Category: Romantic

Winter in Chicago can be downright ornery, with sub zero temperatures, Arctic winds and mounds of that salty, black slush that just loves to ruin your boots, leaving you shivering below depressing, grey skies. Before cabin fever puts a strangle hold on you, make a double take on all the good things we have around here! And with Valentine’s Day being just around the corner, you need to come up with something a little different than what everyone else is doing without breaking the budget!

The first place you're definitely going to want to check out is the Garfield Park Conservatory for their annual Chocolate Festival! It happens the weekend before the big day, allowing you to indulge your sweet tooth and take in some of the most beautiful exotic flowers at the same time, all while being in a warm and soothing environment. Sure does break the mold on the old fashioned staple, now doesn’t it? After dark, head due east to Millennium Park for their Museum of Modern Ice Exhibition! Who knew frozen water could be so breathtakingly stunning? (Well, perhaps the Inuits do, but then again, they have a whole dictionary full of words to express their respect and awe, so go figure!)

Now, for those of you who love to put things off until the last minute, scoring a reservation at a fine dining establishment is probably out of the question, especially on the 14th! Besides, the mantra of the procrastinator is, “Reservations? We don’t need no stinking reservations!”. Fortunately for Chicagoans, there are plenty of places to wine and dine your snuggle bunny that don’t require more than a little patience. Italian restaurants abound around here, and their traditional dark and high backed booth settings make them the perfect places to drop on by. Gullivers on the far north side has plenty of seating to accommodate even Reverend Moon’s reception parties, the place is just so darned purty and wow – the pizza ain’t half bad neither! La Villa’s is another great spot for good food, of which they tend to feature items like Surf and Turf without costing an arm and a leg.

But of course, there are those who wrap their question popping around the most romantic of holidays, and I can’t think of a more memorable place to do so than right at home, where the mood is allowed to strike immediately afterwards. In this case, I recommend hitting the Sunflower Market and offering to make the dinner yourself! They have just about everything you need to make the night special, but it’s their customer service that wows me every time! Just remember us ladies get just as scared as you guys do, so relax and enjoy the moment!

Guys: if you REALLY want to make your date swoon, this is the numero uno place to do it, and wow – the price can’t be beat! It’s free to enter, with $15 to park your car. There is simply no shortage of time you can spend here, so be sure you dress for the weather and wear very comfy shoes – and don’t forget your camera! And, whether you plan to pack a picnic lunch or opt to dine inside, the only thing to remember is to go on a week day to avoid the crowds, because once you step inside, you’ll immediately know why this is one of the most raved about gardens in the country – probably the world!

When I say this place is HUGE, I mean it! You can spend an entire summer day here and still not see everything this place offers. The best times to go are either in late April to the middle of May or after Labor Day. The crowds are lighter, since the kids are back in school, and more importantly, that’s when the real magic happens with the foliage! The smells from all those flowers are simply enchanting!

You somewhat frisky folks may want to venture onto Spider Island. (Don’t let the name scare you!) Mega PDA time can be captured here, since unlike typical museum staff, the folks who work here really do keep to themselves! Just be sure to bring something to lie on! *wink* The other REAL hot spot is the Japanese gardens, where you can climb all the way to the top of the water fall! (Hopefully someone around can snap a picture for you!) The English walled garden is a personal favorite of mine, due to its simple serenity and charm.

If you get hungry, the café offers some pretty impressive food on top of the standard snacky fare. Kettle chips simply rock, and wow – who would have thought items like grilled salmon would be on the menu? Their corn on the cob is also really, really good!

Of course, you pedal pushers really need to make full use of the bike trails leading up here. The nearby Skokie lagoons are so pretty, and you can generally make your way up here from the Chicago border in about three hours’ time. Of course, you save on the parking cost as well as the environment, and you definitely get in some more PDA time to boot!

If you and your date are into bike riding, then this is probably the trail you two are going to want to tackle! It’s 17 miles start to finish, but so easy breezy that you won’t even feel it, even if you aren’t in the best of shape. And hey – the price can’t be beat (it’s all FREE!) And, it’s very secluded yet safe trails allow plenty of PDA and getting to know you time, too!

Make an entire day of it, preferably on a week day when the temperature is just right, from dawn up to dusk. Plan ahead by packing two packs of everything you’ll need for your journey: plenty of water, energy bars, non perishable lunch items, sun block, and a large blanket to lounge on. (Remember to drop some ice in your water bottles, too!) No glass is allowed. Be sure to start your day with a satisfying breakfast that is hearty but won’t make you sluggish: fruit, grains and yogurt are great choices. Also, be sure to print out a trail map from Cook County Forest Preserve web site, so you can be sure you get to visit as many great little scenic stops along the way. On that tangent, bringing a camera along isn’t a bad idea, either! There is just so much wild life to capture along the way, including deer!

