museum, or take a winter cruise on New Year's Eve.
Winter Wonderfest
One of the most popular attractions this time of year is the Winter Wonderfest, also located at Navy Pier. A large room is transformed into an indoor snowy wonderland, which features an ice rink, a rock climbing wall, bouncy houses, a carousel, and sugar cookie decorating to name a few. My family has created many fond memories here in past years.
Macy's Holiday Windows
Macy's on State Street creates beautiful holiday-themed windows every year. This area is always decorated with Christmas lights and is located a short walk from Millenium Park.
Luxbar
A neighborhood bar in Chicago with a dynamic scene, great people watching and all-American food within walking distance of the ceremony.
Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
Union combines the tempered art of Japanese dining with a fresh, colorful and urban vibe. Embracing an American warmth and personality, this playful juxtaposition reveals a restaurant that is welcoming, accommodating and stylish.
Bernie's Chicago
A stylish destination for chef-driven Mediterranean fare & artisanal cocktails. *Fun fact* Scout worked here for 2 months in 2016! We highly recommend the Sunday brunch, but this adorable chef-owned restaurant has amazing food no matter the time of day.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Scout's favorite pizza place located within walking distance of the ceremony. Lou Malnati's has been a premier destination for Chicago deep dish since 1971!
Portillo's Hot Dogs
Portillo's is home to America's favorite Italian beef, burgers, salads, Chicago-style hot dogs, and (another personal favorite) chocolate cake shakes. You cannot leave Chicago without visiting Portillo's
R.J. Grunts
The burgers are some of the best in town. RJ Grunts is known as the home of the salad bar, which boasts more than 50 ingredients daily. Giant malts and milkshakes are hand scooped and come in a rainbow of colors and flavors.
Sunny Side Up
This adorable breakfast place is just a block away from our ceremony location, the perfect place to grab a quick brunch with family after liturgy!
Tempo Cafe
Tempo is the neighborhood's 24-hour diner, located only 3 blocks away from the ceremony location. It is very popular, especially on weekends.