Paint The Town Green This Spring In Chicago!

On 12th March, the Chicago River will be dyed a vibrant- and eco-friendly- shade of green between State and Columbus. On the same day, marching bands and bagpipers, Irish dancers and colorful floats take to the streets for the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, this year honoring Chicagolands’s essential workers. A highlight is the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, the city’s top Irish band. Sunday the 13th sees two neighborhood parades celebrating the city’s rich Irish heritage- the South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade. Be sure to don your green garb, put on your dancing shoes and keep energy levels high with pints of Guinness, Shamrock Shakes and corned beef and cabbage.

In keeping with the green theme, Chicago really lives up to its “City in a Garden” motto in the spring. As well as spending time in the beautiful parks if the weather is fine, don’t miss the indoor spaces at The Garfield Park Conservatory. The Spring Flower Show is themed “Knock Knock” and is a playful exhibition of lovely blooms. Don’t miss the Palm House- a tropical landscape in the largest room in the Conservatory, a glimpse of prehistoric Chicago in the Fern Room and both the arid in the Desert House and the Persian water lily sculptures that adorn the pond in the Aroid House. Other places to enjoy springtime flowers in the city include the Chicago Botanic Garden with 27 unique gardens or the Japanese garden in Jackson Park featuring beautiful cherry blossoms. 

A little later in the season, visitors looking for an active staycation in Chi-Town can sign up for the Chicagoland Spring Marathon or Half Marathon, taking place in mid-May in Schaumburg. Alternatively, the city has more than 303 miles of bike lanes. Hire a “Chicago blue” Divvy bike and ride the Lakefront Trail to get the best Lake Michigan and city skyline views. The route runs for 18 miles along the lake, from the north to the south of Chicago, passing downtown, public artworks and many restaurants perfect for a pitstop. Each May, Lake Shore Drive is closed to traffic and hosts Bike the Drive- riders can choose to do the whole 30 mile stretch, or simply a shorter ride. The Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park offers roller skating, rollerblading, or scootering and reopens at the end of April. 

With such quintessentially Chicago activities on the agenda, it’s only right to book your springtime staycation or city break at a landmark hotel. Warwick Allerton - Chicago was built in 1924 as one of the first high-rise buildings on the Magnificent Mile. Today it retains its 1920s Italian Renaissance Revival charm and offers modern amenities in an unbeatable location. Enhance your stay even further with the Warwick Staycation offer, with room upgrades, free cancellation, early check in, overnight parking and more. Don’t hesitate, Chica-go to read more and book this offer online.

If you are planning to visit 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Warwick Allerton Hotel Guests receive “A complimentary TILT ticket with the ON-SITE purchase of a General Admission ticket.” Guests must purchase tickets at Ticketing Desk upon arrival and show a copy of their Warwick Hotel Key.  This is an $8.00 value per person redeemable on-site only. Not for use in conjunction with pre-purchased tickets or Concierge coupons.