Originally Posted by
Andrea Waters
Two suggestions - YES, do a picnic in Millennium Park or any other space along the lakefront. The weather has been extraordinarily beautiful this summer. Eataly is great. I really think it is but it's not unique to Chicago as you know. If you want something local, I'd recommend going to Pastoral for picnic goods.
http://www.pastoralartisan.com/
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+1 on this place. If Andyonthego sees this, you're looking for the one @ 63 E. Lake...maybe 5min walk from Aqua. There's also a Bockwinkels around the corner from the Aqua for more basic deli fare.
Jazz Festival is this weekend so a picnic in Millenium Park would also come with some good music...if you like jazz.
As for un-touristy things:
A different kind of view
Most go for the view from above -- either at the Hancock or Willis, but if you want a different, relatively high-level view of the City then head to the Daley Center Law Library. It's on the 30th floor, basically the top floor of the Daley Center (50 W. Washington). Yeah, I know, 30 floors doesn't sound high, but the floor plates in that building are probably 18-20 ft apart so it's the equivalent of a 50-60 story building. And with the central location you get a view in the middle of it all - with North, East and South exposures...maybe West too, but I can't remember. I really like it. You can sit and read the paper in quiet and take it all in, or check out any one of thousands of law books.
You have to go through security/metal detectors etc on the ground floor when you enter the building as the Daley Center is also the main courthouse in one of the largest consolidated court systems in the world. On a related note, if you like watching lawyers do their thing then stop one of the floors between 11-26 (lots of courtrooms). Most of the action is between 9 and 11:30am. The building closes up around 4:30pm so this is a daytime activity only.
Biking
The Lakefront makes for a really fun and scenic bike ride, but if you happen to be in Chicago on the last Friday of the month then check out
http://chicagocriticalmass.org/. It's a monthly bike ride where hundreds of cyclists take over the City streets for a spin through the downtown area and nearby neighborhoods. It's a great way to see the City. All types of people...a colorful crowd for sure. Police escort to keep the peace between drivers and bikers.
It starts at the Daley Center too - 5:30pm. Rent a Divvy bike or there's also bike rental station at the north end of Millenium Park which is only a few blocks from the Daley Center. Do it. Guaranteed fun. ^