10 Things We Love About Chicago in Warm Weather

We've got outdoor living on the brain right now, as the warm weather's made everyone giddy here in Chicago. One of the upshots to living in a city with dreary winter weather is the happiness you feel when the snow is finally gone and you can put your winter coat in storage. In preparation for our favorite months of the year, we've compiled a list of a few things we love about Chicago when it's warm...

• 1 Lake Michigan beaches are almost as good as the ocean shore.
• 2 Farmers' markets open up around the city.
• 3 Antique and flea markets offer great weekend shopping.
• 4 Our city park system provides lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
• 5 Taking a stroll downtown is like walking through an open-air architecture museum.
• 6 Outdoor concerts abound during the summer months.
• 7 Chicagoans love their decks, rooftop gardens, and backyards.
• 8 The warm weather makes it easy to walk or bike from place to place.
• 9 Coffee shops around the city open up their sidewalk seating.
• 10 Everyone seems a little happier during the brief but beautiful summer months.

Chicagoans, add your summer loves in the comments below.

(Image: Sarah Coffey)

Comments (18)

Going to Cub's Games at Wrigley Field!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted by cubbieblue854 on May 5th 2009 at 8:30pm
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"Almost as good as the ocean shore"? I'm sorry, but the Lake Michigan beaches are much better than any ocean--hurray for freshwater!

AL

posted by artgal987 on May 5th 2009 at 9:19pm
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Not having to spend ten minutes putting on outerwear just to not freeze to death when you leave the house!

1 for sandals!

posted by themonkrat on May 5th 2009 at 9:22pm
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Pizzas on the grill!

posted by Kathryn on May 5th 2009 at 9:41pm
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I would also have to agree Lake Michigan Beaches are way better than any ocean. Plus the views while swimming, can it get any better?

posted by YAYforPOPCORN on May 5th 2009 at 9:47pm
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What is better than the multitude of street festivals!

posted by aweber58 on May 5th 2009 at 10:09pm
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A drive down lake shore drive during those balmy summer days.

posted by idchicago on May 5th 2009 at 10:14pm
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Chicagoans love their flower gardens. Even in my non-glitzy neighborhood, where a lot of people have trouble keeping up their property, people put in nice little flower gardens in the spring.

posted by MansardRoof on May 6th 2009 at 12:28am
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The bike path along lake Michigan, and the dog beach! The pug just loves it! I second outdoor seating of course, Cubs games, and farmer's markets... what is better than Chi in the summer?

posted by Tiffany on May 6th 2009 at 8:09am
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ok, hate to be a downer because i like much about chicago summers, but lake michigan is not the ocean. the cityscape view is amazing, but the number of beach closings last year due to e coli was just out of control. and the street festivals always sound so tempting, but you get there and it's the same crap vendors at every single one, even in neighborhoods with a lot of character.

posted by Johnp on May 6th 2009 at 8:28am
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Chicago is hands down the best city in the world between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The beaches close to downtown, the free outdoor concert and movies, the music fests, the street fests, the art fairs, enjoying the beautiful architecture, friends with boats, 2 baseball teams, etc. The weekends are more packed than the work week!

posted by Benjy on May 6th 2009 at 10:20am
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One can only attempt to love Chicago during warm weather.

posted by ECB on May 6th 2009 at 10:45am
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no one loves great weather more than a chicagoan. we all come down with a collective case of seasonal amnesia after that first nice spring day. ("winter? what winter?")

posted by mregan03 on May 6th 2009 at 10:54am
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I like Chicago and all, but to say that Lake Michigan even compares to a real ocean is ridiculous. What I do love is taking my dog to parks and summer festivals.

posted by reginaregina on May 6th 2009 at 10:55am
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Leaving for Chicago tomorrow. Can hardly wait!

posted by Seaside on May 6th 2009 at 11:09am
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I have to agree with artgal987 and YAYforPOPCORN. I haven't been on the Chicago side of Lake Michigan, but the Michigan side is wonderful, so I can only assume the same about the Illinois side. I've been to the East Coast, the West Coast, and even Hawai'i—I have yet to visit beaches that are as clean and far-stretching as those on Lake Michigan.

posted by Alaricus on May 6th 2009 at 2:26pm
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Summerdance, the outdoor film festival (a drive-in w/o the cars), free Millennium Park concerts are great. But my fave favorite is to sit by Crown Fountain or the Bean and watch people interact with the art.

I

posted by Loosetooth on May 6th 2009 at 5:13pm
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Cubs games!

Summer festivals!

Sunshine and warmth after a horrid, disgusting winter!!!

Thunderstorms - which I've experienced (seems like ten times more!) in the 2 1/2 years I've lived in Chicago!

And coming from this Oregonian - the lake is beautiful, but has nothing on the Pacific!

posted by Aesha on May 6th 2009 at 10:47pm
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