PLAY
Enjoy the colorful fall foliage in one of the many parks in the city. With more than 1,200 acres, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest park with winding trails, a large playscape for kids, and the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is an accredited botanical garden. The Japanese garden at Jackson Park offers a scenic way to see the changing colors. The Other Art Fair is taking elitism out of the art experience and creating something for everyone. Grab a drink and dance to the music as you experience original and affordable art by 115 independent artists. The fair runs from October 30–November 2. To celebrate Day of the Dead, The National Museum of Mexican Art will host Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance from September 19–December 14. The installation was designed by young artists and features artwork and an ofrenda where visitors are invited to remember a loved one. (The museum offers free admission.) And there’s no better time to explore the culinary scene in Chicago than this fall. This Halloween night, Shedd Aquarium is throwing a Haunted House Party with DJ beats, food and beverages available for purchase, and access to all aquarium exhibits. The party is for 21+.
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EAT
Stepping into Aba is like being whisked to the Mediterranean. Olive trees frame the dining room with large globe lights that cascade into the space from the vaulted glass ceiling. It’s light and airy. Outside, the terrace offers a variety of seating options with traditional tables and lounge furniture. The menu includes familiar dishes that are exquisitely prepared. There are several hummus options, from the classic to a short ribs variation. The kebabs are served with a basmati rice and include chicken kefta, lamb and beef kefta, and a grilled cauliflower. It’s not uncommon to hear customers proclaiming the hummus, whipped feta, or Brussels sprouts the best they’ve ever had. If choosing what to eat wasn’t hard enough, the wine menu offers varieties from Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and the United States. Ambar wants guests to experience its cuisine as you would in the Balkans–shared plates, family and friends, and great conversation. To create this dining experience, Ambar offers unlimited small plates for a fixed price. Dishes include everything from a beet tzatziki and a mushroom flatbread to chicken skewers and a Balkan Caesar salad.
STAY
Set in a 16-story cubist building in the River North neighborhood, The Godfrey houses 221 rooms and suites with a comfortable yet sophisticated look. Most of the rooms have expansive views of the city. On the fourth floor, you’ll find a year-round rooftop lounge, complete with a retractable roof, fire pits, and some of the best skyline views. The menu includes maki rolls, shareable plates, and flatbreads. You can even buy a s’mores kit to roast by the fire. Reservations are recommended. Kimpton Gray Hotel adds a little flair to the financial district. The hotel is set in a historic building that is majestic yet modern: Think marble staircases meet funky wall art. The blue tones in the room create an inviting space, and if you book the spa room, it comes with a freestanding tub and a glassed-in shower room. (Bath salts are available at the front desk.) Don’t miss the nightly free wine hour. Afterward, head to Boleo for rooftop views and South American cuisine. With views of Millennium and Grant Parks, Fairmont Chicago’s location can’t be beat. Guests can choose from the hotel’s 686 rooms and suites, including those on the Fairmont Gold floors, which offer a “hotel-within-a-hotel experience,” with private lounge access, complimentary breakfast and afternoon canapes, and a dedicated concierge. For dinner, don’t miss Toro for Latin-inspired cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
