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We've Found 40 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Chicago

By Moira Lawler | March 31, 2016 | Lifestyle

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Chicagoans are no strangers to less-than-ideal weather. But it’s hard to get bummed when there are still plenty of things to do. Here, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of what to eat, drink, see, and do on a rainy day in the city—and only one involves a rain dance.

1. Pamper Yourself

Spa treatments.

These three must-try spa treatments are waiting.

2. Go Blonde at Lakeview’s Lumination Salon

A new ‘do is one way to get a brighter outlook.

3. Catch a Taste of the Outdoors at the Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield.

The Desert House will remind you of sunnier days to come.

4. Add Moody Black-and-White Pics to Your Instagram Feed

Jason Peterson’s photos will inspire you to capture Chicago in a whole new light.

5. Act like a Kid Again

Spin Chicago.

Whirlyball in Bucktown and SPiN Chicago in River North will have you tapping into your more playful side in no time.

6. Treat Yourself to a DIY Spa Day

We’ve got five suggestions for the best masks to try for glowing skin.

7. Wait It Out at Brunch

Our suggestions: Lula Café, Mott Street, and Mercat a la Planxa.

8. Or Have Breakfast in Bed

Eastman Egg Company.

Call on Postmates to deliver a sammy from The Eastman Egg Company. The Scoundrel features eggs, turkey, and spinach on a pretzel roll to leave you satisfied without leaving your apartment.

9. Leave Your Bed… But Only to Look at More Beds

A rainy day is the perfect time to finally check out “Van Gogh’s Bedrooms” at the Art Institute.

10. Upgrade Your Transportation

Chicago helicopter experience.

Book a helicopter ride over the city. But wait for a clear day to catch skyline views.

11. Challenge Yourself to an At-Home Workout

Here are five fitness guru-approved moves.

12. Cross Movies Off Your To-Watch List

Finally catch Chicago classics like The Fugitive, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and The Blues Brothers.

13. Take in the Storm from Above

360 Chicago.

The 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the Hancock Building just launched a 606 Resident Appreciation Rate. With 50 percent off for locals, it’s the perfect spot to watch the storm brewing.

14. Embrace Spring Cleaning

Trust us: This is the day to do it. And these storage solutions can help you stay tidy.

15. Take an Instagram Photo Your Followers will Drool Over

Dove's Luncheonette.

Just snag a table at one of these Instagram-friendly restaurants.

16. Do a Rain Dance

Or at least sign up for one of the city’s dance-inspired workouts. We like the classes at MaZi Dance Fitness Centre.

17. Take on an All-You-Can-Eat Challenge

Plan on spending the rest of the gloomy day in a food coma after a stint at Lao Sze Chuan’s lunch buffet.

18. Spend the Day Holed Up in 900 N. Michigan

You’ll never run out of dining and shopping options. And the Tax-Free Weekend Event from April 15 to April 17 makes it a real no-brainer.

19. Learn to Make Your Own Comfort Food

Bar Toma in the Gold Coast offers two-hour pizza-tossing classes that’ll leave you feeling like a pro.

20. Transport Yourself to a Tiki Bar

Lost Lake.

Lost Lake and Three Dots and a Dash offer fruity cocktails to at least make you feel like your feet are in the sand.

21. Or Make a Rum Cocktail at Home

Peter Vestinos from Sparrow shows you how.

22. Catch Up on the New Season of Shameless

But catch up with Isidora Goresher first.

23. Spike Your Adrenaline

Brooklyn Boulders.

Brooklyn Boulders offers a learn-the-ropes rock climbing class for $79. Don’t worry—it’s indoors.

24. Become a Food Critic

Start by making your own predictions on which food trends are “out.”

25. Get Lost in a Good Book

CC Ferns.

We suggest reading All Things Cease to Appear at C.C. Ferns. You’ll be so wrapped up in the plot that you’ll forget the nasty weather outside.

26. Incite Major Real Estate Envy

Starting with 10 unbelievable Chicago sunrooms.

27. Explore the City’s Best Grocery Stores

Eataly.

The rainy afternoon will slip away when you’re ogling the pastas in Eataly.

28. Conduct a Sparkling Wine Taste Test

Here are three wines to try.

29. Spice Up Your Yoga Practice

Core Power yoga.

Book a CorePower Yoga class featuring an exclusive playlist from Chicago DJ Lani Love. Her house, disco, and hip-hop mix will be played at select classes through June.

30. Get Some Interior Design Inspo

RH has 70,000 square feet of luxe décor and an equally well-designed café so you can make a day of it.

31. Unleash Your Inner Lady Mary

Downton Abbey costumes can be found at The Driehaus Museum until May 29.

32. Online Shop Your Way to a Fresh Spring Look

Pastels.

Consider bold accessories and sweet pastels.

33. Revisit Your Favorite Childhood Musical

The Lyric Opera of Chicago brings The King & I to the stage from April 29 to May 22.

34. Restock Your Bar Cart

We’ve got five ideas on how to do it.

35. Pick Out the Pieces of Your Capsule Wardrobe

And then sign up for Rent the Runway’s new Unlimited service for when you’re in a pinch.

36. Eat and Drink the Day Away in Pilsen

Dusek's.

Carnitas, anyone?

37. Plan Your Summer Movie Nights

Consult Millennium Park’s schedule and start counting down for Thelma & Louise.

38. Step Back in Time

Rainy weekend? Settle into one of Tortoise Club’s tufted leather booths on Friday and Saturday nights for live jazz.

39. Have a Boozy Brunch

Buck's.

Order the Off-Menu Bloody Mary from Buck’s in Wicker Park. The fried chicken and deviled egg garnishes make it a meal in our book.

40. Rethink the Shape of Your Eyebrows

Trust us. Channing’s Studio & Spa will work magic on your brows.

Tags: rain things to do spring weather _feature
Categories: Lifestyle

PHOTOGRAPHY VIA FACEBOOK.COM/LOSTLAKETIKI; VIA FACEBOOK.COM/GARFIELDPARKCONSERVATORY; VIA FACEBOOK.COM/WEARESPINCHICAGO; VIA FACEBOOK.COM/CCFERNS; VIA FACEBOOK.COM/BKBCHICAGO; VIA FACEBOOK.COM/COREPOWERYOGA; VIA FACEBOOK.COM/360CHICAGO; VIA FACEBOOOK.COM/EATALYCHICAGO; VIA FACEBOOK.COM/TORTOISECLUB; COURTESY OF THE LANGHAM, CHICAGO (CHUAN SPA); KAILLEY LINDMAN (INSTAGRAM/DOVE’S LUNCHEONETTE, PILSEN/DUSEK’S)

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