It's a cheesy 80's movie come to life: Small town girl has goals, girl gets a break, girl packs up car and moves her whole life to a brand new, major city...all by herself. So what's she to do once she moves there? It's all too easy to become an introvert...so why not play tourist in her new home? Enter me, Lindsey, with my budget-friendly adventures, and you, the hopefully interested reader. Whether you're also new to Chicago or a lifelong native, (re)discover the Windy city with me!
We'll start simple...a day at the beach.
When was the last time you appreciated the Chicago lakefront? I get a little thrill every time I zoom along Lake Shore Drive with the windows down, beach on one side, high rises on the other. It's like a defiance of nature, yet seems so natural. Bring a blanket, towel, snacks, your latest novel, IPOD, a beach chair, and don't forget the rubberband, or you'll be eating your hair! Guess what, it's totally free, and right now, fairly uncrowded...that is, before the blanket of summer heat settles over the city. Parking doesn't have to be a pain, there's plenty along the lakeshore, and having scouted out the Rogers Park area, lots of side street spots that DON'T require that pesky parking permit. Stake out your spot, either sandy or grassy, and RELAX. Shut your eyes to those joggers and rollerbladers...you can exercise later. I happen to work mornings, so I spent a weekday there last week. I got in a nap, a little color on my face and 5 chapters in my paperback, all to the soundtrack of calm waves lapping, kids laughing and the occasional woof. As far as free afternoons go, I felt I got my money's worth. :)
Now, I only checked out a portion of the city's massive lakefront...click here for all the rules and regulations that the park district enforces.
