Captain Dapper wants you to make the most of the waning days of summer.
Dear reader, I'm sorry to be the one to inform you, but summer is almost over. I know, I know, it feels like summer has only just begun. And the weather has been so unpredictable that at time this summer has felt more like autumn. Before you know it, we'll all be huddling around our space heaters and trying to soothe our cold bodies with hard liquor. Before that happens, I want you to mark a few things off your summer in Chicago bucket list.
1. Take a water taxi. Before the Chicago River turns icy and disgusting all over again, take this opportunity to see the city from a different vantage point. For just $4 per ride (or $8 for an all day pass), you can hop on the Chicago Water Taxi, with stops on Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie Station and Chinatown. I took the top photo of the Sears Tower while riding a water taxi north from Chinatown. It's a perspective on the city like no other.
2. Get up close and personal with some public art. The city of Chicago is practically littered with public art. During the winter months, when we're bundled up in coats and scarves, we hurriedly pass them by as we seek shelter from the merciless wind. Take these few remaining warm days to get up close and personal with public art - like Steinunn Thoraarinsdottir's life size sculptures in Grant Park. Check out a list of public art on the City of Chicago's website.
3. Rent a surrey along the lake. While I love to hop on my bike and ride the lakefront trail, I never seem to meander along and enjoy the sights. All the more reason to rent a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals at Foster Avenue Beach. The multi-person, pedal powered vehicles are so cumbersome that you can't help but poke along and enjoy the scenery. They're perfect for a group of friends or even for a couple on date night.
4. Enjoy drinks at The Dock on Montrose Beach. One of the best things about Chicago is its amazing lakefront. Unlike most Great Lake cities, Chicago's lakefront was left undeveloped and open for all. While I'm a big fan of runs/walks/bike rides along the beach, sometimes it's nice to sit and watch the others enjoying the sun and sand. There's no better place to do this than The Dock on Montrose Beach. Sit back, order a nosh and a cocktail and watch beach combers, runners and sunbathers.
5. Stock up at a farmers market. Each summer we see an influx of farmers to the concrete jungle as they sell their delicious fruits and vegetables to us city dwellers. Once summer passes, it's back to the supermarket for the tasteless produce we eat the rest of the year. Take this opportunity to buy all the delicious produce you can. To enjoy the bounty all year round, can or freeze some of the freshest picks. Check out this list of farmers markets in Chicago to find one near you.
Images: Jason Loper
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