Chicago is a beautiful city in the summer and a cold, sometimes difficult one in the winter. But in the fall, it’s just about perfect. The leaves turn brilliant colors, there are fewer crowds, and best of all, prices on hotels decrease and restaurants pull out all the stops to lure in customers. With plenty to see and do in the cool weather, Fall is a great time to plan a budget trip to Chicago.
Free Things to Do
Head to Chicago’s Green City Market to browse produce and artisanal foods fresh from the farm. If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, you obviously won’t be picking up organic eggs and local veggies, but the market is still worth visiting for all the extras offered. Wander from stall to stall sampling cheeses, sauces, honey and apple cider, which is the perfect compliment to an order of freshly fried donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar, or a crepe filled with cheese and organic herbs. The market runs on Saturday mornings through October, and is located at the south end of Lincoln Park. After nibbling your way through the market, walk a few more blocks north to the Lincoln Park Zoo, a free zoo that is home to lions, tigers, penguins, polar bears, monkeys, giraffes, and more of your favorite animals. Fall and Spring are the best times to visit as many of the animals are more active in the cooler weather.
Views of the City
The Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and John Hancock Tower both have observation decks high above the city. While admission to the Willis Tower SkyDeck is around $15 per person, admission to the lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock is free. All you need to pay for is the your beverage of choice, which you can sip as you look out over the city. Fall makes for a beautiful time to see Chicago from above. In addition to the city’s sparkling skyscrapers and the expansive blue of Lake Michigan, you’ll see the trees alive in a riot of color as they turn from green to vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.
Dining Discounts
Many of Chicago’s patios and outdoor dining spaces start shutting down in October, but a few remain open on warmer days throughout the month. But as fewer people go out to eat in the Fall and few tourists pack city restaurants, many begin to look for other ways to lure in customers. And that often translates to great deals like half price bottles of wine, special multi-course prix fix menus, and deep discounts on food. Pick up a Red Eye newspaper near any El station to find out what special offers are available on any given night.
City Tours
Riding down Michigan Avenue in a horse drawn carriage is a fun way to see parts of the city. But during the summer, the heat and humidity, combined with the exhaust of the cars driving by, can make the ride less pleasant. During brisk Fall days and cold nights though, you can cuddle up under a blanket as you are pulled slowly down the streets, under a canopy of brilliant leaves. Chicago Architecture River Cruises also operate through the Fall. On nice days, you can learn about the city from the outdoor deck of the boat, while on cold days, you can stay warm while still seeing Chicago from a new perspective.
Photo credit: Chicago Man via Flickr
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