Either load your car with your bikes or ride the buses or Metra train in, making your starting point at Caldwell woods. There is plenty of street parking in the surrounding neighborhood, which is very safe and pretty, so no fears there! Simply load up your gear, just on your bikes and go! If your bikes are built with a little gravel and dirt in mind and your bodies are up to it, go ahead and opt for the unpaved ones! You’ll get a much better view of the natural landscape, and yes, it’s much less used! In my opinion, the Yellow Trail is the best, because it tends to follow the river the most, and since other folks like it too, it’s more paved than the others. It also happens to go right through the Skokie Lagoon, it taps all the bathroom breaks, and it will lead you right to the Black (paved) Trail, heading right for Botanical Gardens. Now speaking of bath rooms, the last one until the gardens is a little before the overpass, so be sure to keep that in mind!

Once you get to the gardens, be sure to invest at least a couple hours there. There are plenty of spots to lock up your bikes, and hey – you can even ride a tram if don’t feel like walking! And yes, there is a snack shop and cafe inside as well, in case you’ve already depleted your food supply or want something a little different. Just remember to fill up your water bottles before you leave!

No matter what time of year it is, there is simply no better place to stop to smell the roses, or any other flower for that matter! And in February, there is no better place to kick start Valentine’s Day than to visit the conservatory for chocolate tasting! Of course, because this place is encapsulated within beautiful glass walls, any time of year is a great time to go, and its proximity to city dwellers makes it a great place to go!

If you go in winter, this can become a true oasis for you! There are prehistoric ferns, water falls to step over, and a large display of rare tropical plants and flowers. Self guided tours are more than welcome, which allows you to get in touch with your inner green thumb. While it’s certainly not nearly as vast as the Botanic Garden up north, just the fact you can escape the weather outdoors for a couple hours, perhaps before heading into downtown for a nice dinner, is a treat within itself. Also, since it’s only a quick bike ride from Millennium Park, you two can really take in some of the best the city has to offer without having to take the car out at all!

This place is surprisingly huge, and in the summer, the grounds it is held on is quite stunning in its own right, complete with its own lagoon. What’s nice about this place, unlike most other gardens, is there is free and ample parking available by the main entrance. Be sure to take advantage of it before entering by strolling through the park. And hey – why not pack up a picnic lunch to round off your trip? There’s nothing quite like tossing the Frisbee around while munching on some tasty nibbles!

Since many families also attend this beautiful indoor garden and includes many programs for them, the best time for couples to go is on Thursday evenings. Also, the Green Line train has a stop just for the Conservatory, for those who’d rather leave the car behind. Granted, the surrounding neighborhood still has its element, but with more and more folks rediscovering this beautiful garden, off experiences have dwindled to a bare minimum.

If you really get into picnicking and enjoy some wonderful music, then head up north to Ravinia! Just about every style of music is represented here, with the crowds being just as varied, from cozy casual to sophisticated sheik, and everything in between. And yes, in case you wish to go more for the experience than anything else, there are even free shows you can attend! Steans Institute concerts and master classes do not even need tickets!

Whether you’re a country music fan, love a full orchestra or just want to sing along with the likes of Tom Jones or Jethro Tull, Ravinia is such a wonderful and captivating place to see them. The general audience is much more amicable than some of the squawkers downtown, with the bratty Kid-O-Meter registering at almost nil. Believe me, that tidbit of info can be very much appreciated when you’re trying to focus on each other and the soft music in the distance, instead of what everyone else is up to.

Now sure, there are folks who actually go to see the bands play, of which they are highly encouraged to get pavilion seating tickets. For the rest of us, get your nibbles and chairs together and head on over! While parking can be an issue, many folks forego this and either jump on the Metro train, ride in on their motorcycles or their bicycles, where parking thus becomes a non issue. Besides, this is a see and be seen event, so don’t be afraid to really go all out when it comes to your setup! A handy item many folks opt for, besides the insect repellent, is one of those instant picnic table and chair deals you can score at any drug or department store for as little as $20. It is so much better than the dewy grass wetting your behind! With that, some soft lighting and a pretty wicker basket filled with wine, crackers and cheese, you’re all set for a comfortable, casual and yes, very romantic evening under the stars.

And hey – if Jimmy Buffet is playing, be sure to hit the sporting goods store beforehand: they sell portable margarita makers and even sell unbreakable glasses to match! Don’t forget the parasols and that long lost shaker of salt!

