We've been gathering ways to make the most of Chicago's prime time in our countdown to Summer series, and guess what? Today is officially the first day of Summer! Here's a look back at my Summer series, including my fave picks from each category. But don't just take my word for it; be sure to take a look back at each of the posts, so you don't miss out on any warm-weather fun!

  • Best Food and Drink Festivals With all the new restos opening on a weekly basis, Chicagoans really don't need an excuse to eat and drink. Even so, there's something to be said for enjoying the great outdoors with good food and good company. My PopSugar pick is the mac daddy of all food festivals: Taste of Chicago in Grant Park (200 E. Congress Pkwy., 312-744-3315), taking place June 24 through July 5. Food tickets are going for $8 per strip of 12 with each dish (including taste portions) going for an average of two to 10 tickets.

  • 5 Places to Fill Your Picnic Basket There's nothing better than turning off the stove and packing up some delish picnic goods for all of those outdoor concerts, movies in the park, and trips to the beach! PSP: I heart the French Market (131 N. Clinton St., 312-575-0306), not only because it's open year-round, but because I feel oh so Parisian when I shop there. It's also a great place to pack a picnic. You could opt for simplicity with cheese, bread, and wine from Pastoral (which also makes awesome sammies), or pick up something a little more substantial like a shawarma sandwich from Presto Cafe & Grill. If that doesn't float your boat, there are more than 20 vendors to choose from — including luscious desserts.
  • 3 Beaches We Love Who doesn't love a little sand and surf this time of year? PSP: Literally steps away from the Mag Mile, Oak Street Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Dr., pictured) is where the city meets the sand. This people-watching fave was created in the 1890s, but became increasingly popular for swimming in 1899 when Chicago's drainage canal was completed, which meant that icky sewage was no longer being dumped into Lake Michigan. Today tourists and locals enjoy playing volleyball, running, and walking along with the biking paths for sport and massages (in a cabana) from Coups de Main for relaxation. Now under new management via Levy Restaurants (yay!), the Oak Street Beach (1001 N. Lake Shore Dr. 312-915-4100) eatery is a fun place to pop in for a frosty libation while soaking in the views of the beach and the historic Drake Hotel.
  • 3 Perfect Pedis If you plan on wearing sandals this season, then you better keep your tootsies in tip-top shape! PSP: One of the newest pedi places in town is the second location of Fuga Salon and Spa: Fuga Centro (8 S. Michigan Ave., 312-332-3842; pictured), positioned directly across from Millennium Park. Just like the original location on Southport in Lakeview, the full-service salon and spa touts itself as an "Italian escape," right down to the espresso bar. We love the signature pedicure fuga ($60), which includes an exfoliating fruit scrub, reflexology massage, warm aromatherapy wrap, and paraffin treatment — and the standard cleaning and shaping of nails, of course! While there are some less-involved options, we feel this pedi is the Chicago gal's answer to Winter boot feet!
  • 3 Original Chicago Ice Cream Shops You're never too old for ice cream! PSP: Margie's Candies (1960 N. Western Ave., 773-384-1035) has been in biz since 1921 and it looks like it — in a good way — thanks to miniature jukeboxes in the booths, old photographs, and other knickknacks you might find at grandma's house. Both a family-owned candy shop and an ice cream parlor, the recipes have been handed down for generations. The large, marble soda fountain serves up a variety of old-fashioned creations, like milkshakes, floats, phosphates, and sundaes with the most impressive (and slightly offensive) being the 25-scoop Royal George. Fun facts: the Beatles paid a visit in 1965 after playing a concert in Comiskey Park, and one famous booth has been the scene of countless engagements over the years.

Be sure to check out my lists of the best patios and rooftops to spend sunny days and balmy nights!

 

 

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