Fall in Chicago, Bucket List | RebeccaWanderlusting

Fall in Chicago: A Bucket List

On October 3, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Chicago, Illinois, US Travel3 Comments

Call me cliche, but I love Fall in Chicago. This season is amazing everywhere, but I think this city, and the surrounding area, does it best. From the Fests, to the leaves changing in our many beautiful parks to the apple and pumpkin picking in the nearby suburbs, Chicago has everything you could want for your Fall bucket list. Last weekend, we went apple picking with my family in Wisconsin and it made me think of all the other Fall activities I’d like to get to before it gets too cold. We have about a month and a half before the cold sets in and the craziness of the holidays begin. Here’s hoping we get to everything before then!

Jump on a haunted boat tour with Seadog: I saw an ad for this on Facebook and was instantly interested. I love the boat tours here in Chicago and a haunted tour would a fun twist on an already great experience.
Take a Midwestern road trip: I’m getting a little greedy with all of my Midwestern road trips, but I can’t resist seeing the colors change across state lines. I would love to head down to Nashville, IN or up to La Crosse, WI for a night or two just to take in the scenery.
Walk along the lake on the south shore: I’ve never ventured past 12th street beach on the south shore of Lake Michigan and I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I would love to head over to the South Shore Cultural Center and stroll along the lakefront in the perfect Fall weather.
Have a bonfire: This is a quintessential Fall task for me; there’s nothing better than sitting around the fire with friends. Not only is it super cozy and comes with great snacks (s’mores anyone??), there is no better smell than a Fall bonfire.
Run the Ditka Dash: This might be cheating a little bit, because I’m already signed up, which means this task is definitely happening, but I’ve always wanted to run this 5K. The registration fee includes aviators, a mustache and a shirt that looks like Coach Ditka’s classic Bears sweater!
Enjoy a classic horror flick at the Logan Theater: Every year, the Logan Theater shows classic horror movies every night during the month of October. This year, they are showing The Birds, The Shining, The Exorcist, and other such gems. We’re planning on seeing Friday The 13th on 10/13.
Carve pumpkins: Michael and I buy a pumpkin each year at the Apple Orchard, and every year we say we’re going to carve it. Then, come Thanksgiving, we’re tossing it in the garbage because it’s mushy on one side and smells weird. This is the year. We’re doing it.
Go to a Bears Game: This might be a long shot, but I love my Bears, despite their record, and would love to go to another game. Maybe since they aren’t doing so hot this year, the tickets will be cheaper. Here’s hoping!

What do you love about Fall in Chicago? What’s on your Fall bucket list?

My 10 Favorite U.S. Hikes, RebeccaWanderlusting

Top Five Friday #16

On January 20, 2017 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, US TravelLeave a comment

US Bucket List

This year, I would love to explore new areas of the United States. There are so many fantastic destinations in my own country, it makes for quite a long list of need-to-visit places. I know I’ve said it before, but I think it’s worth noting again: every destination has it’s merits, and you don’t need to travel far to find a worth-while vacation. This also speaks to my need to be on a tighter travel budget this year, as traveling within the United States tends to be a bit cheaper than internationally. While this list could go on and on, here are the five destinations that top my US Bucket List:

Grand Haven, Michigan: I love Michigan. Ever since we visited Grand Rapids, I’ve been looking into other Michigan cities to explore. Grand Haven seems to fit the bill perfectly with its delicious looking restaurants, antique shops, and not to mention its beaches and lighthouses. We can sail on Lake Michigan, bike along the boardwalks and relax in the evening at one of the many breweries in town. It’s the perfect weekend getaway.
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Adirondacks, New York: The Adirondacks is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. I would love to rent a cabin in the wilderness there and hike, kayak and browse through the local artist galleries. I would also love to take the Amtrak train from New York City to cross “take an Amtrak trip” of my list of to-dos for the year. Overall, this destination seems like an excellent place to de-stress and enjoy the surroundings.
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Albuquerque, New Mexico: Hot air balloon rides over the desert! What else do I need to say? That has always been on my bucket list, and I would love to travel to New Mexico to experience it. In addition to that, Albuquerque has hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and tons of other outdoor activities. Not to mention the numerous wineries, breweries and wide variety of restaurants to enjoy. It would be the perfect long weekend to get into nature and away from the city.
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Charleston, South Carolina: What’s not to love about a picturesque, Southern city with history to spare?? Charleston has been on my list so long that I need to visit soon if only for the satisfaction of checking it off. I want to tour the old houses, enjoy the coast, and eat so much seafood. Charleston has so much to offer, and I would love to explore every little bit of it.
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Olympic National Park, Washington: There is so much beauty to see in and around Olympic National Park, this trip would need to be at least a week or so long. The rain forests within the park alone, are worthy of their own trip. But then there’s Crescent Lake, numerous beaches and waterfalls… it’s such a gorgeous destination. I would love to fly into Seattle and drive to Olympic National Park, stopping at all of the parks and landmarks.

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What’s on your US Bucket List? Do we have any destinations in common?

Chicago Bucket List

On August 13, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Illinois, US Travel6 Comments

I have lived in Chicago for eight years now and have experienced a good chunk of the city. However, one of the best things about this city is that there is always something new to find. Whether it’s a neighborhood I’ve never visited, an undiscovered gem of a restaurant, a park, a shop, or a bar, there are always new things to enjoy. There are also a good number of popular attractions in Chicago that I’ve known about for years but have yet to try. For example, I’ve never been to the top of the Sears Tower (yes, I’m one of those people who refuse to call it Willis Tower), I’ve never been ice skating in Millennium Park, I’ve never been to the Green Mill, and I’ve never done the Architectural Boat Tour, which is something I have always wanted to do, but just haven’t made the time for.

It is crazy to think that a travel blogger living in such an amazing and entertaining city has not experienced some of its biggest attractions; especially when said blogger is such a big supporter of exploring one’s own city. It’s that very thought that drove me to create a list of Chicago Attractions that it is high time for me to check out. So, without further ado, here is my Chicago Bucket List:

Adler After Dark – I have always wanted to go to this! It’s every third Thursday evening at the Adler Planetarium and includes full access to the planetarium, alcoholic beverages and live entertainment. One of these nights Mike and I will make a date night out of it.
Sears Tower Sky Deck – This is a Chicago tourism staple and I have no idea why I haven’t done it yet. The view from the top looks amazing and certainly worth conquering my fear of heights for.
Kayak the Chicago River – I love kayaking and the Chicago River is lined with some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. It’s a perfect pairing. Urban Kayak offers tours and rentals if group activities aren’t your thing.
Wrigley Roof Top Experience – Go Cubs! I’ve been to plenty of games at Wrigley Field but have never experienced it from one of the rooftops in Wrigleyville. The packages usually include all you can eat and drink, which sounds pretty good to me!
Logan Square Farmer’s Market – This lovely Farmer’s Market runs from every Sunday from May until October (the indoor market runs in the winter months) and includes many local vendors and Midwest Farmers.
Chicago Food Tour – Chicago is such an amazing city for foodies and the range of food tours available reflects the range of this city’s culinary skills. I’d love to dine my way through a new neighborhood.
Green Mill Jazz Club – Located in the Uptown Neighborhood, this historic jazz bar has been on my list for years. I would love to get dressed up and go there for a night of cocktails and live music.
Visit the 606 – While it’s a relatively new addition to Chicago tourism, the 606 park is has quickly become one of the more popular parks in the city. It would be a wonderful way to spend a weekend afternoon outdoors in the city.