Chicagoans Share Summer Bucket List

Beach Trips and Water Activities

Several staffers are looking forward to spending time at the beach, whether it’s a day trip to the Indiana Dunes or a weekend getaway to Saugatuck. Melissa España, social media editor, plans to continue her family’s tradition of visiting the beach on the summer solstice. Crystal Paul, investigative editor, hopes to find a hotel or vacation rental with direct access to the beach.

Others are looking forward to water activities like kayaking, sailing, and swimming. Luriel Ocampo, operations manager, has signed up for adult swim lessons to improve her swimming confidence and abilities. Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Logan Square reporter, plans to bike 100 miles to the Indiana Dunes as part of the Le Tour De Shore charity ride.

Music and Arts

Chicago’s music scene is also a big part of many staffers’ summer plans. Dave Newbart, senior editor, hopes to see live music at least once a week, including major tours and free festivals. Michael Liptrot, West Side reporter, wants to attend more concerts, particularly blues and jazz shows.

Christine Schmidt, partnerships manager, is looking forward to exploring the city’s neighborhoods through walking tours, including a tour of Austin with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Jenny McVeigh, director of donor engagement, and her husband plan to discover a new Chicago coffee shop every week.

Outdoor Activities

Many staffers are also looking forward to outdoor activities like running, biking, and hiking. Colin Boyle, director of photography, wants to watch the sun rise along the lakefront while on a long run. Leen Yassine, arts coordinator, plans to walk the entire 18.5 miles of Chicago’s lakeshore in one day.

Quinn Myers, Wicker Park reporter, is training for a ‘beer mile’ with friends, while Jim Lynch, Beverly reporter, hopes to attend as many Grant Park Music Festival concerts as possible.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.