For a good date in Wrigleyville, pass up the noisy sports bars and meet at Uncommon Ground on Clark Street. The restaurant has two bars, a big one in the front and a smaller one in the back. It offers coffee drinks as well as beer, wine and cocktails and a menu from breakfast to desserts from Bittersweet Bakery. Your date may be impressed with the organic, seasonal menu and both meat-eaters and vegetarians can find tasty dishes here.

In summer, grab an outdoor table on the sidewalk. In winter, settle into some cozy leather chairs near one of the two fireplaces. Enjoy the local art on the walls, all of which is for sale. Even the restrooms are decorated with paintings; I liked the big tree on the ladies’ room wall. The front room tends to be brighter and louder, while the lights and sounds are lower in the side room. Enjoy local bands here or the sounds of the Monday night open mic.

Share a plate of Spanish tapas with Manchego cheese, Serrano ham, Marcona almonds, quince paste and olives. The menu ranges from pizza, pasta, and burgers (including a veggie burger), to duck, salmon and even buffalo. The distinctive, healthy Sunshine Salad combines seasonal farmers’ market vegetables with sprouts, sunflower seeds and avocado in organic cider vinaigrette. For a breakfast date, try the Uncommon Huevos with eggs over easy on a black bean corn cake topped with ancho chili sauce and Chihuahua cheese.

Uncommon Ground prides itself on one-of-a-kind cocktails. Two of the most promising are the Frida Kahlo with dark chocolate liquor, vanilla vodka, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, and the Cold and Flu Buster, a whole pot of chamomile tea spiked with ginger vodka, honey liqueur and a lemon slice. Local beer, a good selection of wine and Uncommon Gound’s famous coffee offer enough variety for any date to drink what he or she enjoys.

As a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, and music venue, Uncommon Ground stands out in a crowd and makes you feel welcome. The Clark Street restaurant opened in 1991 and a new Uncommon Ground coffee shop opened recently at 1401 W. Devon. Check them out for a great and uncommon date.

Now this place has nowhere near the best pizza in Chicago or Italian cuisine for that matter, but for the cost and ambiance, it sure is a great place to take a date! You almost literally walk through a time capsule here, where every aspect of this restaurant is very late 60s / early 70s mobster scene. One has to wonder if ole boy Quentin had scoped this place out when he was looking for a place to film the bar scenes in Pulp Fiction! In fact, I believe the juke box even has some Marvin on the play list!

The food is pretty decent, but again, nothing to write home about; it’s certainly not egg noodles and ketchup like Henry Hill complained about in Goodfellas! They do a pretty good job with the steaks, and the mozzarella sticks are huge and pretty tasty. And if you’re looking for a classic drink concoction, that’s what they do best around here, so feel free to go with the flow and go totally retro - good and strong! If you want something more on the modern side of things, the bar staff are very accommodating and will take their time to make sure they mix your drink to your specifications.

What diners go for is the very charming, laid back and dim atmosphere, where the service is by far superior than just about any other Italian place in the city. Each patron is made to feel like an old friend that has been coming here for years, offering up just the right amount of service. And those big, round booths in the bar area serve as the perfect spots for getting in some PDA time!

If you decide to keep it at home for the night, this place does a great job with their delivery service. The prices are pretty reasonable, the portions very large, and the drivers are pretty fast. An added bonus is their drivers will stop and pick up beer and cigarettes for you, so if the weather is pretty lousy or you don’t want to lose the moment by having to get up and hit the liquor store, that bit of info is a gem within itself. Also, keep this place in mind for parties, since Congress sells a Stadium Pizza that’s bigger than two large ones for a really low price!

While some may argue Mayor Daley went overboard on his half billion dollar garden, an equal amount of people will disagree and claim it as Chicago’s latest gem in the city. No matter what time of year it is, this park can be enjoyed by folks of all ages and proves to be especially wonderful for couples looking to spend a little extra time together. Let’s move beyond the touristy stuff and dive right into what makes this place perfect for local lovers!

I have personally spent hundreds of hours here at all times of year, but summer of course has blessed me with the best opportunities. From savoring my bagged lunch, journaling, lounging on the grass, people watching, strolling through the gardens and viewing the rotating displays, and yes, enjoying my partner’s company, so many truly beautiful memories have been created here. Even when the Taste is going on down the street, there are just so many tucked away places in this huge park to claim as your own that you will never feel crowded out.

What’s even more special is the large band shell just beyond the steps. If you’re lucky, you may just be able to hear the orchestra practicing in the summer while you enjoy a nice picnic in the early afternoon. Otherwise, the umbrella covered tables at the grill where the ice rink is in winter is just as pleasant, with classic rock music pumped through the speakers at just the right level, not too harsh or abrasive, and fun to while away the hours. And who can argue against the romance level about seeing a classic film in the park on the giant screen? Seeing the likes of Casablanca while sipping wine and munching on crackers and cheese just oozes romance!

