- Lake Michigan can get choppy and have strong currents. It may also still be pretty cold in early July. Treat it like an ocean, not a lake.

- If a place you want to eat at offers reservations, make a reservation. Chicago restaurants can fill up quickly.

- If an item is underlined, we've attached a link for you to learn more (if you'd like)

Transportation to Chicago/Getting Around Chicago

- Take the Metra into the city if you are staying in the suburbs

- Download the Ventra App to purchase your tickets

- Buy the weekend pass if possible ($10)

- If you are staying in Arlington Heights, your metra line is the Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW)

- Downtown Chicago (Union Station or Ogilvie Station) is the last stop when going inbound from any Metra station.

- If you decide to drive from the suburbs into the city, take Sheridan Rd to Lakeshore Dr. The drive is a little longer, but very scenic. Sheridan Rd is known for its beautiful, huge homes and great views of Lake Michigan. Not to mention that you get to drive through Northwestern University's campus and pass the Bahá'í House of Worship.

- Download the "Park Chicago" app to pay your parking meter from anywhere

- Download "Spot Hero" tp help you find, pay for, and reserve parking spots

- To travel between Chicago Neighborhoods, you can use the "Uber" app, or use Chicago's CTA lines (the "L"). CTA lines and stops are noted next to neighborhood names below. Tickets can be bought on the "Ventra" app or at machines located in CTA stations.

Nightlife

- River North (downtown), Old Town, and Boystown are great places to go out!

Safety

- Chicago is safe, but like any city, one should always be vigilant and smart when exploring unfamiliar areas. Be aware of your surroundings, explore with a buddy, and stick to well lit areas at night. We also suggest planning where you would like to go ahead of time so you don't get lost or look too tourist-y.

Things To Do

- The Great Hall at Chicago Union Station: This is an easy one to check out! Take a quick walk to this Amtrak hub with stunning marble and tall ceilings, and see the famous staircase from the mob shootout scene in "The Untouchables" film.

- Shop on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave)

- Millennium Park

~ The Crown Fountain

~ The Bean (Cloud Gate)

~ Free concerts on the Great Lawn

~ Lurie Garden

- Architecture Tour on the Chicago River (Wendella Boat Rides)

- Kayaking/Paddle Board on the Chicago River or Montrose Beach

- Maggie Daley Park

~ Rock Climbing

~ Play Garden (Playgrounds)

~ Mini Golf

- Taste of Chicago (July 6-July 10): An amazing and expansive food festival in Grant Park!

- Museums

~ Field Museum (Museum Campus)

~ Shedd Aquarium (Museum Campus)

~ Adler Planetarium (Museum Campus)

~ The Art Institute (Michigan Ave)

~ Science and Industry (Hyde Park --by University of Chicago, not downtown)

- The Lakefront Trail: Runs all along Chicago so you can walk/bike to so many neighborhoods! The trail is 18.5 miles long. We love walking from the Museum Campus to Navy Pier. However, you can reach so much more of Chicago from this path.

- Fishing at Burnham Harbor (Museum Campus): Great little spot if you enjoy fishing or looking at boats. Be sure you have a fishing license.

- Northerly Island: A hidden oasis! Beautiful walking paths and unique perspective of the Chicago Skyline if you're into photography.

- Starbucks Reserve and Roastery: 4 floors of creative drinks and food that are not available at a typical Starbucks. Regular Starbucks menu items are not served at this location. The 4th floor is a cocktail lounge. There may be a line to get in, but it moves quickly.

- Harold Washington Library (South Loop): Check out the Winter Garden on the 9th floor!

- Navy Pier

~ Centennial Wheel and other rides

~ Shows

~ Fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays

~ Greenhouses

- Buckingham Fountain: Beautiful place for pictures with the skyline or lake in the background!

- The Sears Tower (Willis Tower): Go onto the Sky Deck (hopefully it's a clear day!) or simply admire from below.

- The John Hancock Tower (875 North Michigan Ave): If you want great views and drinks, check out the bar on the 94th floor! (Bonus: The lady's restroom has its own great views). If fine dining is more your speed, grab dinner on the 96th floor in the Signature Lounge!

- Bike Rentals: Individual and multi-rider bike rental stands can be found throughout the city and by the lake

-Theater: Chicago has a wonderful theater district. See what's playing on Broadway in Chicago!

