With the Chicago Marathon coming up fast, we enlisted our local Illinois Volée to share the scoop on the best post-marathon celebration locations in the Windy City. Here are a few of their top recommendations:
First off, let’s talk about what REALLY matters: the Chicago Cubs Playoff Baseball game at Wrigley Field on Monday: Hot dogs, beer, helmet nachos, cookies and soft serve (also in a helmet!) – what more could one want?
Pretzels, lemon chills, candied bacon, the only place you can still get Hot Doug’s in the city, and 42,000 of your closest friends singing “Go Cubs, Go!” when Chicago beats the Nationals. Yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds! If Football is more your thing, there’s also the option of watching the Bears take on the Vikings on Monday night at Soldier Field.
Also on Monday, stop by Fleet Feet Sports locations (where Illinois Volée regularly hosts Flight Club) from 12PM – 7 PM for Recovery Monday. Get your finisher’s medal engraved, pick up Chicago Marathon gear, and at Fleet Feet’s Old Town location, you can treat yourself to new Oiselle gear to commemorate your 26.2 mile achievement.
While the Chicago Marathon winds through 29 vibrant neighborhoods, there are still incredible parts of the city not seen from the marathon course. Walk off any post-marathon muscle stiffness with a stroll through Millennium Park. Jump at the Cloud Gate, aka “the bean” (yes, it really is a thing), explore Lurie Garden and Crown Fountain.
Rest your legs and explore the city from an exceptional vantage point on a Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Learn more about the history of this gorgeous city while relaxing on a boat! This is a must-do Chicago experience for out-of-towners.
The best part of the day after the marathon? Refueling, of course! An Illinois Volée favorite for brunch is Eleven City Diner. You can’t make a mistake on the menu. It’s all as good as it sounds.
Later in the day, we recommend Eately for a versatile downtown location with a variety of fabulous and filling Italian cuisine. Or for just marveling at cheese that really is bigger than your head.
Of course, you’ve likely heard about the Nutella Café. Yes, it’s delicious, but expect a large wait on marathon weekend and limited room inside to eat. But if you’re comfortable with that, it’s just as delicious as you’re imagining. (There’s a Nutella counter at Eately as well, a great option if you are looking to avoid long lines and cramped quarters at the Nutella Café).
And of course, there’s beer. Chicago’s craft beer scene has exploded. Among others, grab a local brew and revisit some of the last miles of the marathon course at Motor Row Brewery. You just ran an epic race. That’s something to toast to!
Cheers to an amazing weekend in the Windy City!
Follow along with us @oiselle #FlyCHI!
