Summer Fun In The City by Rambling Raven  
 

 This past weekend I finally got a chance to experience something that I have not experienced in Chicago in a long time. It was almost too good to be true. It left me down right giddy. I got a chance to finally enjoy a crisp blue sky, and warm, sunny weather. These things have been missing from Chicago for such a long time that I nearly forgot what a nice spring day actually felt like. There were times throughout my weekend where I just stood and let the warmth of the sun caress my face and bare arms, grinning and hoping for summer to hurry and come.

 One of the perks of being a teacher is the summer vacations. I look forward to them as anxiously as my students. However, this summer is going to be a little different from the others. Since my school is going year round next school term, my summer break will be cut short by four weeks. And I will, like so many others, try to save money by forgoing an official vacation.  No hot tropical island for me this year. I plan to stay close to home. And so my dilemma goes— how can I make my short summer vacation seem like a real one without spending a wad of cash?

 I’ve come to the conclusion that I will have to come up with some creative ways to enjoy myself this summer. The first thing I need to do is to start exploring my own backyard. Chicago is a great big city and I am ashamed to admit that there are things and events that take place in and around the city every summer that I don’t take advantage of. So I have compiled an informal list of how I plan to get the best of my summer break without breaking the bank or having to jet off to tropical regions.

 1) I WILL tackle my TBR list. I have so many dang books that are piling up on me. I will take this summer to tackle those books. What better way to enjoy time off than by losing myself in a book. It is after all my favorite past time and I am always complaining that I never have enough time for it. I can just envision my self sitting on a bench in my favorite park lost in an engrossing book. And it won’t cost me a lot, except my time. 

2) I enjoy music and there is a lot of home grown talent that I have not had an opportunity to see live. Chicago is full of great jazz, blues and reggae clubs. The cover charges aren’t that expensive, the food and drinks are great in many of these places and very reasonably priced. Great food, drinks and live music at an affordable price, you can’t beat that.

3) Chicago has some great museums. Many I haven’t been to in ages and even those that I do get to I am usually there to chaperone about 80 kids. I don’t get a chance to pay attention to the exhibits because I have to keep my eyes and ears open for the children. So, why not actually visit the museums and take in all the culture at my own leisure. The great part about it is that many of the museums have at least one day of the week where there is free or discounted admission.

 4) Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the country. There are many diverse cultures and neighborhoods here. Many of these neighborhoods have some really great places to dine. I want to work my way from the Armenians to the Scandinavians. I have already priced many of these eateries and due to the recession many places are offering great weekday deals in order to get customers through the doors. 

5) Eating my way through Chicago will require me to exercise a few days a week. I certainly can take my routine from the gym to the outside during the summer. It has been such a long time since I have walked along the Magnificent Mile or the lake front. The walks will certainly help me keep in shape and the last time I checked, walking through the scenic parts of the city didn’t cost a thing.

 6) Chicago hosts a ton of festivals throughout the summer, everything from the Taste of Chicago to art and book festivals. I always promise myself that I will get out and experience those festivals. I never do. This year since I am vacationing close to home, festivals are high on the list of things to do this summer. I have gone on several different sites for the city and I see that if I play my cards right I can hit at least one festival a week. It doesn’t cost much to take in the sights and sounds of the various celebrations that will go on around the city. 

Although my summer will be shorter than usual and my money is kind of funny, I can still enjoy myself this year. I often take my hometown for granted. I forget how great it can be at times. A lot of money goes into those festivals, free movies in the parks, and the annual water and air shows. Entire sections of the city have been beautified (on account that we have a bid for the 2016 Olympics). Many neighborhoods take pride in their individual cultural heritage and put it out on display for all to enjoy. There are eager businesses with tons of discounts and special offers out there, all just waiting for me to rediscover my own backyard. Oh and I can’t forget the backyard barbeques full of music, friends and family, or the blockbuster movies that will headline the summer movie attractions.  Yep, I certainly can have a great summer getaway, right here in the city. How are your summer plans looking??

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