Summer in Chicago has officially passed. With Fall here and frozen nipples on the horizon, I know I will miss my first Chicago Summer deeply.
Thus, today we remember those days, events and experiences that have passed away with the summer days as I countdown My Top 10 Chicago Summer Loves!
10. Castaways
A shipwrecked cruise liner on North Ave. Beach provides the most gorgeous atmosphere. Beach breeze in your hair, looking forever across Lake Michigan and eating succulent lobster rolls on a multilevel boat encompasses this experience that is only imagined in dreams and movies. Rumor has it that the Real World Chicago 2014 frequents there on Sundays... obviously for good reasons.
9. FroYo
Though the picture might make you want to vomit, fro-yo became the go-to treat for mis amigos y yo. Whether through a mid-day excursion or with the city lights of night upon us, we conquered healthy helpings as well as indulged in some near 2,000 calories. But like Elsa butchly belting from her mountain top, ice castle, sometimes you just got to "Let it Go".
8. Mercedes Benz Evolution Tour
Nothing is better than something that is free. This event was a freeloader's wet dream. As a promotion event by
Mercedes Benz, money flew out of pockets to make this a night to remember.
It worked!
With open bar, orderves, apparal and professional photos came a spectacular full length concert from Young the Giant!!! Although I never really dabbled in more of Young the Giant than Cough Syrup and My Body, I do now. This performance amazed; A true spectacle! I am now a fan and look forward to the next Mercedes Benz event.
7. Beach
Winter never even crosses the minds of those whose feet toast softly against a field of soothing sand. Laying-out at one of the numerous, ocean-like beaches relaxes even the overworked stress balls of the world. Towel out, lotion on, shades set and sit back as you breathe in the brisk lake breeze for a few hours of rejuvenation and bliss.
If feeling sporty, beach volleyball at North Ave. or Hollywood Beach is a must! Be prepared to see sand in your sheets from the hidden crevice, sand-shed for at least the next week (though, not nearly as brutal as the Ke$ha glitter war of 2012).
6. Market Days
North Halsted's Market Days is one of the nation's largest, neighborhood street festivals. It does not disappoint. Like an acid party on crack, this fest is too much to comprehend.
My favorite part embraces music as the concert line-up involved true satisfaction for all generations. From Aaron Carter to Karmin to Neon Trees and Debra Cox, the line-up amazed me for being so cheap! Neon Trees rocked my world!
5. Taste of Chicago
Frog legs, gazpacho and frozen chocolate covered bananas can make anyday into an adventure. Whether it's finding a new food addiction or puking on pedicured toes, taste buds tingle with the Grant Park fave. Working across the street from the masses made going out to lunch incredibly irresistible. Morning eyes eyed clock hands harder than super models eying nachos as we all waited for the time to engorge ourselves with worldly bliss. Outdoor cooking expos and concerts entertained as well, but my main focus will always be the edibles.
4. Taco Fest
The surprise of the season!
Just as summer came down her final stretch, West Lakeview wowed with it's impressively unique event in between Addison and Roscoe on Southport. From big-headed, little people to Mexican wrestling and tacos galore, the second-annual Taco Fest KO'd the summer!
Oh, the world's best bacon-flavored hot sauce was there too! ... so I got a bottle :)
Mmmmm BACON with HEAT!!!!!
3. Cabin in Poundtown
I'm not gonna go into details on this one as it entailed too many "entertaining" experiences. Every summer needs a road trip with friends. It just so happened that our summer road trip included a rented lake house in Pound, WI and 20 friends.
The best part of any road trip is becoming closer with friends through the long hours of transport and navigation as well as the many stops of pure adventure along the way. Our car, Patrick's Shipp, turned into #sushisundays, late night fro-yo and scary movie marathons for the rest of the summer and into fall. This is when #WildCHIld was born.
2. Walking Everywhere
Chicago is made for walking. With no hills and a Divvy bike share program on every block, walking/pedaling everywhere just makes sense!
Walking in the statue garden at Grant Park for lunch was a daily must! Silver nude statues give even the loneliest cat ladies a feeling of company. If I'm not feeling nudes for the day, the fountains provide serenity as I usually stare into them for 40 minutes before realizing the pigeons circling around me.
Another love was neighborhood exploring! Chicago reigns in diversity when it comes to neighborhood personalities. Hipster, country, frat, corporate, gay, families, students, crazies... you name it and it's a neighborhood within this city.
By the way, I'm in the neighborhood of young families. Anyone got a kid they could spare until June/July?
1. Patio Brunch/Lunch/LIFE
NOTHING COMPARES TO COMBINING MY THREE FAVORITE THINGS: FOOD, FRIENDS and SUN!!!
Angelina's Ristorante is my favorite weekend brunch spot and you can read more about it in my previous post: Best Chicago Brunch!
Some other great patios include DS Tequila where we were one minute soaking in the sun and the next minute completely shaded from the downpour t-storm without moving an inch. The Rooftop at Plymouth (first photo) proves food with a view exceeds all! With coverage and heat for all season, the open air patio is a monthly fave for my work mates and I.
No matter what the love, summer will be missed. (Cue "Summer Nights" from Grease)
Chi-Love,
J-ROD
