Photo Credit: Time Out Chicago
With the last few weeks of warm weather in sight, it’s time to savor the final rays of summer sunshine. Fortunately, there are abundant opportunities for enjoying the end of summer in Chicago. While Chicago is hailed for its thriving business scene and dynamic urban architecture, there are many outdoor oases tucked away that offer a pleasant escape from the bustle of the city. Positioned between the sweeping greenery of Millennium Park and the vast Lake Michigan, residents of The St. Regis Chicago have prime access to such hidden gems. From outdoor recreation and picturesque gardens to unique open-air events, here are a few ways you can create warm summertime memories this month to last you through winter.
In the backyard of The St. Regis Chicago Residences, Millennium Park sits as a prime venue for refreshing runs and leisurely strolls. Also within the park, the Maggie Daley Tennis Courts invite players to partake in friendly competition with a round of tennis or pickleball. To the other side of The Residences, Chicago’s Lakefront Trail consistently tops lists as the city’s best path for cyclists and joggers, offering a comfortable way to enjoy the sunny weather while being cooled by the winds of Lake Michigan. For those looking to be even closer to the water, consider renting kayaks and spending the afternoon rocking the gentle waves of the Chicago River. The most secluded and peaceful outdoor experience, however, is The St. Regis Chicago’s own terrace pool perched on the 47th floor with fresh air, soothing waters and panoramic views of downtown.
For a leisurely day beyond the walls of The St. Regis Chicago, consider visiting one of the many gardens downtown that will transport you to a place of total serenity. Just a few blocks away, the Art Institute of Chicago offers public access to its South Garden, aesthetically designed by artist Dan Kiley with fountains and landscaping that rival the beauty of the pieces within the museum. Nearby, Millennium Park’s Lurie Garden spans 2.5 acres and offers flourishing botanical sights against the backdrop of the city skyline. The North Rose Garden in Grant Park is another delightful excursion, mimicking the pristine gardens of Europe with its scenery of roses and fountains set to the music of the lake’s waves across the street.
While the above experiences are best enjoyed in the summertime, they thankfully have a year-round residence in Chicago. On the other hand, some of the more seasonal outdoor programming will conclude at the end of the month and we encourage you to take advantage of these end of summer events while you can! This month, Millennium Park’s Summer Music Series will host Monday and Thursday night performances on Jay Pritzker Pavilion by GZA, Yaya Bey, Protoje and Madison McFerrin, leading up to a final concert by Corinne Bailey Rae and Terrace Martin on August 8. Taking over the Pavilion on Tuesday nights, the Summer Film Series has showings of “American Fiction” and “Wonka” before wrapping up with “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on August 20. Chicago’s SummerDance program invites dancers of all skill levels to a series of workshops and dance sessions in Grant Park this month, ranging in style from Swing and Line Dance to Salsa and Cumbia.
Residents of The St. Regis Chicago are in the perfect position to get outside and enjoy the city’s best summertime offerings. For more inspiration on things to do in the neighborhood, visit our Lakeshore East Neighborhood page.