- Second City: If comedy is more your speed, catch a show at Second City! Many famous comedians and SNL stars got their start here.

- Chicago Riverwalk: Beautiful way to travel through the city. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and restrooms can be found along the way.

- Beaches (all are public and free, these are just a few)

~ North Avenue Beach (Lincoln Park)

~ Oak Street Beach (Navy Pier)

~ Ohio Street Beach (Gold Coast)

~12th Street Beach (Museum Campus)

- The Chicago Water Tower: The only surviving structure of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The nearby Water Tower Place is a popular shopping center with an American Girl Doll store.

- Skate Parks: There is one in Grant Park that is a cool place to people watch if you happen to walk by/be in the area

Food

- Lou Malnati's (multiple locations): Our personal favorite for Chicago deep dish. The crust is buttery and their sauce is fresh! Our favorite pizza is pepperoni with spinach mix, and fresh roma tomatoes on top.

- Giordano's (multiple locations): Another big name in Chicago deep dish. They use a lot of cheese! Be aware that there will be an hour wait for the pizza to cook.

- Bombo Bar (West Loop): The crazy and creative gelato and shakes at Bombo bar will satisfy any sweet tooth!

- Potbellys (multiple locations): A chain sandwich shop that we love for a quick bite. Our favorite is the Wreck on toasted multi-grain with everything on it.

- Ramen San (River North): Great ramen and Yuzu bombs!

- Tanta Chicago (River North): High end restaurant specializing in Peruvian cuisine

- Heaven on Seven (Loop): Hidden gem on the seventh floor of a business building on Wabash. They serve Cajun food, and their gumbo is phenomenal! It has been approved by our Southern friends and family who have visited. Be sure to check their hours as Covid may have affected them. CASH ONLY (they do have an ATM inside).

- Halal Guys (multiple locations): Chain restaurant with delicious food. Middle Eastern cuisine served similarly to Chipotle.

- Beatnik on the River: Eclectic, global restaurant on the river (get their patio seating)

- Urbanspace Chicago: This is basically a food court with delicious restaurant options. They have everything from fried chicken to donuts to lobster rolls to alcohol. They even have Filipino food and gyros!

- Wow Bao (multiple locations): Yummy steamed buns

- Nutella Cafe (Loop): This one is self explanatory!

-Garrett's Popcorn (multiple locations): Get the Chicago Mix (cheese and caramel). It sounds strange, but the sweet and salty go perfectly together, and it's so warm and delicious.

- La Josie (West Loop): High end Jalisco restaurant. We came during brunch and it was delicious! David loved his ceviche sampler.

- The Game Room (Loop): Cool place for drinks and snacks on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association building. It has dark academia vibes and true to the name, does have games (pool, bocce, foosball)

-La Scarola (River West): Great authentic, italian restaurant. It's cozy and very popular.

Notes

- If you drive, parking is easiest on Argyle (download the "Park Chicago" app)

- If driving, Sheridan Rd takes you all the way to Vietnamese town and back. If you want to take the highway, you will most likely take 94 East and exit on E Touhy Ave

- This is Vietnamese town so they have great Vietnamese food! Fish sauce is not as scary as it sounds, Vietnamese egg rolls are amazing, spring rolls with peanut sauce are delicious and light. Banh mis and bubble tea are tasty and plentiful.

Things to Do

- Montrose Beach: Our favorite beach! It is dog friendly (there is a dog side and a people only side). The water is shallow for a while so it's usually the warmest of the Chicago beaches. There is parking along the beach, but it gets crowded pretty quickly. Similar to other Chicago beaches, entry to the beach is free.

- The Swedish American Museum: If you would like to learn about Swedish American history

- Tai Nam Food Market: Great little Asian grocery store

- Park to Shop Supermarket: Larger Asian grocery store. There is also a restaurant inside

Food

- Tao Tea: Bubble tea

- Kung Fu Tea: Bubble tea

- Furama Restaurant: Go to the second floor for some great dim sum (small, steamed, shared Chinese dishes usually enjoyed in restaurants around brunch time)

- Demera Restaurant: Ethiopian cuisine

- Pho Viet: They make a good Bo Luc Lac (marinated beef with rice)

- Cafe Hoang: They make great combination fried rice (shrimp, beef, chicken, delicious Chinese sausage) and bun bo hue (spicy beef soup)

- Hai Yen: They make great bo la lot (sausage wrapped in betel leaves--super tasty) and bun thit nuong (our favorite dish--vermicelli noodles served with your choice of grilled meat, greens, cucumbers, bean sprouts, peanuts, and fish sauce. Usually comes with an egg roll. The dish is served cold except for the meat and egg roll so it is very light and refreshing). They also have great "wrap it yourself" dishes which essentially means you get to make your own spring rolls with your choice of meat.

