Top 12 Summer Chicago Traditions: Only 13 Days Left!

Great news. The last day of summer isn’t until September 23rd!

Plenty of time {13 days to be exact) and lots to do before fall. Here are 12 things you must experience to officially call it a successful Chicago summer. Not to mention my favorite warm weathered activities in the Windy City.

1. Grab a glass of rosé with that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with
At the Grocer: Michelle Brut, Whispering Angel, Rack & Riddle, Chandon
Best spots: The Hampton’s Social {1/2 priced happy hours}, Expat {rosé snowcones}, RM Champagne, Pops

2. You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice-cream!
Recommendations: Amorino {served in the shape of a flower}, Jeni’s, Portillo’s Cake Shake, Cone Gourmet (the most fun flavors!), anything you can walk to, DQ

3. Special floral delivery {for yourself or a friend}
Fail proofs: Trader Joe’s, Flowers For Dreams {Shown Above and for a great cause too!}, OR “borrow” from the neighbors garden…

4. Host an end of summer party – make it a pop up by keeping the location secret to guests until 1 hour prior
Best party helpers: Sparkles In Love {for custom party decor and banners – don’t you DIE over these pink flamingos?!}, Diner en Blanc {for inspiration}

5. Camping
Campsites: #CampDana Dana Hotel, Camp Wandawega {sleep in a tree house!}

6. A white mani
Best Blancs: Burberry Optic White, OPI Non-Stop White, Essie Blanc

7. Walk barefeet in the grass
Favorite grassy nolls: Grant Park, Lincoln Park, Osaka Japanese Garden; a concert at Ravinia

8. Drink a Watermelon Beer {AKA Hell or High Watermelon}
The Hampton’s Social, Kings County Tap, Trader Joes and many more.

9. Take a dippity dip!
Water spots: Boating in the Playpen on Lake Michigan, Soho House Rooftop Pool, East Bank Club Rooftop Pool, Oak Street Beach

10. The last of the festivals
Windy City Wine Festival, Shaw’s Oyster Fest, Geneva Festival of the Vine

11. Gibson’s strawberry shortcake
One of Chicago’s best summer desserts and only offered this time of year.

12. Stock up on summer looks
Adoring Lilly Pulitzer‘s new store in Oak Brook, the new Kendra Scott and Uniqlo is opening soon.

Speaking of Lilly Pulitzer, I grabbed this little white number at the new Oakbrook store! The shop is a piece of art in itself. Literally. Hand painted dressing rooms with an ode to Chicago. Vibrant prints and rich fabrics. Thanks to their resort inspired line, it’s always warm weather at Lilly. Their classic pieces make me smile and always in style. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing a thing (which I don’t know how that’s possible), it’s worth popping by. It’s gorgeous!

Get The Look: Lilly Pulitzer Alexa Shift c/o || Kate Spade Clutch {old but similar here!} || Ray Ban Aviators || Pink Kate Spade Studs || Alex + Ani Bracelets || Flowers For Dreams Bouquet c/o {25% of profits go to a local Chicago charity!}