As many of you know, I really only have two major goals for the summer: continue to grow this little peanut, and find a house. Mike and I live right in the dowtown area of Chicago, and our current little apartment is less than ideal for a baby. Plus, my wonderful mother is going to be our primary childcare giver once I return to work, and since she lives ten minutes from my school...well, it's time to make the jump to the suburbs. (More on this later!)
However, since this will be our last summer in the city, there are several things I'd like to accomplish. I hate to set expectations and make "to-do" lists, but it's fun to think about how I want to spend our final months in Chicago.
* Lots of running/walking on the lakefront path
The lakefront path just might be one of my favorite things about Chicago. I have so many memories there, and I love starting each day with an early morning run. Granted, I am running much slower than normal, but it still thrills me to see so many other Chicagoans sharing that same experience.
Seriously. Where am I going to run in the suburbs? The sidewalk. Sads. (I kid. I know there are many beautiful trails and routes out in the burbs.)
* Street festivals
(Last year's "Old St. Pat's" block party. I HATE that festival with a passion, as it's filled with scantily-clad drunk women -and men who prey on said women - but the music is usually pretty great.)
What can I say? Mike and I love street fests...primarily for the food! Besides the usual suspect, The Taste of Chicago, we also love the Taste of Randolph and Taste of River North. Any festival I am missing?
* Dinners on the balcony
Let's be clear. I won't actually MAKE the dinners - Mike will. But it's always nice to sit outside with great food (and up until 4 months ago, great wine) on a calm summer night.
* The beach
True story. I have NEVER gone to a Chicago beach just for the sake of "going to the beach". If I am ever there, it's because of a race / a running route / etc. So, for once, I'd like to hit up a beach and catch some rays.
* Power lunches
Many of my girlfriends work in the Loop. It's a perfect excuse to go meet them in the middle of the day! Christy? Julie? Karen? Sometimes Sally? YOU IN?!?!?!
* Reading books outside
Whether I am sitting on my balcony or exploring a new coffee shop (Judge away, folks. I am still drinking a little coffee.), I'd love to sit and enjoy the 40 books that are currently on my bedside table.
* Weekend brunches with my love
If Mike doesn't have photo shoots on the schedule, we love leisurely weekend brunches. Any suggestions, Chicagoans? Our old standby is Marmalade, up at Damen and Montrose, but we're always looking for new spots!
What are your summer plans???
One of my favorite things in NYC in the summer is movies in the park! Tons of parks participate but I, of course, need to go to AT LEAST one in traditional bryant park! Love your to do list...mine for when we leave nyc is going to be insane!
ReplyDeleteLula is probably my favorite brunch spot in the city - though I swear getting a seat is a competitive sport. Also, little goat has sidewalk seating now, which makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteHopefully you find just as many wonderful things in the suburbs as you do in the city! There are a lot of walking/biking/running trails where I live and we have a Wine in the Woods and a concert pavilion (where famous people come - like WARP tour and Virgin Fest, etc.) and there are movies on Friday nights by the lake. And a good selection of ethinic food hidden among the chain restaurants. I'm sure you'll find a great house with a pretty yard and lots of kiddos playing on the street.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's awesome that your mom can watch your baby!
A baby & the burbs . . . dang, you are a full fledged grown up! ;) Eager to hear about your housing search and all the fun you're bound to have this summer. As for coffee, I used to babysit for a lil guy whose mom was an OBGYN, and she drank coffee all throughout her pregnancy with her son and her daughter. She said it's fine to have a medium coffee a day. :) Honestly, if coffee were absolutely forbidden during pregnancy . . . I may have to just never get pregnant.
ReplyDeleteChicago is definitely one of my favorite cities - there are so many great things to do there. My summer plans include getting my twins their drivers licenses and buying them a car so I can be FREEEEEEE and not need to drive them to all their stuff anymore.
ReplyDeleteRibfest and Andersonville Midsommarfest are tgis weekend! And Montrose Beach and the Dock are open!!!!!!
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ReplyDeleteYay for summer vacation!! Good luck house hunting, we are currently getting our house ready to go on the market and find a new house (still in Rochester but time for an upgrade).
ReplyDeleteI'm on vacation right now too!
sounds like you're really taking advantage of your last (*sob*) summer in the city. I can't believe you're moving to the suburbs! But it does make sense. I hope you have a wonderful relaxing summer with just you and your husband and enjoy everything you love about your city :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome list! And too funny - I was going to ask you about lunch! :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you will be looking for a house in the southern burbs. I can't say anything about the trails there, but they rock in Lake Co! :)
It's awesome your mom is willing to watch the baby during the school day!! :) I hope you find something nice in the 'burbs that meshes well with your lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a great summer planned. I just fixed up my patio so I'm looking forward to dinners on the balcony, too. I live alone so I guess I'll have to be the one to make them. :( lol
ReplyDeleteHey, by the way, I'm having a giveaway on my blog this week. Check it out if you like winning free stuff. ;)
Eek! Can't wait to hear about your house search. For me buying a house was one of the most fun and stressful things we did as a married couple. Your summer bucket list sounds fun especially the beach.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe you don't go to the beach just to go there... I would be all over that place! And I for one am going to miss your balcony pics, that view is kind of amazing.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Chicago once, a few years ago, you make me want to go back - I didn't do half those things you listed. GO TO THE BEACH btw! Just don't be like me and get sunburned!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about our summer plans a lot lately too. Sounds like you have some great plans! And lucky you - I LOVE coffee and I actually hated it until I was about 7 months, when I let myself enjoy a cup a day. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're going to have the BEST summer! And congratulations on your pregnancy :)
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are stunning! I'm so glad I found your blog... we are going to Chicago next month (with our baby) and I'd love to know your favorite spots! I have no idea what to plan yet!
Happy summer vacation! As a former teacher, I know how hard teachers work to get to this point. Sounds like you have a good plan for soaking up your last summer in the city!
ReplyDeleteYay for summer! And that's great your mom loves so close to your school!
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Have an awesome summer!!!!! You deserve some school vacay! ;)
ReplyDeleteAhh, you are moving to the burbs! How exciting! I've really enjoyed watching this pregnancy thing unfold for you :)
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing your photos of Chicago!
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