Is it just me or did this winter feel like a DECADE long? Ugh, seriously though, I feel like I’ve been wearing the same sweatpants and winter coat for over a year – lol! I’m in desperate need of good vibes, some fresh air, and pretty blooms in my life. So, today, I’m sharing my favorite springtime things to do around the city of Chicago that will get you out of hibernation mode and into the spring spirit! Enjoy, xoxo – lauren
Lauren’s Favorite Springtime Activities
1. Visit a Conservatory
There are two really popular ones in the city, Garfield Park and Lincoln Park. Both have stunning landscape art, and you’ll find yourself walking around for hours, dazed by all of the beautiful flowers! Grab a coffee, your camera, and your bestie and make a day of it! If it’s warm enough outside, you can also visit Lurie Garden in Millennium Park (a lot of people take their wedding photos here).
2. Go to a Cubbies Game!
Springtime means it’s time for GO CUBS GO! And if you haven’t been to Wrigleyville in awhile, you’ll be really surprised as to how much has changed. Make sure to get there early enough to hang out at the Park, and if you need a place to stay, Hotel Zachary just opened across the street.
Click to Shop Laura’s Outfit
3. Visit an outdoor farmers market.
Most of the outdoors farmers markets are open starting the first weekend in May. This makes me so excited!! I’ll definitely be hitting up my favorite, Green City Market, in Old Town. If you’re looking for a new canvas tote bag to sport this season, Target has some really cute ones (in-store only).
4. Get your festival on.
If you’re from Chicago, you already know there is pretty much a festival every day in the summer. But, don’t forget about spring too!! Some of my favorites are Mayfest, 5/18 – 5/20, (German-inspired), Lincoln Park Wine Fest, 5/19 – 5/20 (for all my wine-o’s out there), and Randolph Street Market, opens 4/28, (the best antique shopping).
5. Stretch your legs on the 606.
Chicago’s first elevated park isn’t far from where Andrew and I live. It connects the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park (me!) and Bucktown. You can walk, jog, bike, or even hike on a beautiful day! The best part is that it’s close to a ton of restaurants and bars. So if you get tired on your walk, just stop in for a drink or a bite to eat at some of my favorite places, The Map Room, Scofflaw or Parson’s. If you have kids, check out more ideas here.
6. Find the Flowers for Dreams Truck
Flowers for Dreams is one of my favorite local flower shops in the city. Not only are their arrangements drop-dead gorgeous, but they donate a quarter of their profits to a local charity each month. Amazing, right?! (You can read more about the charity, and their magazine from one of our older posts here.) Follow the truck around town on Twitter, and catch up with them to buy one-of-a-kind stems for the home.
7. Catch a flick.
There are bound to be lots of rainy days this spring, but don’t let that stop you from leaving the house! Catch a movie at my favorite theater, Regal Webster Place 11 (the seats are cozy and recline…need I say more?) or go indie at the Music Box Theatre. Music Box has that old Hollywood feel, and hosts midnight screenings of the classics. Bonus, the concession stand puts REAL butter on their popcorn. Yummm.
Share your own favorite spring time to-dos with us, and comment below!
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Credits:
Bird photo by Nicodem Creative
Conservatory photos by Cara Kerr of Pen Married Paper
Flowers for Dreams photo by Daniel Kelleghan