5 Reasons to Visit Chicago in the Spring

Spring is one of my favorite times to visit. There’s something a little extra special as the city is waking up from the cold. The snow that has been piled up all winter is gone. In it’s place, spring flowers are blooming, the sky is blue and the humidity is low. So pack your bags, here are 5 of the best reasons to visit Chicago in the spring.

Tulips Are a Good Reason to Visit Chicago in the Spring

Every fall, the city of Chicago plants tens of thousands of tulip bulbs for a springtime show of color. What started as a Michigan Avenue tradition has turned into a city wide event. You will see tulips all over downtown in the medians and on the sidewalks.

If you aren’t familiar, tulips bulbs require planting in the fall of the year. This means after planing the bulbs, the city then has to protect them from the winter weather and the harsh chemicals they use on the roads to melt snow. So they cover them up with sod. Then at the proper time, they remove the sod so the tulips can grow, bloom and signal that spring has arrived.

One of the feel good about this tradition is that the city sometimes uses the tulip event to mark special occasions or to highlight happenings in the city. One year they worked with a Dutch tulip bulb breeder to produce a tulip named after the then mayor’s wife, Maggie Daley. Mrs. Daley was battling cancer at the time and the city, knowing that she had carried tulips down the aisle at her wedding to the mayor, planted the new bulb in her honor.

Architectural Tours to See Chicago in the Spring

Spring in Chicago is the perfect time to hop on a boat and float down the Chicago River for a tour of the some of the buildings that made Chicago famous.

There’s nothing more constant than change. While a lot has changed thru out the years, the newer modern buildings peacefully coexists with the historical ones in what makes Chicago one of the most distinctive and beautiful skylines. Some of the names of the buildings may change but they are as outstanding as ever.

I used Wendella Boats for for my architectural tour. The boat is a two deck boat with indoor seating and an open air deck on top. The best views are from top deck if you don’t mind the sun.

As for the tour itself, there’s a lot of info about the skyline, the different types of architecture and the time periods in which they were built. The tour lasts about an hour and a half. You can purchase snacks and drinks on board. If you take a morning tour, they even have mimosas.

Bonus! You might even get a whiff of the chocolate from the Blommer Chocolate Factory.  A smell so famous it has it’s own Twitter so you can report where you smell it.

Outside Dining on Randolph Street

Who doesn’t enjoy sitting outside sipping a libation or two on a nice spring evening? After the long winter, Chicagoans are eager to get outside and there’s no shortage of restaurants with outdoor seating. Just another great reason to visit Chicago in the spring.

For starters, head over to Randolph Street’s Restaurant Row. Located in the West Loop area, one of my favorite neighborhoods, you will find some of the best and award winning restaurants in the city with plenty of sidewalk tables.

Maude’s Liquor Bar is one of my current favorites.They have indoor seating and a few sidewalk tables to enjoy the spring weather. It’s the perfect place for a cozy date night but not too fancy for a casual friends dinner.

Maude’s features a menu that changes seasonally. Dishes such as Roast Farm Chicken, Escargot and Cassoulet are just a few of the French comfort food classics they serve. The menu also has some updated twists on classics. Instead of French Onion soup, how about French Onion Fondue?

And the cocktails are some of the best I’ve had. Just wait till you try an Aviator or a Gin Smash.

Another great place to experience Chicago in the spring is RM Champagne. With an inviting outdoor space, you’ll wonder if you are in Chicago or Paris. They serve dinner but my favorite thing here is the delicious desserts. My suggestion is to try the dessert flight. You can select up to ten pastries from the menu that day. With that variety, there’s sure to be something for everyone’s taste. Throw in a bottle of bubbly and you can’t go wrong.

Rooftop Bars in the Spring

Chicago in the spring wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a rooftop bar. In the last few years Chicago has quite a few and some are really difficult to get into. While some are more club, and others more restaurant, the one that I prefer, with a more laid back vibe is Raised Bar, located in the Renaissance Hotel right on the river. Surrounded by glass, to take advantage of the views and the Chicago River, it’s a great place to finish off an evening.

All of these Chicago experiences, with the exception of the tulips, really could be enjoyed in the summer and the fall of the year. So, the next time you are looking for a Spring get away or a long weekend, why not choose Chicago? You won’t be disappointed.

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