- Lotus Seed: Banh Mi

- Ba Le: Banh Mi with great vegetarian options!

- VN Tofu and Fast Food: Great steamed buns and tofu variety served warm (cash, strictly take out)

- Chiu Quon Bakery: Delicous egg tarts and coconut buns, in addition to other popular Asian baked goods

Notes

- Wrigleyville and Boystown are basically next to each other

- Wrigleyville is home to the Chicago Cubs so they have a lot of sports bars

- Boystown is the LGBTQ+ district and has great bars and clubs if you are interested in Chicago night life

Things to Do

- See a Cubs game at Wrigley Field!

Food

- Jenny's Ice Cream (Wrigleyville): The most creative and delicious ice cream flavors! It is a little pricey.

- The Cubby Bear (Wrigleyville): A Chicago institution--American food and drinks

- Roscoe's Tavern (Boystown): Great little club with occasional drag shows

- Furious Spoons (Boystown): Great Ramen spot

Notes

- The Gold Coast and Old Town are very near to each other

- They are easy to walk to, but the walk may be a little long for some. Feel free to uber or use the L (specifically for Old Town, take the purple line to Sedgwick)

- Accessible from the Lakefront Trail

-The Gold Coast is the boujee neighborhood (in case the name didn't give it away)

-Old Town is a super fun place for night life as well!

Things to Do

Food

-Happy Camper (Old Town): Yummy pizza! (Regular pizza)

- Small Cheval (Old Town): Great burgers and fries with unlimited garlic aioli in dispensers

- Maple & Ash (Gold Coast): Very high end American restaurant with fancy vibes and good food

- La Colombe (Gold Coast and other locations): Small location for this coffee chain, but it has great, simple coffee

- 3 Arts Club Cafe (Gold Coast): Cool space and good food

Notes

- An hour and a half walk from downtown

- Accessible from the Lakefront Trail

Things to Do

- Lincoln Park Zoo: Free!

- Victory Garden Biograph Theater: Great for history buffs! Public Enemy No. 1, John Dillinger, was shot and killed in an alley by this theater.

Food

- Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co: Home of the pizza pot pie (featured on TV for it), cash only

Notes

- Chicago's hipster neighborhood!

- You can also get here from the suburbs by going south on Milwauke Ave all the way

Things to Do

- Farmer's Market (check out their summer hours!)

- Myopic Books: Charming, eclectic bookstore

- Reckless Records: Old school record store that has vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and new/used records

-Emporium Arcade Bar: Exactly what it sounds like

- Flat Iron Building: Chicago's own flat iron building that you can enter and check out!

- 606 Trail: 2.7 mile elevated rail trail running east–west on the northwest side of Chicago. It is the longest greenway project of a former rail line in the United States, and the second longest in the world. The 606 brings together elevated trails for bikers and runners, art installations, and landscape design to create an urban oasis and a new way to explore.

Food (Honestly, Google is your best friend. Wicker Park is known for its amazing food, below is just the tip of the iceberg)

- Sultan's Market: Casual spot for middle eastern fare

- Urban Belly: Functional eatery whipping up hearty, delicious Asian fusion food in a straightforward casual setting with communal tables.

- Kurimu: Popular soft serve spot!

- Bloom Plant Based Kitchen: Self explanatory!

- Handlebar: Vegetarian and vegan food--Their Nashville Hot "Chicken" is AMAZING

- Cebu: Filipino food

- Paulie Gee's: NYC style pizza

- Taxim: Creative Greek food (duck gyros, etc.) with a charming rooftop

- Tortello's: Housemade pastas, need I say more

- The north west Chicago suburbs, otherwise known as the North Shore, have a lot to offer if you aren't into city life.

