My 5 Favorite Chicago Picnic Spots

Dress: Cupcakes and Cashmere Portola Striped Mini Dress–also available on Shopbop–runs large, size down. I love so many of her items, which you can browse here! (Note: Everything I’ve ever ordered from the brand runs large, so size down at least one size!) I also love this shorter, swingier version from Madewell for $88, and this swingy off the shoulder version for only $35! This striped tank dress is also so cute with the knots in the back! This one is also adorable with the bow in the back! / Sandals: Everlane Bridge Sandals (c/o) come in tons of colors too! Run TTS. My favorite little red heels from Everlane would also look equally as adorable! (And they are so comfy!) // Straw bag: Vintage, but I love this similar one and this one as well! // Hair bow: Similar here but dying over this velvet one that comes in several colors! // Necklace: Similar here in gold and here in rose gold and similar here // Bracelets: Monica Vinader and Kendra Scott //

Welcome back!

How was your 4th of July break!? Ours was really fun–we spent a lot of time at the lake and hung out at the beach with family (and Neal’s parents new puppy, obviously).

One of my favorite things about summer is obviously spending as much time as possible outside (because snowmaggedon is only a few months away if we’re being serious, BAH.) Luckily, Chicago has so many places to do just that!

If you remember my Summer Bucket List post, you know that having more picnics has been high on the priority list! All you need to do is grab a blanket and your favorite bottle of wine, and you’ve got the perfect date night. (Snacks optional, but highly encouraged, obvi.)

Today I’m sharing my favorite picnic spots in Chicago should you care to do the same!

My Favorite Picnic Spots in Chicago:

Chicago Movies in the Park

Okay, this isn’t ONE spot, it’s lot’s of them, but did you know that the Chicago Park District offers free movies in the park? This is one of my favorite things to do in the summer! (My favorite was years ago when they showed Westside Story. I dragged my roommates there but they do not have the same appreciation for musicals. Sigh. They only came for the wine.)

Millennium Park

Neal used to live right across the street from Millennium Park, so it brings back so many good memories! They have lot’s of free concerts here and it’s one of my favorite parks in the city! It’s a perfect spot for any picnic.

Lincoln Park Zoo

One of the biggest things I miss about living up North is the zoo! The LP zoo is absolutely free, and has tons of running/walking paths through it. There are plenty of grassy spots to post up, or you could walk over the bridge to the beach!

Oz Park

For three years I lived across from Oz Park–which is one of the most charming spots in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. (Maybe I’m biased). There are lot’s of quiet, open spaces to set up your picnic, and a nice playground if you have little ones!

Ravinia

Okay, technically this is NOT in Chicago, but if you live in the city and you’ve never experienced Ravinia, you have got to hop on the train and go there for a concert. (It doesn’t even matter who is playing, you will have SO much fun!) Hundreds of people head to the gigantic Ravinia lawn and set up picnics to listen to concerts. The Metra takes you right there. It’s a must in the summer!

What to drink: 

Speaking of–have you tried Chloe Rosé?

I’m excited to be working with them in an ongoing partnership, and they sent some for us to try–it is SO good. Neal loved it, too!

Often I find that some rosé has a certain sharpness, but this one is really smooth! It has notes of strawberry and watermelon, but it’s not super sweet and doesn’t have that harsh after taste, either.

It’s definitely going to be our new go-to for picnics AND sipping on our front porch. Plus, I mean…how cute is the bottle? (The bow!?) You can purchase it at most retailers like Walgreens, Jewel, and Binny’s for around $15! It also makes a very crowd-pleasing hostess gift.

What to wear: 

I recently purchased this adorable, Parisian chic off the shoulder striped dress. (I know, me and the stripes. I can’t buy enough of them. Luckily they never go out of style!) It’s perfect for a date night and can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with your favorite flats. It was just screaming to be worn with a hair bow, too. I couldn’t resist! (Also, thank you for all your compliments via Instagram DM on the hair bow from this post! I’m so glad you guys are team hair bows!)

I’ve been wearing these sandals non-stop this summer, they’re so easy to slip on and are way more chic than flip flops! Several of my friends have them in other colors as well and have equally wonderful things to say about them!

I hope you can find some time to squeeze in a picnic or two this summer!

What are your favorite tips for a great picnic?

A big thank you to Chloe wines, a brand I purchase frequently, for sponsoring this post!

Photos by Cassandra Eldridge