Of course, summer isn’t the only time to go down there. Spring time in the afternoon is especially wonderful, when the weather is just right and the tourists have not ventured into town. When the trees drop their delicate little white petals, the scene envelops into a truly romantic experience, as if Nature Herself has kissed the grass with snow. In the fall, the scene changes, when the last of the butterflies say their good byes, the leaves begin to change colors and gently drop onto the paling grass, proving that New York isn’t the only city for lovers to stroll through the park anymore.

Colder months take on yet marvelous another image. Everything is white, including the Romanesque pillars and the snow covered ground. Free ice skating becomes available on a nice, big rink along Michigan Avenue and begs to be taken advantage of, with reasonably priced skate rentals available for those who didn’t remember to bring their own. Go at night to avoid the kiddos and take in the views of the lit up skyline all around you.

There is simply nothing like strolling through the hallowed halls of the Art Institute with a date, taking in the cool marble statuary and breath taking paintings while whispering sweet nothings to each other. The themes change from classic to contemporary to playful, from famous artists and periods from all over the world, each exhibit sure to inspire and draw up feelings you may have been repressing deep within your subconscious.

There is no way to pinpoint a favorite stop, as art is something unique to each individual. However, points of interest for many include the armory area and the ancient sculptures. Of course, those who love canvassed mediums will find themselves to be completely overwhelmed by the collections lovingly cared for all over the museum, be it classical, surreal, abstract or even decorative. Budding architects and engineers will admire examples by Frank Lloyd Wright and more. The Thorne Miniature Rooms downstairs may look like little doll houses to some, but are actually scaled period quarters dating back from the 13th to 20th centuries, painstakingly crafted to help observers imagine what it was like to live in such times.

Personally, I find the best time to go is on the Free Thursday evenings, not because of the price, but because of the hours. The field trips, tourists and families have all gone home, allowing those who want to have some quiet time for appreciating art in all its guises to truly do so. Of course, three hours may or many not be enough time to take in all the museum has to offer, depending on your tastes, but if you work nearby, you can always stop by again after you clock out.

On that tangent, if you and your date both happen to work downtown, there is no better place to spend your lunch hour during the summer months than in their tucked away garden! The trees and bushes seem to magically block out the hustle and bustle of the city, where a boring, brown bagged lunch takes on an entirely new form. Besides, where else in the city will you find common pigeons actually roosting in trees? Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines!

What I love about this stretch of lake front is its openness and accessibility to everyone, and not just the hipsters and other trendy people who tend to congregate further south. Dogs have their own designated spots to play and romp around in, families have playing fields to use, sun worshipers have plenty of room to stretch out (and not be judged or gawked at!), budding artists have a chance to express themselves, there’s lots of biking and jogging paths around, barbecues and picnics are okay, and there’s even free parking to be had - so much so that I learned how to drive a stick here without killing someone! And yes, there are spots to change in and grab a snack, and on a clear day, you can get a nice view of the skyline. The best part is though, couples who just want to be together can do so without interruption, thanks to the way the beaches have been laid out.

Up north near the start of Lake Shore Drive, Foster Beach is an oasis for the public to enjoy a summer day. The famous rocks just north of the beach itself along the shore has taken on the persona of a public art gallery, where folks have chiseled and painted beautiful and whimsical works of art where ever a free spot was available. Take a stroll with that special someone and spend some time here, because the images are very telling of the people who have come and gone over the last fifty years. 70s album covers and cartoon characters aside, some of the most interesting pieces lie mostly faded from the surface. Those who study these relics will get a sense of how people really live and have lived, from lovers carving their initials into the rocks to those honoring deceased members of their family and friends, along with statements and slogans of the times.

Of course, if the water is warm enough and has the all clear, go ahead and dive in! Since this stretch has a lot less people than further south, those who don’t feel their sexiest in a swim suit can leave their insecurities aside and enjoy the water and weather. The beaches are kept pretty clean too, so no worries about laying out your favorite towels and blankets on the sand. After you get your tan on, take a stroll further south to the other beaches, Wilson and Montrose. More murals are to be had as well, and doggies are even welcome to go play!

An added bonus about this stretch is how the beach patrol here are a lot more lax. On the 4th of July, they tend to turn a blind eye to those wanting to shoot off fireworks in spite of the Illinois ban, as long as people aren’t stupid about it and clean up after themselves. It is truly a romantic sight to see the fireworks without a million other people hoarding for the same square foot of space.