- All the suburbs are pretty close to one another--you shouldn't have to drive more than a half hour to get from one to the other (with the exception of Evanston)

- The Chicago suburbs have inspired many famous films. Mean Girls was based on the high schools in the North Shore, and many John Hughes movies were filmed in the burbs. Take a look at this list for famous movie homes you can check out (from the outside only)

- North Shore beaches, unlike Chicago beaches, are private. Therefore, they may require payment to enter or park. On the plus side, they are usually less crowded and clean/well maintained.

- The DPR (Des Plaines River Trail) is a famous trail that goes all the way up to Wisconsin. There are many access points, and it's popular for cross country skiing, biking, walking, and running (and even horseback riding).

- Binny's: This is a popular Chicago area liquor store with great selection. They have multiple locations so you can google to see which is closest to you.

- Portillo's: A popular Chicago fast food chain. Get their cheese fries and a slice of chocolate cake. As for mains, Ariana likes a classic Italian Beef, dipped with sweet and hot peppers, but if you don't like soggy bread, you can get it dry or wet. David likes their Polish Sausage with mustard and onions. They also have a delicious Chicken Chopped Salad (with or without blue cheese).

Notes

-David's adopted home that he is very enthusiastic about

- Walkable, but David's preferred mode of transportation is bike

Things to Do

- Willowstream Park: Great open space to play some frisbee golf, soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Also check out the multiple playgrounds and community pool as well! There are also plenty of walking/biking paths. Grab a spot here to watch the BG fireworks!

- Buffalo Creek: A scenic nature preserve and reservoir with plenty of trails to walk/bike on. Pretty close to Willowstream

- Bien Jewelry Studio: Visit Ariana's dad at his store! Feel free to browse the showcases and chat, and even get some jewelry polished for the wedding ;)

- Jewel Osco: A local Chicago grocery store chain. They have a yummy bakery (not Publix level, but still good!)

- Woodman's (Discover and Debit only): A huge Wisconsin chain grocery store with so many options, you'll be blown away! Just a few impressive aisles are: Chips, Bologna, Gluten-free, Ice Cream, etc. They also have the cheapest gas in the area!

- Raupp Museum: This is a small, free museum that teaches you the history of Buffalo Grove!

- Cafe Mistiko: Our local neighborhood bar that has affordable drinks, delicious bougatsa (Greek custard pastry), and billiards!

-Lynfred Winery: Small winery with affordable tastings and cute atmosphere!

Food

- Weiner Take All: Great Chicago hot dogs and delicious fries (in addition to other classic American food). They also have a great name

- Culvers: A midwest fast-food chain that is slowly expanding into the South! Their kid's meal comes with a free scoop of frozen custard (my favorite deal), and they have great burgers and onion rings! Also, you are always entitled to one free topping with your scoop of frozen custard

- Hyderabad House: Yummy Indian cuisine. We love their vijayawada biryani (spiced rice dish with chicken)

- Aragvi Georgian Bakery: Try their khachapuri (cheese bread) and pirozhki (bread stuffed with your choice of filling. We like potato, but you can also get beef).

- Tandoor Samsa: Kyrgyz food (Kyrgyzstan is a country in central asia). Get their beef samsa (savory pastry).

- The Buffalo: Classic American diner with yummy ice cream sundaes and milkshakes

- Siam Siam: Thai food (we love their curries)

Notes

- Where our wedding reception will be! There should be lots to do during any down time

- New home of the Chicago Bears

- The downtown area is super cute

- They have a Metra Station (UP-NW) that goes to Ogilvie Station (across from Union) in downtown Chicago

Things to Do

- They do a lot of street fests! Check out their summer lineup

- Metropolis Theater: See what shows are playing

Food

- La Tasca: Spanish restaurant that serves tapas

- Ttowa: Korean restaurant with delicious teok-bokki (simmered rice cake)

- Big Shot Piano Lounge: Swanky downstairs bar where you can get some good drinks while listening to some live piano

- Peggy Kinnane's Irish Pub: Solid food and drinks--the Bailey's cheesecake is a fave

- Shakou: Great spot for sushi

- Around Cafe: Get your coffee fix

- Mitsuwa: This is actually a giant Japanees grocery store with an AMAZING food court and bakery.

Notes

- Right near O'Hare Airport

- Google for their full range of dining and entertainment

Things to Do

-iFly: Indoor skydiving

- Zanies: Comedy club

- Fashion Outlets of Chicago: Shopping!

- Chicago Dogs: Minor League baseball is a great option if you want to go to a sporting event, but not shell out tons of money for tickets. Their mascots are also ketchup and mustard bottles.

