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The "F*ck It's Almost Fall" Guide

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The "F*ck It's Almost Fall" Guide

You told yourself this would be the summer you’d hit the hot spots, day drink on a rooftop, maybe have a picnic by the lake. But 10 Saturdays later, all you’ve accomplished is going to a coworker’s wedding, binging The Ultimatum: Queer Love, and one regrettable bottomless brunch back in May. To help you maximize the time that’s left, we came up with 10 ideas to cram in as much summery fun as humanly possible.

You told yourself this would be the summer you’d hit the hot spots, day drink on a rooftop, maybe have a picnic by the lake. But 10 Saturdays later, all you’ve accomplished is going to a coworker’s wedding, binging The Ultimatum: Queer Love, and one regrettable bottomless brunch back in May. To help you maximize the time that’s left, we came up with 10 ideas to cram in as much summery fun as humanly possible.

Despite hanging out at Montrose Harbor with a captain’s hat and a tote bag full of sunscreen, no one invited you on their boat. So take a water taxi to Ping Tom Park in Chinatown instead. Grab pork buns from Chiu Quon and eat them by the pagoda. (You’ll still need that sunscreen.) - Adrian Kane

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At Reggies on the 63rd street beach, you can expect cocktails, a party atmosphere where you can stand around in shorts and Tevas without anyone judging you, and listen to live music. Or, rent a cabana so you can sit in shorts and Tevas instead. - Adrian Kane

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photo credit: Kim Kovacik

For an injection of all the summertime cookouts you didn’t have, go get BBQ from Soul & Smoke. You can get incredible ribs and brisket, a view of the river, and you didn’t have to get up at 4am to put the pork on the smoker. Plus, the sides (like creamy mac and cheese and cornbread muffins) are all as great as the meat. - Adrian Kane

photo credit: Christina Slaton

According to both Yogi Bear and Monet, picnics are a lot of fun. We don’t argue with cartoon bears or French impressionists, so you should go to Gene’s for an assortment of sausages and anything else you expect to find in a Pepperidge Farm holiday gift basket. Pair all of that with some beer and macaroni salad, then head over to Winnemac Park. - Adrian Kane

photo credit: Brian Kinyon

Babygold Barbecue is out in Berwyn, so this is your opportunity to take that road trip you never planned. They have live music nightly, with bands playing everything from jazz to bluegrass. But the music isn’t just what makes this place worth the drive—the BBQ is great, too. - Adrian Kane

It’s possible to stare at Lake Michigan and pretend it’s an ocean. And if you watched White Lotus but realized you’re never going to be as privileged as those insufferable people, go to the Shore Club on North Avenue Beach. It has a cabana-style atmosphere and decent Mediterranean food. And unlike that ill-fated resort, you'll actually have fun. - Adrian Kane

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photo credit: Susie Lacocque

Superdawg in Norwood Park has been around since 1948, and it remains a drive-in with carhop service. Pull up to any carport, place your hot dog order through the speaker box, and blast your favorite John Mellencamp song while you wait for your food. The staff will come out and hook a tray onto the edge of your car window. Cute, right? - Adrian Kane

photo credit: Susie Lacocque

Ice cream is the official dessert of summertime (and, well, life). We have a lot of good spots in Chicago. But for something iconic, visit Original Rainbow Cone in Beverly. This ice cream shop opened in 1926 and you come here for one thing: the rainbow cone. Eating this multi-layered dose of nostalgia is a rite of passage. - Adrian Kane

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Mario’s is a walk-up stand in Little Italy that opened in 1954 and has fantastic Italian ice. All the flavors are good, but the go-to is the lemon. It’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet, with little chunks of lemon rind. Head here before they close for the season, which is usually mid-September. - Adrian Kane

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photo credit: Roscoe Street Eatery

Nothing makes you feel like you took full advantage of Chicago's three months of decent weather like leaping over beer puddles while balancing a paper plate stacked with food in one hand. Luckily we have over 6,934 street festivals to choose from each weekend, and there are plenty left in September and October. - Adrian Kane

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