Make a Reservation

Spend a day in Chinatown kayaking by Ping Tom Memorial Park, eating the best dumplings in Chicago, and treating yourself to rolled ice cream. 

Here's your plan for a chill day in Chinatown: kayak, dumplings, and rolled ice cream. Enjoy

Chill Day in Chinatown

At Ping Tom Memorial Park, rent kayaks from REI Co-op for a serene paddle with stunning Chicago skyline views.

Kayak Rental

✅ Before you go
• The boathouse is open Saturdays & Sundays from 10am-5pm. The last launch of the day is at 3:45pm, so plan accordingly!
• You can walk in or reserve ahead of time here: https://pingtom.rentals.rei.com/portal/

💪 Pro tip
• For the best skyline views, start your trip kayaking north along the river.

Rent kayaks from REI Co-Op at Ping Tom Park 

At Qing Xiang Yuan in Chinatown, enjoy Chicago’s best dumplings, following a 300-year old family recipe for an unforgettable taste.

Eating Dumplings

✅ Before you go
• Qing Xiang Yuan doesn’t take reservations, but you can add yourself to the waitlist online: https://www.yelp.com/waitlist/qing-xiang-yuan-dumplings-chicago-3?utm_source=qing-xiang-yuan-dumplings-chicago-3&utm_medium=nw_restaurant_generic_flow

💪 Pro tip
• Don’t skip appetizers before the dumplings – the cucumber salad was super satisfying.

Try Chicago’s best dumplings at Qing Xiang Yuan

Visit Legend Tasty House in Chinatown for an irresistible treat of rolled ice cream. Opt for flavors like Double Trouble or S’mores Galore.

Rolled Ice Cream

✅ Before you go
• Legend Tasty House is a short walk from both Qing Xiang Yuan and Ping Tom Memorial Park – just head down Wentworth Ave!

💪 Pro tip
• The Double Trouble and the S’mores Galore were sooooo yummy 😋

Treat yourself to rolled ice cream at Legend Tasty House

Take advantage of the last bit of summer sun with a chill day in Chinatown.

We've all seen kayaking downtown, but did you know REI has a boathouse

The river is so much more calm on the south branch, and the skyline views are stellar.

We loved getting out on the water and exploring a new part of the city.

we took a walk to Chinatown Square Plaza to eat the best dumplings we've ever had.

Qian Xiang Yuan follows a 300 year old family recipe to make their fresh, handmade

soup dumplings and has rightfully earned the title of best dumplings in Chicago.

we obviously had to try Legend Tasty House’s rolled ice cream.

This Thai-style ice cream is made-to-order,

and I will definitely be going back for the Double Trouble.

I couldn't think of a better way to finish out the summer.

Here's your plan for a fun-themed paint night with cocktails and creative vibes in Westmont. Watch the video 👇

Join Paint and Sip Bar at one of their themed paint nights across the Chicagoland area

Themed Paint & Sip 🎨

Unleash your creativity at SIP and Paint Bar in Westmont—enjoy two craft cocktails while you paint your own masterpiece at this self-guided themed event.

Paint & Sip Night

✅ Before you go
• Browse the calendar for upcoming paint nights https://www.sipandpaintbar.com/general-2-1
• Purchase your ticket on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/o/49788979153

💪 Pro tips
• This is a self-guided paint event! No paint instructor present. 
• A ticket comes with two (2) craft cocktails, blank canvas, instructions, and supplies (food purchased separately)

Purchase a ticket 🎫 

SIP and Paint Bar is a traveling paint party that hosts themed

paint and sip nights in restaurants all over the Chicago land area.

A purchase ticket guarantees your spot in the restaurant,

2 craft cocktails and the canvas with your supplies.

The paint and sip event is a self-guided experience,

so come ready to channel your inner artist.

the staff was great with great music and surprise giveaways.

Check out the link in the info section for details.

Here's your plan for tasting beers and cocktails at three breweries and one distillery in Chicago. Watch the video 👇

Stop at 3 breweries and 1 distillery in Ravenswood/ North Center! 

