With the Chicago Marathon coming up fast, I get lots of questions. About the race, about the course, hotels, transportation, you name it. Today I want to make some recommendations for the REST of race weekend. Stuff you, or your family and friends might wanna do while you’re here.
Let’s start with some tried and true faves. Warning: There’s an inordinate amount of food on the list. I’m blaming my own taperworm for that.
- Deep dish pie. I’m talking about pizza pie, in case you didn’t know. Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s are all fabulous.
- Willis Tower or Hancock Building Sky Deck. If you come see me on marathon weekend, I’ll take you to my secret (free) skydeck view of the city. The picture above was taken from it.
- Cupcakes. We’ve got some good ones. Hit up Sprinkles, Swirlz, or Sweet Mandy B’s. You won’t go wrong.
- Garrett’s Popcorn. Chicago isn’t the only place to grab some but it’s pretty irresistible so just do it.
- River Architecture Cruise. I’ve been on it many times and it never gets old. Chicago is a beautiful city and this is a great way to see it and learn a little more about it in the process.
- Big Red Bus. Face it, marathoners wanna save their legs for the big day. The Big Red Bus is the perfect way to sightsee without walking a ton…unless you want to, of course.
If this isn’t your first time in Chicago, chances are you may have already done some/many of the things listed above. In that case, here are some ideas that are a little off the beaten path.
Blommer Chocolate Factory Store. Whenever I run a Chicago race that goes through the West Loop, I think I’m delirious when I start smelling chocolate wafting through the air. Turns out I am, thanks to the Blommer Chocolate Factory. While they do not offer tours, you can hit up the factory store at 600 W. Kinzie for a stash of the sweet stuff.
Revival Food Hall. Not sure what you want to eat? Maybe you need to appease a group? The Revival Food Hall is a 24,000 sq. ft. marketplace spotlighting the best of Chicago’s culinary scene. Aloha Poke Co., Furious Spoon and Farmer’s Fridge are just a few of the options you’ll find. 125 S. Clark St.
Black Dog Gelato. There was a time when gelato was rare in these parts. Not anymore. But truly delicious and unique gelato can still be scarce. That’s why you need to pay a visit to Black Dog Gelato. Small batch gelatos and sorbets are made daily in flavors you probably haven’t seen before. Think Sesame Fig Chocolate Chip, Malted Vanilla and Maple Cayenne Bacon. Rootbeer sorbet anyone? You never know what you’ll find because when a flavor runs out, it’s out! Choose from three locations.
Float Sixty. One thing about a marathon, whether you’re running or spectating, it’s a total sensory overload. That’s why a visit to a float suite is pretty perfect. Wth is a float suite? Basically you spend 60 or 90 minutes floating in 10″ of water that’s infused with 1,000 pounds of Epsom Salts. We all know how beneficial Epsom Salts is to tired, sore muscles, right? It’s also said to promote mental clarity, deeper sleep and recovery. Book your float session or buy your favorite runner a Float Card here.
Binoculars Tour Chicago Elevated. You’ll get your own pair of binoculars to keep for this walking tour. Spend time looking up examining the ornamentation, details and design of many famous Chicago buildings. Tour starts at the Chicago Board of Trade and follows a 1.5 mile path through the city, culminating at Daley Plaza, 50 N. Washington St.
What’s your favorite thing to do/eat/see in Chicago? Will you be in Chicago for Marathon Weekend?
I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the Weekly Wrap, with Suz, Rachel, Debbie and Lora for Coaches’ Corner and with Nicole, Jen, and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
That’s an awesome list! I won’t be at the Chicago marathon but I’ll save this for next summer when we come out for the RnR half 🙂
I think I may need to return to Chicago soon! I did enjoy the River Architecture Cruise and walking around downtown (my hotel was very convenient). I planned to go to Willis Tower after the race — with my medal. But…that stupid fall did a number on me and I didn’t go. That is one thing I really regret!
I haven’t heard of a lot of these things. Float 60? Revival Food Hall? Clearly, I need to do Chicago with you. I would recommend some of the craft beer places too. Willis Tower, even though it’s super touristy. I went with the boys a few years ago and it was very cool. Wicker Park. Too bad baseball season is usually over by then. So many things to do, so little time.
So maybe I can just come for the popcorn and cupcakes?! LOL will forward to one of my besties who is running it
That’s a great list! I have lots of business trips to Chicago, but never have gotten to do any of these things. I think I’d love that architecture tour!
Well, I won’t be in Chicago this weekend but I you’ve definitely made me hungry! 🙂 Chicago is on our list of cities to visit and when we do, I’ll be referring back to this post!
The Binoculars Tour totally has my interest! I’m such an art geek, and the Chicago architecture totally has me in awe when I’m there. Now, I just need to get myself back to the Windy City….
This is a great list! The only time I visited Chicago it was the middle of winter so I didnt get to do as much as I would have liked. I definitely want to go back- and hopefully run the marathon one day!
This list just reminds me that it has been a long time since I’ve been to Chicago and I need to find an excuse to go back!
I’ve never been to Chicago but this list would be super helpful if I was heading there. It’s on my list of some day to visit!
Can you believe I’ve never been to Chicago? I better hurry! 😉 Especially since now I have so many running friends who live there!
Debbie I’d say you need to put it on your short list! I think you’d appreciate the temps right now too!
This is awesome! Thanks so much Marcia 🙂
I’m working on a post this week for “All things Chicago” and will definitely link back to this post
I love that architecture cruise! Looks like I need to get back to Chicago for some of these other things!
I’ve never been to Chicago! I will have to save your post. I got into the Chicago Marathon in 2016, but could not go. I would definitely like to know a good place to stay. I wouldn’t know what to do in such a big city! My little town doesn’t even have a red light!
I haven’t been to Chicago since 6th grade, so I’m sure I’d start at the beginning if I get back there.
That looks like such a great list – I’ve never been to Chicago but I’ve heard amazing things! Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Great list! I’ve already told the hubs that My reward meal is Gino’s East pizza. Do you know of any good places for soft pretzels?
I wish I had more time after the race while I was in Chicago last yr. I had to fly out shortly after I was finished. I didn’t even get to try any of the famous Chicago style pizza.
This race is high on my bucket list!!! Now I want to do it even more!
I was only ever in Chicago to change planes at Midway on my way to Florida to be married in 1991. We had enough time to catch a city bus to some mall… where I did buy my wedding shoes actually. That was an eyeopener. Would love to come back and be a real tourist!
So can I do this stuff even without running a marathon…? 😉 It all sounds like so much fun and so yummy!!
What great ideas and of course there are a million more! I grew up in the city, about 15 minutes west of the Loop. Now two of my three kids live in the city and we are there all the time. I just can’t get enough of it!
Great list!! It was so fun visiting Chicago! I miss Giordano’s! So yummy! I will have to check out your ideas off the beaten path the next time I go!
I am very much looking forward to getting some good pizza when we’re in Chicago in a couple of weeks. I cannot believe that the marathon is right around the corner!
I have still never made a trip to Chicago and it’s been on my bucket list for ages! I will definitely look at your list when the time finally comes!
This is a great list if I ever make to Chicago again 🙂
I have flown and changed planes in Chicago many times, but that last time I actually was in the city was in the early 90’s. I am due to a trip!
Jesus, I hope you recommend all this food for after the race and not before, especially the deep dish pizza. That alone has 2k calories and that’s enough carb load for 5 marathons lol. Kidding, good stuff! Cheers! Vic
You list so many places that I’ve never heard of and I live in Chicago!! 🙂 Great list. I am excited for that weekend.