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Adventure Chicago: Experience a summer Saturday in the Windy City

Description:

With Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and skyscrapers galore, Chicago offers riveting views at virtually every turn. For the adventurous at heart, the best way to see the big city is by literally taking it on. You’ll stay in Lincoln Park, located north of the Chicago Loop and very close to the Lake for proximity to adventures both indoor and out. With biking, boating, walking, and lots of eating and drinking involved, you’ll be crashing into bed with the satisfaction of a day thoroughly lived.

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Author: Meghann

Day 1 - Chicago

Start the day off right by leaving your comfy lodging and heading out to the Green City Market, Chicago’s most exciting farmers market. Walk east toward the lake and then south along Lincoln Park (the market is on the south end of the park, between Clark and Stockton Drive). Enjoy a made-to-order crepe or a fresh pastry and cider as you select a few locally produced organic snacks to nosh throughout your day (and maybe a pastry for tomorrow!). From the market, stroll over to the lake, and walk a short ways south along the bike/jog path to North Street Beach. At the beach, pick up your bike (advance reservations should be made online), and hit the path. Start your journey southward, toward the rockin' skyline view (you’ll see the historic “Drake” sign and the Hancock Building right away). Ride your way along the lake, winding around at Navy Pier. Lock your bike and hop aboard the architecture tour boat for your pre-booked cruise (that ends in a heart-racing speedboat ride on the Lake!!). Bring your blood pressure back down with a quick stroll around the pier (it’s pretty touristy) and a 7-minute, serene ride on the Ferris wheel to catch some birds-eye views of what you saw from the River. Hopping back on your bike, continue south to Monroe Street, where you’ll cut across Lake Shore Drive. Work your way toward Millennium Park (you can’t miss it) and take a short walk around the Lurie Gardens and Cloud Gate. Walk your bike on the sidewalk heading south, admiring the Magnificent Mile, and the Art Institute. When you reach Adams, walk (or bike, if you aren’t afraid of city traffic!) west to the Sears Tower. Lock your bike and head up to the top for a completely knee-buckling view of the city. Make your way back down, grab your bike, and head back to the lake. Taking the path back to the north, stop off at Oak Street Beach to lounge and lunch at the Beachstro, a cute little lakeside café. Head back up to return your bike to North Street Beach (they charge by the hour), and see if you can start or get into a beach volleyball game. If not, take a nice dip (the water is great by mid-summer) and relax on the beach. When you’re ready to head back inland, stroll along the park on North Avenue and catch the Clark Street bus northward, back to your lodging. After a quick shower-off, hop back on the northward Clark Street bus to Foster Street for a night of delicious food and Belgian brews at the Hopleaf. When you’ve been properly filled with mussels and hops, head around the corner to Foster and Ashland to the Neo-Futurarium where you’ll see the completely thrilling Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. Admission is first-come, first-served, so make sure you’re there by 10:45 for the 11:30 show. After your mind has been blown by the 30 plays in 30 minutes, head back out to Clark Street for either one more round at the Hopleaf or a ride back on the bus to crash on your comfy and welcoming bed.

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