I'm honestly a bit reluctant to share this particular tip with you, ladies of Chicago. But some things are too good to keep a secret, and as summer draws to a close (and for Chicagoans, there are only 2 seasons, summer and winter) I think sharing a few moments of blissful peace is the least I can do.  

The Chicago River is one of my favorite things on earth. I love the newly renovated River Walk, I love the blue-green of the water, I love the gorgeous French-style bridges and the incredible architecture. I spend as much time as possible walking near the Chicago River. Several weeks ago, I made a very welcome discovery: on the south bank of the river, east of Michigan Avenue, you can sit right down and dangle your legs over the edge. One late afternoon, I took a book down to the river and sat down to read. It was absolutely quiet and extremely relaxing, despite the fact that I was surrounded by the city (or maybe because of it).

I figured I'd found a slow time to head down to the river's edge, but since that first trip, I've returned for lunch breaks (despite the fact that it takes about 30 minutes of my hour to walk to the river and back, it's totally worth it) and weekends and evenings…no matter when I go, there is hardly a soul on either side of me. Sure, people walk along the path and ride by on river cruises and speedboats, but no one stops to sit and stare at the water. Which is fine by me.

If you live or work near city center, hike down to the Chicago River, south bank, between Fairbanks (Columbus) and Lake Shore Drive. Once you're there, just have a seat and take it all in. If you see a girl staring longingly into the water, swinging her legs back and forth like a baby in a high-chair, come say hi. (Free hugs if you mention this story!) For the next 3 days, if you go near the top of the hour, you might even get to see the Centennial Fountain shoot an arc of water over the river – I think of it as an alarm telling me it's time to head back to the office. The fountain commemorates the all-important decision to reverse the flow of the river so that it no longer dumped sewage into Lake Michigan, where drinking water comes from. Hooray!!