a summer saturday in Chicago's Lincoln Park

After a long Chicago winter, one of the things I look forward to the most, is a summer Saturday in Lincoln Park.  The park begins just a few blocks from my apartment and, on the weekends I'm in town, I usually spend the entire day exploring.  I can roll out of bed, throw on a Cubs cap and start my 20,000 step food & photography journey.

Admire the solid gold Hamilton Statue as you begin your journey through the north end of the park.  You will start your day with a little quiet and meditation at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool.  The space is incredibly gorgeous and remarkably peaceful; the calm before the storm to balance you for the chaotic crowd of the Farmer's Market.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Once you're feeling centered, head south on Stockton towards the Green City Market.  Here you'll load up on crepes, breakfast tacos, or grilled cheese while stocking your grocery basket with beautiful flowers, organic veggies, and local fruit.  Talk to the farmers, see what is in season and then base your weekly meal prep on what draws your attention.

Green City Market

Grab a smoothie for the road and head across the street to my all-time favorite place in Lincoln Park, the Nature Boardwalk.  Head along the boardwalk towards Lake Shore Drive, stopping in all the nooks and crannies to check out the view and photograph the scenery.  The wild flowers are spectacular.  Loop around the boardwalk until you end up at the entrance to the zoo and grab a glass of wine at The Patio at Cafe Brauer.  After drinks, head up to the South Pond Bridge for gorgeous view of the Chicago Skyline.  It's one of the best city views from the North neighborhoods.

Nature Boardwalk & Cafe Brauer

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo with the most beautiful gardens in the entire city.  I love taking a peek at the flamingos and am a huge fan of the Ape House, but for me, the pull to the zoo is the garden built around the Waterfowl Lagoon.  The Lagoon is beautiful all year round, but really has my heart in the middle of summer when the trees are lush and the flowers are abundant.

Lincoln Park Zoo

On your way out of the zoo, head through the Lincoln Park Conservatory Formal Gardens, say hi Shakespeare, and make a wish in Bates Fountain.  Perfect on a summer day (and maybe even better on a cold winter day) is the Lincoln Park Conservatory.  The main rooms, The Palm House, Orchid House and Fern Room are incredible but the star of the show is the Show House.  Gorgeous each season, I'm a huge fan of the Spring Flower Show (2019 was probably the best show yet).

Lincoln Park Conservatory & Conservatory Gardens

If your flowers haven't wilted and your veggies aren't all bruised, next head up Fullerton Ave towards the lake and grab lunch at The Lakefront Restaurant.  Sit outside with a cold beer and killer BLT, while admiring views of the lakeshore path and Lake Michigan.  If you're in need of the AC, pick a table near the large windows and enjoy the same stunning view.

Fullerton Ave Beach & The Lakefront Restaurant

Last stop on our Lincoln Park adventure, is the North Pond Nature Sanctuary, outside The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.  It's hard to believe you're in the middle of a major city or that a main highway is just over your shoulder.  The pond, tall grass, and butterflies make it feel like you're in the middle of nowhere.

North Pond & The Nature Sanctuary

When you reach the end of North Pond, admire one more stunning view of the Chicago skyline before heading back home to tend to your Green City Market finds.

There is so much to love about Chicago in the summer, but a day exploring Lincoln Park cannot be beat.