By Emmy Conway
Chicagoans don’t waste one second of summer. After months of dealing with chapped skin and icy roads, the locals shed their down coats and spring into public parks, street fests and that gorgeous lakefront trail. Head to Chicago for a memorable summer vacation. You’ll soon see that it ain’t no Second City.
Getting there:
Whether you arrive via plane or car, take the “L,” Chicago’s elevated train system to get around the city. Stations at both O’Hare and Midway airports make it cheap and easy to get into the Loop. For a road trip, park at the city’s Park & Ride lots to avoid pricey downtown parking costs. A ride on the CTA L train costs $2.25 per person or $20 for a 3-day unlimited ride pass.
Where to stay:
Chicago Athletic Association | Photo courtesy of Chicago Athletic Association
The best summer deals for Windy City hotels are in July and August. Stay near Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago at hip new properties like the Chicago Athletic Association or the first of its kind Virgin Chicago which hosts all kinds of cool events in its public spaces.
Elsewhere around town, there are shabby chic budget options like the Freehand (which is helping to redefine the hostel concept) and the ACME Hotel Company as well as luxury options including the Langham Chicago and the Peninsula.
What to do:
Visit the Modern Wing at the Art Insitute of Chicago | Flickr CC: Patrick Morgan
Chicago offers a myriad of free things to do. The lakefront includes 18 miles of open pathways, parks and beaches. One favorite stop is North Avenue Beach with its boat shaped bath house with a bar and live music on the top deck. There’s also the Lincoln Park Zoo, where admission is free year-round.
Another option is to join the locals and attend one of the many free summer festivals including Taste of Chicago (July 6-10) or the Chicago Air and Water show (August 20-21) among many others. Most cultural institutions also have free days designated throughout the year including the Art Institute of Chicago (every Thursday, 5-8pm), the Chicago History Museum (July 4, August 22-25 and August 29-31) and The Field Museum (August 11, 27 and 29).
Navy Pier, which is also free to walk around, has a fireworks show Wednesdays at 9:30pm and Saturdays at 10:15pm through Labor Day weekend.
From one procrastinator to another, it’s never too late to book your summer trip to Chicago!
