Spring is renewal. It is about newness, growth, and beginnings. And maybe this year, it can be about departing our comfort zones in favor of trying something new.
Chicago is chock-full of seasonal events year-round, and spring is no exception. As creatures of habit, however, we tend to visit the same neighborhoods, frequent the same restaurants, and attend the same annual events. Especially if you’re in the market for a move (bet even if you’re not!), exploring Chicago’s myriad neighborhoods this spring could be your head start to a new place to hang your hat. At best, you fall in love with somewhere new. However, even if you’re dedicated to your current and favorite neighborhood, spring is a perfect season to sightsee just outside your front door.
Here are five neighborhood events to showcase some of the city’s best places to live and explore:
OLD TOWN
“This historic neighborhood is a picture-perfect place to shop on-trend boutiques, dine at storied local restaurants, and admire homes in one of Chicago’s most luxurious residential districts.” – Choose Chicago
(One way to see Old Town:
Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius)
“From the team that created Immersive Van Gogh, Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius is a new production that brings the famous Classical composer’s brilliant works to life with captivating visuals built around the auditory experience. Audiences will be surrounded by bustling city streets, ornate royal auditoriums, lavish paintings and otherworldly dreamscapes, all accompanied by some of Mozart’s most beloved melodies. Some of Mozart’s best compositions will be featured, including Symphony No. 40, Requiem, Turkish March, Ave Verum Corpus and selections from his acclaimed operas.”
HYDE PARK
“This culturally rich neighborhood is bookended by two of the city’s most significant institutions — the University of Chicago to the west and the Museum of Science and Industry to the east.” – Choose Chicago
(One way to see Hyde Park:
Uncorked Chicago Wine Festival)
The popular, 3rd annual Uncorked: Chicago will be held on March 25th at the Museum of Science & Industry. Enjoy over 100 wines and bubblies from across the globe plus some "outside the bottle" options, full after-hours access to the museum, a DJ, interactive exhibits and more!
There are two ticket options for this event. VIP ($100) is at 7pm and includes access to a special VIP space with higher end wineries, food vouchers and 4 full hours of tasting and access.
General admission ($70) is at 8pm and includes access to the museum plus all wine tasting in the main areas with food sold separately.
This event is 21 and over only. More info can be found at uncorkedwinefestivals.com.
LINCOLN PARK
“This picturesque neighborhood is a nature lover’s dream — manicured gardens, a hidden lily pond, a historic indoor botanical garden, and tons of lakefront green space with sweeping city views. It also happens to be home to one of the country’s oldest free zoos and an acclaimed dining scene that includes one of the best restaurants on the planet.” – Choose Chicago
(One way to see Lincoln Park:
Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show)
The Lincoln Park Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show, “Cooler by the Lake” invites visitors to prepare to set sail! Come in and enjoy the endless blooms of cinerarias, snapdragons, osteospermums and more. With a nod to the chillier spring weather produced by Lake Michigan, cooler color tones will be used throughout the Show House. The Show also includes features familiar to Chicago’s Lakefront, like the iconic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and boats that have sailed into the Conservatory! Admission is free with a suggested donation.
Reservations are required. To book a visit, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lincoln-park-conservancy-17342067619
WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN
“These artsy neighborhoods always have something cool going on. Wicker Park and Bucktown are hives of activity that draw shoppers hunting for unique finds, foodies looking for the trendiest eats, and bar hoppers searching for late-night buzz.” – Choose Chicago
(One way to see Wicker Park & Bucktown:
Cooking Classes @ The Kids’ Table)
Weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, join Kids' Table for a jam-packed line-up of fun and educational classes where your child can grow and expand their culinary skills. With help from instructors, your tot or teen will be able to chop, mix, grate, and roll their way through delicious recipes like Calzones, Apple Pear Crisps, and more!
WEST LOOP
“The West Loop is a foodie mecca. An explosion of excellent eateries have taken over this former industrial area, turning the historic warehouses into some of the city’s hottest restaurants.” – Choose Chicago
(One way to see the West Loop:
New Restaurant Opening – Oakville Grill & Cellar)
According to Chicago Eater, “Max Robbins is Lettuce {Entertain You’s} culinary director and for his first new project with the company, he’s bringing a little of California wine country to Chicago inside a new office building at 163 N. Green Street. LEYE’s dual concept, called the Oakville Grill & Cellar, will take up two floors. The building’s private space, 167 Green Events, has already hosted a few functions and earned a reputation where visitors can find gorgeous views of the city’s skyline from the 17th floor.
Robbins will bring a Midwest sensibility to the menu that will change depending on the featured wines of the month. Sample dishes include buttermilk fried chicken and coal-roasted salmon with stone-ground grits and ramps.”
Expand to Include
Once we can commit to expanding our hobbies and surroundings, we are more prepared to assess our values at home, at work, and in life. Let the simple act of leaving home give you insight into what you might be missing!
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