Malt Row Brewery Crawl 🍻

Enjoy a diverse selection of approachable craft beers at Begyle Brewing in North Center, Chicago—perfect for groups looking to start their brewery crawl adventure.

Brewery visit

✅ Before you go
• Begyle Brewing prides itself on offering a diverse and approachable selection of quality beer that brings people together. 

Begyle Brewing 

Experience traditional European-style beers at Dovetail Brewing in North Center, Chicago—specializing in unique sours and expertly crafted brews.

Beer Tasting

✅ Before you go
• Dovetail specializes in continental European styles and traditional methods. 

Dovetail Brewing 

Demo Brewing Company offers creative, unique brews in a converted garage space. Enjoy their Secondhand Store draft for a truly distinctive beer experience in Lake View.

Craft Beer Tasting

💪 Pro tips
• The secondhand store draft is delicious and different from anything I’ve ever had! 

Demo Brewing Company  

Sip creative cocktails or whiskey flights at Koval Distillery Tasting Room—enjoy outdoor seating, board games, and a lively, inviting atmosphere in Lake View.

Cocktail Tasting

✅ Before you go
• Visit the KOVAL tasting room for cocktails, flights, perfect pairs, light bites, international coffee drinks and more.

💪 Pro tips
• They have outdoor seating and board games! 

Koval Distillery Tasting Room

This Ravenswood brewery crawl is perfect to get a

group of friends together and hang out this summer.

where I got a cider because I don't usually do beer.

and from there we walked up north to Dovetail Brewing.

which I actually really ended up liking for a beer.

we walked another 2 blocks up to Demo Brewing.

I really loved the space because it's a converted garage.

their drinks were really good and unique here,

but they have amazing cocktails and you really just need to check it out.

Here's your plan for savoring Italian ice and frozen yogurt in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Watch the video 👇

A way to romanticize your summer day—one scoop of Italian ice at a time 🍦

Summer Scoop at Annette’s

Grab a creamy Italian Fro-Yo—half Italian ice, half frozen yogurt—at Annette's Italian Ice, a beloved Lincoln Park spot with fun flavors and cash-only charm.

Italian Ice & Froyo

Italian Fro-Yo
A perfect combination of Italian ice and frozen yogurt. Creamy and fruity unite.

My fav Italian ice flavors: Passion Fruit-Red Raspberry, Guava-Orange-Passion Fruit, Blueberry-Lemon

Note that it’s cash only! 💵

What should I get?

Enjoy a summer scoop at Annette’s Italian Ice, open daily until late—treat yourself to unique frozen flavors and stroll through lively Lincoln Park.

Italian Ice & Desserts

🗓️ Hours
Mon-Thurs, Sun: 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Fri & Sat: 12:00pm - 11:30pm

Note that it’s cash only! 💵

When can I go?

Annette's Italian Ice is a Chicago staple in Lincoln Park.

You order from a walk-up window and can taste as many flavors as you want.

where it's half frozen yogurt and half Italian ice.

You'll be right at the heart of Armitage here so you can grab your Italian froyo,

and window shop all the cute boutiques around.

Here's your plan for a restorative yoga class with stretches and meditation at Soul House, Chicago. Watch the video 👇

Take a yoga class at Soul House! Soul House is a yoga, healing, and teaching center in West Town. 

Soul House Experience 🧘☮️

Join a restorative yoga class at Soul House in Fulton Market, Chicago. Enjoy a serene studio with all props provided—just bring yourself and water!

Yoga class

✅ Before you go
• You can register for classes here: https://www.soulhousechicago.com/yoga-class-schedule

💪 Pro tips
• All you have to do is bring yourself and water! Everything else is provided free of charge. 

Yoga class at Soul House  

so come along with me while I check out Soul House in West Town.

The studio itself is absolutely beautiful.

They offer yoga classes and other types of meditation classes.

What I really loved is that you don't have to bring anything with you.

They had any kind of prop you can think of.

The class that I took was a restorative class,

you might even see the studio pop on your way out.