Instagram has always been a way to vicariously explore the world through my phone, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to discover the best food, drinks and places to try in my own city. This summer, I decided to nix my traditional bucket list and opt for a different way to celebrate the season, by following a few of my favorite Chicago Instagrammers around town to put together the ultimate Chicago Instagram bucket list. If you’re a native Chicagoan (or just here for a visit!) here are the places you should see, and of course, ‘gram!
1) Wake up and smell the coffee: Kick off your weekend adventures right with your favorite cup of Chicago coffee. There are so many amazing places to visit, and I adore Heritage Bikes and Coffee (below), Intelligencia, Floriole for their coffee (and Instagrammable spaces!)
2) Sweeten the deal: Donuts on donuts on donuts! Chicago boasts some pretty delicious donut shops, from Stan’s (below) to Glazed and Infused, to the classic Donut Vault. Believe me when I say, they’re all delicious and worth all the calories (just think of the pictures you’ll take too!)
3) Revive and Refresh: After all those donuts (no shame) you’ll probably want to throw back a juice or two. Owen and Alchemy are a local Chicago juciery that makes the tastiest juices in the prettiest packaging. Take a few snaps in their storefront, or bring some juices home to get extra creative.
4) Discover Vintage treasures: While I always love searching through mountains of vintage goodies, sometimes you just want to have someone else to help curate the prettiest pieces for you. Lost Girl’s vintage (who also have an amazing Instagram account!) is a favorite Chicago vintage store, and totally Instagrammable.
5) Sweet as pie: Because clearly you can never have too many sweets in my book, pie is the perfect summer pick-me-up while you’re out adventuring. Try Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits for a sweet brunch (and Instagram photo too!)
6) Play tourist for the day: You know all those touristy things you’ve always wanted to do? Well, you should do them – and document them all via Instagram. My favorite places to snap photos are always The Bean, the Wrigley building (over the pretty Chicago river!) and the prettiest skyline view from North Pond in Lincoln Park.
7) Enjoy a rooftop view: One more perk of living in a big city? The most beautiful rooftop views (with equally awesome rooftop bars!) Sip in a drink at the J.Parker, 52 North or Drum bar for a delicious drink and even better ‘grammable view.
Via Lows to Luxe
8) Explore the city by Divvy: Chicago is full of adventurous ways to explore the city, and I’m a big fan of taking in the lakefront sights on a Divvy bike. Taking a cue from Marija of Sportsanista, I’m planning on hitting up the museum campus with a few friends on bike (and rewarding myself with a big ice cream cone directly after!)
9) Scoop up something sweet: During the hottest months of the year, a few scoops of gelato are in order! And if you’re indulging your sweet tooth, you might as well snag the prettiest cone you can find, right? Head to Amorio in the Gold Coast for their famous flower shaped gelato cones and make sure to snap a pretty Instagram while you’re at it.
10) Make everyday Taco Tuesday:…Because who doesn’t love to take pictures of the tastiest tacos around? Hit up Big Star or Antique taco any day of the week and snap a few grams on the patio.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab
your camera and go explore some of our favorite places Chicago has to offer.
Have any other places to add to our list? I’m all ears!
your camera and go explore some of our favorite places Chicago has to offer.
Have any other places to add to our list? I’m all ears!
Great post Maya! I just discovered Owen and Alchemy. Love it! 🙂
xo, Jen
I love this idea! I think I might have to do it for Minneapolis 🙂 Thanks for sharing, I adore finding new Instagram accounts!
ohh i need to try that pie + biscuit place next time im in town! xo jillian – cornflake dreams