1 ALONG THE SHORE
For by-the-books Outerbelt hikers, the official start (and finish) line is the iconic Buckingham Fountain downtown. The route traces nearly 18 miles of the Lakefront Trail all of them scenic-with the fountain smack-dab in the middle. For a one-day excursion, I suggest starting north of the fountain at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Go in the early morning for gorgeous peek-a-boo lake views and the chance to chat with knowledgeable bird-watchers. Next, head south to Belmont Harbor and the new-in-2022 AIDS Garden Chicago, where a Keith Haring sculpture, SelfPortrait, memorializes those who have died from HIV. (Be sure to scan the QR codes linking to personal stories.) Continue to Buckingham Fountain and its 150-foot-tall water display, then rent a city Divvy bike to ride to the tip of Northerly Island; this urban sanctuary for native plants and migrating birds offers a gorgeous, little-known perspective of the skyline.
2 HISTORY LESSONS
This story is from the Spring 2024 edition of Midwest Living.
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This story is from the Spring 2024 edition of Midwest Living.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SPRING AWAKENING
Brown County: You might know the southern Indiana region for its namesake state park or shop-packed main street in tiny Nashville. Or maybe you know it as the muse of Impressionist painter T.C. Steele. But do you know the people who call it home? Those producing sweet mash whiskey, farming sustainably or running an artsy inn that stands out among chockablock cabins? Meet three entrepreneurs and the creative pursuits they're bringing to this popular area.
Pats of gold
The first thing to know about Royal Guernsey The first Creamery butter is that the sticks are round.
FEEL the RHYTHM
WITH HER HEART KEEPING TIME, INTERIOR DESIGNER CANDACE GRIFFIN CRAFTED A WARM, PERSONAL HOME THAT'S PERFECTLY ON BEAT WITH HER FAMILY.
Not about to join the 210-mile club?
HERE ARE A FEW FUN WALKS I’?D RECOMMEND ALONG THE OUTERBELT.
I set out to walk 210 miles around Chicago Here's how it went.
I STEP INTO THE WOODS, take a big breath in, let out a heavy sigh, and feel tensions drain.
IRIS OF MY EYE
ONCE SPRING HAS SETTLED IN TO STAY, BEARDED IRISES STAND UP TALL, SHAKE OUT THEIR SKIRTS AND PUT ON A SHOW IN A CLOUD OF NOSTALGIC PERFUME.
YES, TOP CHEF
THIS SPRING, TV’S BIGGEST COOKING COMPETITION RETURNS TO THE MIDWEST FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2008.
SONG OF THE PRAIRIE
SMOKE AND SYMPHONY HERALD THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS IN THE KANSAS FLINT HILLS, WHERE FLAMES RENEW THE LAND, AND MUSIC CONNECTS US TO IT.
STUDIO SESSION STYLE ON REPEAT
WHICH COMES FIRST: THE COLOR OR THE PATTERN? CHRISTIANA COOP AND AIMEE LAGOS, THE DUO BEHIND WALLPAPER COMPANY HYGGE AND WEST, SAY THE QUALITIES NEED TO BE IN PERFECT SYNCJUST LIKE THEIR PARTNERSHIP.
Real Talk
Through colorful collage, Detroit artist Judy Bowman tells vibrant stories of the Black experience.
