Summer is underway, and we’ll be damned if you don’t make the most of it. To help you prepare, we created the ultimate checklist of Chicago summertime necessities. From brunching on a patio to talking your way onto a friend’s boat, these are the 25 things you must do before September rolls around. Slather on the sunscreen, dust off your best jorts and get your ass in gear.
1. Grab lunch from a food truck
And take a full hour while you’re at it. This list of new trucks should come in handy.
2. Take the ‘L’ to a neighborhood you’ve never visited
Then plan the day around eating and drinking your way through it.
3. Plant something
Pro tip: Basil and mint make great cocktail garnishes.
4. Pack a picnic for a movie in the park
A bottle of wine and mountain of cheese from Pastoral will do the trick.
5. Stick your toes in the sand
Montrose Beach is a great pick for dog lovers, and Oakwood Beach has an awesome view of the city. Check out a full list of Chicago Park District beaches.
6. Brunch on a patio
Because calories don’t count when you’re outdoors. Check out the newest brunch spots here.
7. Check out a festival
Last time we checked, there are more than 140 to choose from, so options!
8. Make a cocktail at home
Bonus points if you use locally crafted booze. Oh, and look, we have a shopping list for you.
9. Instagram an ice cream cone
Original Rainbow Cone in Beverly and at Navy Pier and Cone Gourmet Ice Cream in the West Loop are our personal faves.
10. Chow down at a baseball game
We won’t tell you who to root for, but we will pass judgment if you turn down a soft pretzel.
11. Sip a cider
This calls for a field trip to The Northman (or at least a Binny’s run).
12. Plan a weekend road trip
New Buffalo, Mich., Bloomington, Ind., and Milwaukee are all under 250 miles away.
13. Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar
This summer’s hot list includes Joy District, LH Rooftop at LondonHouse Chicago and Upstairs at the Gwen.
14. Play tourist for an afternoon
Visit a museum you haven’t been to since eighth grade or—gasp!—hang out at the Bean before the crowds show up.
15. Go to the Chicago Pride Parade
Especially if you’ve never been. Mark your calendar for June 26 and grab your rainbow gear.
16. Read a book
Coloring books count, too. Check out our June reading list for recommendations.
17. Eat your way through a farmers market
And be sure to pick up some goodies for dinner, too. Plan your trip with our day-by-day farmers market guide.
18. Get your ass on a boat
We won’t ask how you did it, but we have a few ideas.
19. Check out a mezcal bar
You’ll be a connoisseur by August. Our top picks are Mezcaleria Las Flores in Logan Square and La Mez Agave Lounge in River North.
20. Take advantage of happy hour
They’ve got oysters and half-price wine galore. Check out Eat. Drink. Do. on Page 2 for daily deals.
21. Eat a taco
Stay in your safe zone (Big Star) or try something new (Federales).
22. Catch an improv show
With plenty of options under $10, it’s a budget-friendly date night too.
23. Become a grill master
Or a grill amateur, who’s judging?
24. Watch fireworks
Catch ’em at the Cell, Navy Pier or a friend’s rooftop.
25. Play pingpong
And put some backspin on it. Spin is a safe bet in River North, and newbie AceBounce is scheduled to open Tuesday just across the river.
@morgancolsen | mcolsen@redeyechicago.com
![So you want to beautify your landscape, improve your community, or celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree. What could go wrong? Quite a bit, if you make some common mistakes, according to an expert at The Morton Arboretum, the tree-focused public garden in Lisle. “Proper planting is critical,” said Trinity Pierce, who has overseen the planting of thousands of trees as stewardship manager of the Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative. “Taking time to do it right can mean decades more life for your tree.” Here are some common tree-planting mistakes to avoid. For step-by-step advice, see mortonarb.org/how-to-plant-a-tree. Digging a […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CTC-L-home-garden-morton-0425-01.jpg?w=525 "So you want to beautify your landscape, improve your community, or celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree. What could go wrong? Quite a bit, if you make some common mistakes, according to an expert at The Morton Arboretum, the tree-focused public garden in Lisle. “Proper planting is critical,” said Trinity Pierce, who has overseen the planting of thousands of trees as stewardship manager of the Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative. “Taking time to do it right can mean decades more life for your tree.” Here are some common tree-planting mistakes to avoid. For step-by-step advice, see mortonarb.org/how-to-plant-a-tree. Digging a […]")