Posted 14 months ago in Trending, Loop List, Things to Do
4 MIN READ – Fall is arguably the best season in Chicago (or at least top two!). Cooler temps, light layers, and plenty of things to do encourage Chicagoans to step outside. If you want to paint with the colors of the wind, here are some ways to enjoy some of the vestiges of a perfect autumn day downtown in the Loop.
Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise
The fall season has officially begun in Chicago, which means, a river cruise with the wind beneath your wings is the perfect end to a fall day. Spend some time on a Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise, and hear the stories of the people who designed and built our city while taking in views of the changing leaves and sipping on a hot spiced cider or cocoa. Add lively narration by highly trained volunteer docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, and you’ll discover why the CAFC River Cruise has been named the #1 Best Boat Tour in North America. Get tickets here.
Check out other tours, including Chicago River cruises, here.
Go "Back to School"
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers unique, interdisciplinary graduate programs in studio, design, and academic fields, along with post-baccalaureate certificates and a Low-Residency MFA.
Prospective students are invited to Graduate Portfolio Day -- an opportunity to receive immediate feedback on your portfolio from SAIC’s renowned faculty, as well as learn more about the curricula, faculty, and application procedures from a number of colleges.
Participants who attend Graduate Portfolio Day are also welcome to attend Graduate Open Studios. Meet with and view the work of more than 300 students pursuing graduate degrees at SAIC. Graduate Portfolio Day takes place on Saturday, October 21 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 280 S. Columbus Drive. Graduate Open Studios are on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21. Learn more and RSVP here.
Sip on something that warms you up
To get your perfect fall day in the Loop started off right, swing by one of the many excellent coffee shops for a warm drink. Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, cider, and countless specialty drinks await. Stop by Goddess and the Baker for some of the most unique and yummy drinks in the whole city. If you like your coffee and pastries with a side of cycling culture, check out Heritage Outpost. Intelligentsia has multiple locations throughout the Loop and is one of the best-known Chicago coffee shops—for good reason. Magnolia Bakery in Block 37 offers the perfect spot to sip before or after you shop, with lovely indoor and outdoor dining options.
If you’re looking to warm up in a different sense of the phrase, grab a cocktail or a glass of wine at one of the myriad rooftop bars in the Loop (many of which feature retractable roofs for those chilly fall days). Try ROOF on theWit for a Mediterranean-inspired ambience 27 stories above it all. Or Raised | An Urban Rooftop Bar for industrial-chic vibes. Stop by AIRE for 360-degree skyline views, or Boleo for Latin American flavor, or Cindy’s for breathtaking views of Millennium Park. Take your perfect fall day to new heights.
While you’re at it, enjoy a nice, comforting meal in the Loop. Check out all your dining options here.
Shop for your cool-weather wardrobe
With a new season comes a new wardrobe, and State Street in the Loop is the perfect place to update your closet for fall (and winter... yes, it’s coming!). Stop by Macy’s for classic and contemporary styles, Target or Old Navy for quick essentials, UNIQLO for simple, clean pieces, Nordstrom Rack for discounts on name brands, and Block 37 for a variety of shops all in one convenient mall (especially if it’s a particularly cool day). See all your Loop shopping options here.
Enjoy being outside
Fall in Chicago cannot be beat—the crisp air, the sunshine, the changing leaves are a true thing of beauty. Luckily, the Loop has a ton of fantastic public space where you can enjoy being outside. Check out Maggie Daley Park to simply enjoy the green space or plan out some fun activities for adults and children alike. Take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk to appreciate the city’s breathtaking architecture along the waterfront or linger for a drink along the way. Enjoy Millennium Park’s vast green space, iconic public art and performances at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. And chill out on The Gateway, a street median-turned-“people plaza” in the middle of State Street at Lake. Enjoy your lunch, or just soak in the sounds of the bustling urban environment. Find other parks and plazas in the Loop here.