- Rivers Casino: They actually have a decent buffet



Food:

- Fogo de Chao: Brazilian Steak House (pricey, but it is unlimited food)

Notes

- Basically in the city

- It is right next to Uptown, and can be reached via Sheridan Rd.

Things to Do

- Farmer's Market

- Check out Northwestern University's campus

- Houses from "Sixteen Candles" and "Road to Perdition"

Food

- The Peckish Pig: Super cute patio, creative and tasty American food

Notes

- There are so many suburbs. The following are just some with activities you can do and places you can go

Deerfield

- Nice downtown area with many shops and restaurants

Highland Park

- Nice downtown area with many shops and restaurants

- Check out downtown Highwood as well (next to Highland Park)

- Rosewood Beach (Lake Michigan): You need to park downtown and walk to the beach, but the walk isn't long, and you get to pass pretty houses along the way. This beach is usually free, but they may charge entry during high traffic times.

- Has famous homes from "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off," "Risky Business," and "Ordinary People"

- Ravinia Festival: Great outdoor concert series where you can just relax and listen to live music. Lawn seats are very relaxed (you won't be able to see the stage) and people bring blankets, chairs, coffee tables, flowers, and food/drinks to make their listening experience as enjoyable as possible. Also, there are somehow no mosquitos.

Glenview

- Where the church for the ceremony is located!

- They have a Metra station: (Milwaukee District North)

- Graeter's Ice Cream: The BEST chocolate chunks you can ever get in ice cream

- Wagner Farm: See animals, climb on tractors, and check out some interactive exhibits at this historic family farm!

Lincolnshire

- David works at Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Ariana's alma mater) and one of the best/largest public high schools in Illinois

- Grab a drink and some food at Half Day Brewery

- Regal Cinemas Imax Movie Theater (must buy seats ahead of time)

- Liquid Fusion: popular spot for bubble tea, and frequented by David Dobrik when he's in town

- Walker Brother's Pancake House: Popular local breakfast chain! We love their pico de gallo hashbrowns and challah french toast! They also got a special mention in "Mean Girls" when Cady won a gift certificate to their restaurant.

Vernon Hills

- Right next to Lincolnshire

- Hawthorn Mall (shopping, movie theater, Dave and Buster's)

- Half Day Forest Preserve: Great nature preserve along the Des Plaines River trail

- Mellody Farms: Across from Hawthorn Mall, they have great restaurants and shopping (REI, Shake Shack, Lazy Dog, Barnes & Noble, etc.)

- Chick fil A

- Five Guys

- House from "My Best Friend's Wedding"

Glencoe

- Glencoe Beach (Lake Michigan): Parking is free, but payment required for entry

- Chicago Botanic Gardens: Absolutely beautiful gardens. Reservation and payment is required for entry. Some of our favorite attractions here are: The Beer Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Sensory Garden, Bonsai Collection, Greenhouses, and Model Railroad Garden, etc.)

- Cute downtown area

Glenview

- Unofficial Koreatown

- Choongman Chicken: Delicious Korean fried chicken and sides.

- Kong Dog Glenview: Delicous Korean corn dogs. There are so many different, creative combinations!

- Joong Boo: Large Asian supermarket with a food court on the top floor

- H Mart: Classic Asian grocery store

- Iron Age: Great spot for Korean barbecue!

Schaumburg

- Ikea

- Woodfield Mall: The best mall. They have everything. Largest mall in Illinois, and one of the largest in the country

- Legoland

- Schaumburg is its own little city. We suggest googling to see all they have to offer!

Skokie

- Westfield Old Orchard: Great outdoor mall with a ton of brand name stores (LL Bean, Lululemon, Williams Sonoma, etc.)

- CTA stop: Dempster-Skokie (Yellow Line)

Long Grove

- Historic Long Grove: Settled in the 1800s, Historic Long Grove has that old school charm with classic buildings that have been converted into restaurants and local shops

- They have a lot of festivals with their most popular being their Chocolate Fest and Strawberry Fest

Wheeling

- Buffalo Grove's neighbor

- Home to David's favorite grocery store, Fresh Farms, (they carry a lot of international food and products)

- Wheeling is up and coming. They built a whole new shopping center with restaurants and entertainment

- 312 Nails is where Ariana goes to get her nails done. Check out their instagram if you want a fancy set for the wedding!