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What to Do with the Rest of Your Summer

Enjoy What's Left

by Lauren Shapiro – August 25, 2010

As summer draws to a close, there is still plenty to do and see in the city of Chicago. And many of the best things to do and see are free, which makes exploring the city even more enjoyable. Cheeky shares some of the summer’s best in Chicago.

1. Ravinia Festival, now through September 7

Though not in the downtown area of the city, the festival is just a short train ride away. This year especially, more stars than ever are choosing to come to the famous outdoor venue. And picnicking on the huge lawn area is what makes this festival so special. Some big names still to come this season include Nelly Furtado, Carrie Underwood, Crosby, Stills and Nash and Train.

Location: Highland Park, 40 minutes north of Chicago by train.

Cost: Prices vary, both pavilion and lawn seats available.

2. Architectural Boat Tour, now through mid-October

This fantastic activity is the perfect way to explore Chicago and enjoy the beautiful weather. It showcases more than 40 landmarks in Chicago as you cruise along on the Chicago River.

Location: Chicago River.

Cost: From $26 on weekdays to $30 on weekends.

3. Culinary Tour of Chicago, now through November

Whether you choose River North/Old Town or Bucktown/Wicker Park area,  you are sure to experience some of Chicago’s finest cuisine and hidden gems. All of the food and the tour is $42, and lasts about three hours.

Location: River North/Old Town and Bucktown/Wicker Park.

Cost: $42 for tour and enough food tastes for lunch.

4. Farmers’ Markets, now through October

The Midwest offers some of the best produce in the country, so it’s no surprise that Chicago carries this produce in some of the best farmers’ markets anywhere. One of the best in the country (third, in fact) is Lincoln Park’s Green City Market, but there are plenty more scattered around throughout Chicago, including the Division Street Farmers’ Market in the Gold Coast.

Location: Clark Street in Lincoln Park; Division Street in Gold Coast.

Cost: FREE.

5. Beach, now through September 6

Everyone loves a beach day, and the city has gorgeous lakefront beaches that are perfect for the sweltering days Chicago has been experiencing. Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach are some city favorites, but if you go a little further north, both Glencoe and Evanston have beautiful scenery to offer, too.

Location: Lakefront.

Cost: FREE.

7. Free workouts in Millennium Park, now through September 11

Did I mention that these are free? Not only is this the case, but the workouts are held so that they face some of the best views of the city skyline.  Every Saturday through September 11, Millennium Park is hosting free workouts from 7 to 11 am. Enjoy the weather and the view, while keeping up your summer fitness!

Location: Millennium Park.

Cost: FREE.

About the Author: Lauren Shapiro

A native of Highland Park, a northern suburb of Chicago, Lauren has always had a passion for writing - and for Chicago. Lauren graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Journalism, where she wrote for the university's magazine, Buzz, as a restaurant and film reviewer. Post graduation, she was thrilled to leave the cornfields of southern Illinois behind and make her mark on the city, settling into a condo in the Gold Coast.

Posted in Out on the Town
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