Popular Gardens in Salt Creek

"Located at the north end of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory features four serene greenhouses (Orchid House, Fern Room, Palm House and Show House) all displaying fantastic arrays of flora. During summer, venture outdoors to find a lush, French garden filled with a large variety of plants and flowers, and a beautiful fountain. Many Chicago residents utilize this space to sit and read, toss a football around, let their kids run freely or just take in the beauty of nature."

"The Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory are both fun to wander through, but I love Lincoln Park for its cafes, boutiques, and adorable homes. Armitage Avenue is a perfect spot to boutique-hop for the afternoon. I love Art Effect for cute gifts (and travel accessories!), and Interior Define is fun to check out for home decor. If it’s one of those hot, sticky midwestern summer days and you’re not up for shopping, check out one of the nearby beaches along Lake Michigan."

"Among the 26 different gardens here are the three-island Malott Japanese Garden, the 5-acre Evening Island, and the Grunsfeld Children's…"

"The LoopWhat you’re getting: Blackened daily catch Powerbox (quinoa and wild rice blend over chopped fresh spinach with herbs and lemon) with spicy peanut cilantro slawThe premise at this fast-casual fish shack with outdoor seating across from Millennium Park is simple: pick your fish (like the rotating blackened fish of the day, or salmon and whitefish staples) then pick your style. Straight up, on a "subbie," or in tacos, a salad, or a Powerbox loaded with quinoa, the menu options are fresh, well-prepared, and some of the healthiest quick meals around (lest you dig into a pile of its tasty tots). Like the fish, you’ve got decisions to make for your tots: Classic, Truffle Parmesan, and Buffalo Bleu."

"Their concept boasts high-quality seafood in a friendly counter format, and their reviews attest to their great food and fast service. Brown Bag Seafood Co. is bright and cheery, awash in natural light and a calypso blue color palette that speaks of cool oceans and fresh catches. A unique choice among the best restaurants in Chicago."

"Fresh seafood at an affordable price point doesn’t have to be a rare catch. Brown Bag Seafood Co. reels in diners with sustainable fish, shrimp, and lobster, available in a number of styles. The restaurant delivers, as well, for those who can’t escape the office."

"Our parents love the laid-back atmosphere at The Madison Bar & Kitchen. Its fast-paced service is perfect for when you have a hungry crew to feed. They have a large and super affordable children’s menu, with a separate gluten-free menu for kiddos with wheat allergies or sensitivities."

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"Often referred to as "Chicago's premier urban-contemporary art gallery," Patrick Hull founded a street art scene in Chicago that rivalled those on the East and West Coasts. The Gallery features monthly exhibits that focus on work influenced by urban environments, graphic design, street art, graffiti, pop culture, and illustration. It has helped launch the careers of many urban-contemporary artists who have gone on to exhibit at renowned museums and galleries across the globe."

"Located in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood on the near west side of Chicago, Vertical Gallery is the city's premier urban-contemporary gallery. Founded in 2013, the space has established a reputation for its consistent programming of significant emerging and established local, national and international artists. Their main focus is on the works influenced by street art, urban environments, graffiti, pop culture, graphic design and illustration."

"Probably my favourite on this list of top art galleries in Chicago… The Vertical Gallery. The Vertical Gallery was, voted  “Chicago’s premier urban-contemporary art gallery,” the Vertical Gallery is a showcase of urban and unorthodox arts. It was founded by Patrick Hull, who fostered an artistic community to rival anywhere else in the world."