The Perfect Long Weekend In Chicago
Often in a city like Chicago with so much to offer, the problem becomes narrowing down what not to do rather than deciding on what to do. However, there are a few things that you shouldn't miss. If you're spending a four-day weekend in Chicago, you should attempt at least one essential event each day. Here are four favorites.
Steve's Segway Tours
155 N. Harbor Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 946-9467
www.stevessegwaytours.com
One way to make sure you don't miss seeing any famous landmarks without walking around downtown Chicago with a map is to take a Segway tour. If you arrive on a Thursday, this will be the perfect time to go as streets will be less crowded and you will most likely avoid any downtown festivals that may be happening which can sometimes make tours difficult. Steve's Segway Tours is one to try. You can book a private tour for your companions or join other tourists in a group. Tours last about four hours and the guides cover all the major landmarks downtown near the lakefront and provide interesting and often historical information for each one. Sometimes they'll even stop off so you can grab a Chicago-style hot dog from a local vendor.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org
On Friday, why not pay a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo? It's open every day of the year and is always free. In addition to the wide variety of animals that reside in the zoo, there are amazing gardens to walk through and often special events. Check out the events calendar to see what might be happening when you visit. You could spend all day at the zoo, eating at the cafes and visiting the animals. Be sure to check what's happening on the day of your visit so you don't miss out on feeding the cows or watching the penguins catch fish.
iO (formerly Improv Olympic)
3541 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 880-0199
www.chicago.ioimprov.com
Second City may have the most famous reputation for Chicago Comedy, but don't overlook iO. It is a perfect way to spend your Saturday night. The club has several stages with improv teams performing almost constantly. Prices vary by stage and group (higher-level students do perform) making it possible to see several shows without breaking the bank if you'd like to stay and laugh all night. Shows range in price from free to $14. Both theatres are equipped with full bars and easily accessible via the red line if you chose to take the train. As a bonus, you'll walk right past Wrigley Field.
Related: Best Neighborhood Chicago Theatres
Bacino's of Lincoln Park
2204 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 472-7400
www.bacinos.com
You can't have a visit to Chicago without trying the famous deep-dish pizza. There are plenty of Giordano's chains around, but for something a little more authentic, try Bacino's. Its Lincoln Park location is convenient to the brown, red and purple lines and it isn't far from downtown. It is also the original location, opened 30 years ago. Bacino's always uses fresh ingredients and even has a 'heart healthy' spinach pizza. Its craft beer selection is also delectable. What's better than beer and pizza?
Related: Best Deep Dish Chicago-Style Pizza
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
