Unpaved Paradise

It's hard to believe that after three years living in the Chicago-area, last night was my first time at Ravinia. I ventured up the Northshore for the much-anticipated band - not BSB, that's this weekend - but UB40. Who's that, right? Well they sing that song "Red, Red Wine". But turns out they didn't even write it. Neil Diamond did.

RaviniaWines.com

That's beside the point. If you haven't made it up to this outdoor music venue in Highland Park, mark your calendars. There are plenty of concerts left before the end of the season on September 14, and that date is just around the corner.

Different from other outdoor amphitheaters I've been to, getting a lawn seat at Ravinia means you'll be out of view of the main stage but as I came to appreciate last night, it's not about seeing the musicians at all. Sure you could set up a blanket and chairs in any park, sip some wine and listen to your favorite band from your portable iPOD speakers but you'd be missing out on the coveted Ravinia experience. That special, candlelight dinner with 10,000 of your Chicagoland neighbors. The friendly couple sitting in front of you that offers to light your tea lights when you forget to bring matches. The little baby girl who wanders over to your blanket and sits down beside you before waddling off again. And, of course, the music broadcast throughout the park, and that elated feeling when you hear that one song you've been waiting for all night.

So grab your blanket, your food basket, your wine, beer and booze and don't forget those Tiki torches. If you're a student, all you need is a valid college ID and you can get in free to any Martin Theater and Chicago Symphony Orchestra production.

And just FYI - while it may seem like all's fair game to bring into the park, technically, technically, you're not supposed to bring grills, kegs, athletic equipment (including bikes), tents canopies or anything that can stake into the ground. But other than that, go for it. If you're on the lawn, you don't really have to worry about blocking someone's view. I recommend getting there early, staking out a spot and avoiding the Metra at all costs. (But if you do take the Metra, be kind to those over-worked souls trying to make it home and kindly move your Costco cooler out of the way so they can make it off the train.)

Now uncork that wine and go enjoy these perfect summer nights. And when it gets dark, dance like no one's watching.

I'll admit it - I really enjoyed the "cool" weather this weekend. I love being warm so I don't mind wearing a light, long-sleeved shirt and ankle-length capris on an August afternoon in Chicago. But as the weather tempered, it made me realize that summer is all too quickly passing by.

Here are three activities you can simply take outdoors to make the most out of these last glorious weeks of summer.

Take a walk - it's one of the most underrated pastimes in my opinion. This weekend I opted to do my errands by foot rather than on my bike and despite my poor planning and all the stores being closed by the time I got there, I had some much-needed me-time. I think we can all use that some times. Walk alone or with a friend, in the morning or at sunset and enjoy that calming satisfaction wherever your fresh-air adventure takes you (not to mention you'll rack up some additional miles under your feet!)

Check out some of the city's most renowned walking tours of Chicago's printers row, the Gold Coast and of course, the Mag mile.

Nap.

A good nap is always a welcome addition to any weekend afternoon. In fact, last weekend I took two naps - no shame. One on the sand at Loyola Park and the other in my backyard. Dozing outdoors is my best way for a midday reenergizing, though I haven't quite figured out why that's so. Maybe it's the soothing sound of the wind or the warmth of the sun caressing my back as I settle into an uninterrupted snooze.

So next time you're feeling groggy, grab a blanket and find a spot in the backyard or in a park and get your dose of sun and slumber. Visit the Chicago Park District's Web site for the city's best green nap spots.

WorkOUT of doors.

I've been kicking myself all summer for not using my gym membership I so eagerly invested in last spring thinking ‘what a brilliant idea! This summer I'll have so much time to take classes at the gym.' While that's still not the case, I've found I much prefer exercising out doors and getting that much-needed dose of Vitamin D. I literally have to carry myself to the gym - solely for the purpose of feeling like I get my monthly dues' worth. But once I'm there, I find myself gazing longingly out the window, wishing I were running on a trail or working out at one of the lakefront workout stations rather than being cooped up in a room full of metal and mirrors.

