The Great Outdoors

Like other urban areas, Chicago has its fair share of concrete and storefronts. Fortunately, it is also an area devoted to maintaining spaces that are free of the influence of city living. While there are many little slices of green dotted throughout the city’s neighborhoods, there are also enormous parks that can simulate life in the country for even the busiest of professionals.

Certainly the largest and, perhaps also the most idyllic, of these spots, Lincoln Park lines the lakefront of a neighborhood with the same name. It encompasses about a thousand acres of land, and therein truly lies something for everyone. Of course, the easiest way to enjoy it is to take a simple stroll down the paths by the lake. (Keep an eye out for exercisers—make sure that you don’t get in their path!) Plant and flower enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Lincoln Park Conservatory and its adjacent Shakespeare Garden, which is truly a sight to behold. Those who enjoy fine dining might stop in the North Park Restaurant, inspired in the Mission-style of design, the James Beard award-winning Owner | Executive Chef. Bruce Sherman, is committed to serving the freshest and most wholesome of ingredients. Reservations are definitely recommended.

Toward the north end of the land is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is beloved by children and adults alike. There are a good variety of animals and exhibits, including playful polar bears and a stunning new ape reserve. While the zoo is open every day and is always free, attendance on weekends, especially in the high trafficked months of the summer, tends to be incredibly crowded. Thus, you may want to make a concerted effort to go on a weekday.

Other popular areas among Chicagoans are Millennium and Grant Parks, which are on the lakefront just off South Michigan Avenue. While it took longer to complete than the city originally anticipated, most people would agree that the new additions of Millennium were well worth the wait. There is a rink dedicated to ice skating in the winter, and al fresco dining in the warmer months. Massive outdoor art, which incorporates cutting-edge technology, is permanently on display.

The south side of Millennium Park edges into Grant Park, an especially fun place during the summer, when the orchestra puts on free concerts. Periodically, there are large-scale blues, jazz and gospel music festivals held on the grounds, as well as, the city-sponsored outdoor film series which runs weekly throughout the summer. Of course, you’ll also want to catch a glimpse of the city’s enviable attraction, that of Buckingham Fountain.