Bicentennial Plaza

Location:
The Bicentennial Plaza is located just east of Millennium Park. The easiest way to visit the luxurious area is to take the BP Bridge which connects Millennium Park to The Bicentennial Plaza. The address is 337 E Randolph Dr Chicago, IL 60601


Whats There?
Well...theres a lot to see actually, this park takes up quite a bit of land providing wonderful views of the city skyline, the lake, and Millennium Park. Once you walk through the park you will find lots of seating, a skate rink/skateboarding areas, good quiet environments, and tennis courts. Throughout the year the park is used for programs including; yoga, fitness, aerobics, and preschool classes. In the winter there is a great ice rink which is sometimes better than the packed Millennium Park one. 


Why You Should Visit...
While I was out and about discovering new parks and getaways I found this place tucked away. I had walked across the BP Bridge because I thought it looked really cool...not knowing what was on the other side. Once i go to the park itself the first thing I noticed was all the grass! It had way more than any other place I had visited thus far and was a nice change from the pavement and rocks. Like the other two it was very quiet and peaceful, but what I really liked was the view of Lake Michigan. Granted the park does sit right next to a very busy interstate, it is still pretty quiet. There are also walking paths that take you as far as navy pier and the shedd. Its a nice lake front area to go relax in! 

check out the video below for more pictures. :) 

The Lurie Garden.

Location 

The Lurie Garden is located in Millennium Park on the southeastern end. Millennium Park is located at 55 North Michigan Ave, in Chicago.

Whats There? 

This Garden is truly an urban oasis. Its open to the public throughout all four seasons, which means yes, you can still visit if its snowing! The garden stretches for about 5 acres and includes marshland like grounds with walking paths. There is also a foot bridge, where visitors can sit by the water, have lunch, wish on a lucky penny, or just to catch a breath! The Garden also offers numerous programs throughout all seasons for tourists and students. 

Why You Should Visit...

The Lurie Garden has been awarded with several titles, and high honors, and its a very relaxing place to visit. Even if you just walk through and take a quick glance, its totally worth it. You would think being so close to Michigan ave it would be loud, but the only thing you can hear while you walk through is the water, the birds, and the water flowing. Its a wonderful location to get away from the crazy tourists at the bean!

Check out the video for more pictures!

The Art Institute of Chicago: Gardens.

Walking down Michigan Ave, in one of the more popular areas of the loop you would never think that there would be peacefulness, but leave it up to the Art Institute to bring you that!

The Art Institute is located on South Michigan Ave in between Jackson and Adams. The Institute has two gardens, one on the south side of the building, and one on the north. Unfortunately when I visited only the south side was open due to maintenance on the other side. The Garden opens at 7:30am everyday and closes around dusk, giving visitors or residents available time to get away and relax a little bit!

My first thought when I entered was that it reminded me of a Zen garden. Rather than walking on paths, or grass, you're actually walking through a ground covered in small pebbles. There are also fountains to add to the scenery, which definitely help with relaxation! There is a lot of shade, and lots of seating options so its the great place to take a break while walking down the mile, read a book or just think.

This is one of my favorite places to visit, I never want to leave once I walk through those gates. Enjoy it while the weather is still decent though, because once the snow falls, it's not going to be as spacious! :)