If you're into yoga, pilates or dance, bring your Saturday morning practice to Millenium Park where you can take free (yes, free) classes at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. respectively. 

Namaste. 

My workday was shaken up a bit this afternoon when I came back from lunch and was met with: "Your mom just called from California ... there's been an earthquake."

I didn't even know my mom had my work number and for her to call, it must have been quite a rocker. 

I suppose it's just a Californian thing. That heart-gripping terror when you hear the initial rattling of knick-knacks on your shelf that all-too-often predates a quake.

And for some strange reason, I've always had an eerie intuition for those ground-clattering quakes. Ever since the Northridge earthquake in 1994, I've always dreaded that paralyzing alarm that comes when I first hear my shelves begin to rattle.

I think it's safe to say I was scarred by that lethal 6.7-magnitude quake -- so much so that I fled 2,000 miles to attend college. I was about 7 years old then, and I was trapped by fallen bookshelves that blocked the doorway. (Our house would have failed an earthquake-preparedness test with flying colors.) All our power had gone out, and I remember my dad trying to grab my sleeping brother from his crib that was rolling from one side of the room to the other.

I've never had a snowday, but I think I'm one of the few kids who has ever had an earthquake day -- earthquake days actually.

I must say, the powers of that Mother Nature haven't ceased to amaze me. I'm a big fan of nature, but earthquakes? No thanks. I'd rather snuggle in my bed and listen to the familiar rolling of our Chicago thunderstorms.

Even now, 21 years old, I'm sure I'd still race down the hall into my parents room at the first rocking of the floor. But it's true what they say: You can run, but you can't hide. Even our Windy City had a little dance last April, and I, for one, was hardly thrilled.

Friends of the Chicago River

In one of my dazed, post-workday rides out of the city, my eyes caught sight of something that for once, seemed more intriguing than people-watching on the “El”. It was an ad by Friends of the Chicago River, an organization that works to restore the health and well being of the Chicago river to foster a lively ecosystem and a usable open space for the people of Chicago.

Forget kayaking on the lake (though I’ve done, it’s waves of fun so don’t miss out) but have you ever heard of kayaking through the city? Well, you certainly can. Sure, it’s no Grand Canyon comparison, but you can get an up-close view of the city’s best from a much different vantage point – down below. I can only imagine the magnitude of the Sears Tower seen from far below on the river. Let’s just hope you don’t flip into the river as you gaze up at the buildings because word on the street is, it isn’t the cleanest water around. But, hey, that’s another thing Friends is working on, as outlined in its 54-page action plan.

If city-kayaking doesn’t entice you, head further up the North Branch of the River and paddle through the Skokie lagoons or past the landmark Baha’i temple.

“Paddling the Chicago River is a magical adventure,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Whether you are downtown where you can see our world-famous city skyline from the water, further north where the variety of wildlife is remarkable, or on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal where the limestone cuts from when the canal was dug more than 100 years are still visible, it is really a worthwhile experience.”

Next time you’re thirsting for the good ole’ outdoors, think about gliding through the Chicago River – heck, lunch is even included. Guided tours average about six hours and range from $25 to $40.

If you’re one to plan ahead, consider the Flatwater Classic, the online canoe/kayak race on the Chicago River. The 7.5-mile race is on Oct. 5, and don’t worry – beginners are welcome too. The “Friendly Float” welcomes newbies as well as recreational paddlers and there’ll be plenty of support from the Coast Guard and Marine Police, Frisbie said.

Chicago River Canoe & Kayak

For other ways to enjoy the Chicago River check out Chicago River Canoe & Kayak that offers canoe and kayak rentals seven days a week now during the summer along with its own set of downtown and North Branch Chicago River tours.

With the cost of gas these days, who wouldn’t opt for an outdoors adventure right in their own backyard? See you on the water.