Forget what the forecast says, or the sky, for that matter. Chicago is ready for spring.
While patience — sometimes a lot — is often required at this time of year, there’s no better reward than warm weather in the city. And once that hits, we know how to enjoy ourselves.
With the weather finally breaking, we’ve picked out some of our favorite springtime anticipations and activities.
Farmers’ Markets
The city is flush with farmers’ markets during the warmer months, but, like the rest of us, they go into hibernation when it’s cold. By the time spring gets into full swing, farmers’ markets can be found in practically every neighborhood in the city, on practically every day of the week. Just another reason we love warm weather in the Windy City.
During this early part of spring, farmers’ markets mostly trickle out. Last season, only the Wood Street Urban Farm Stand opened in April, but most are open by the end of May.
If you can’t wait for the start of the season, two markets — the Logan Square Farmers Market and the Healthy Food Hub at The Quarry Center — are open year-round. Both move inside during the winter, but you can still get your goods year-round, no matter the weather.
The Daley Plaza Market and the 61st Street Farmers Market are two of our other favorite farmers’ markets, as well as two of the largest farmers’ markets in Chicago.
Now, if you’re like us, the only thing left to do is to convince yourself to cook.
Wood Street Urban Farm, growinghomeinc.org
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursdays, April 19th – October 25th
5814 S. Wood St.
Logan Square Farmers Market, logansquarefarmersmarket.org
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sundays
Indoor: November through March, excluding holiday dates. Emporium Arcade Bar Logan Square, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Outdoor: May through October. Logan Boulevard between Milwaukee Avenue and Whipple Street.
Healthy Food Hub, healthyfoodhub.org
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesdays
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Indoor: Oak Forest Health Center, 15900 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest,
Outdoor: 15900 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest,
Daley Plaza Market, cityofchicago.org
7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursdays, May 10 – Oct. 25
50 W. Washington St.
61st Street Farmers Market, experimentalstation.org
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays
Outdoor: Beginning on May 12, outside weekly at 61st Street & Dorchester Avenue., ends last Saturday in October
Indoor: First Saturday in November through December 15, except Saturday after Thanksgiving. Monthly dates Jan. — April.
Community Gardens
Want to skip the farmers’ market and do the damn thing yourself? Unless you’re a homeowner, most folks in Chicago don’t have the space to grow anything. Fortunately, there are community and neighborhood gardens all throughout the city.
The setup varies from garden to garden: Most assign plots on which members are allowed to grow fruits, vegetables, etc., while others take a communal approach in which members tend to and share the same vegetation. Many community gardens also offer classes or workshops to show you how to get started or make your thumb a little greener.
Availability also differs among the city’s gardens, but most assign their plots between February and May, so now is the time to get serious about your seeds. We have a thorough guide on our website.
On The Water
We love Chicago’s water features during warm weather (though the lake-effect snow in the winter is a bummer).
The city’s aquatic roster runs deep, featuring different types of guided tours on both the river and the lake, kayaking the river, catching a water cab, eating and drinking on the Riverwalk or simply checking out the beach.
You don’t have to get in or even get wet, and, please, if you’re on the Chicago River, don’t do either of those things. But we all know, everything is better on or around the water.
Shoreline Sightseeing, shorelinesightseeing.com
See website for various times, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Options: architecture tours, lake tours, fireworks tours
Chicago Water Taxi, chicagowatertaxi.com
See website for schedule.
Locations include: Ogilvie/Union (West Loop), Michigan Avenue, LaSalle (River North), Riverwalk Clark Street, North Avenue/Sheffield, Chinatown, Chicago Avenue
Kayak Chicago, kayakchicago.com
See website for locations, 312-852-9258
Options: lake tours, river tours, special events
The 606
The 606 only finished completion in 2016, but Chicagoans haven’t wasted any time turning the trail into one of the city’s busiest stretches.
At 2.7 miles long, the 606 offers a lengthy stretch for any exercise, and it’s also wide enough to accommodate everyone. Bikers, skaters, roller-bladers, walkers and runners all use the trail, so its roominess is necessary. Be careful of others when exercising, and be aware that any motorized vehicle is not allowed on the trail.
Beyond exercise, the trail also plays host to different events, including stargazing trips, walking science tours and sponsored run/walks. The 606’s website features a complete calendar of the trail’s ongoing and upcoming events.
Open 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily, the606.org More Top Picks Humidifier
Eating and drinking outdoors
Last but certainly not least, better weather means a chance to eat and drink outdoors, which is one of the city’s favorite annual pastimes, if long lines and packed patios are any indicator.
There are far too many outdoor options to pick and choose any here, but you can’t throw a rock without hitting an outdoor rooftop or patio during warmer months. You should not have trouble locating one.
And even if you do, we’ve got you covered with a list of more than 120 spots to eat outdoors around Chicago. Enjoy the weather.
[email protected] | @lucheezy