An Ideal Day in Chicago with TSG Editor Meredith Wood-Prince
With the launch of The Scout Guide Chicago, Vol. 3 right around the corner, we asked editor Meredith Wood-Prince to share her recommendations for an ideal summer day in her city. From where to work out to what to do with kids to the perfect place for a nightcap, here are her picks:
Image by Maria Ponce Photography
Wake up and work out at Atlas CrossFit
“Like most moms, if I don’t work out in the morning it doesn’t happen, so I try and get it out of the way. Even though they have Division 1 athletes who train there, the circuit fit classes are great for people at all levels of fitness, and the instructors are really patient with middle aged, not so coordinated moms (like me)!”
Atlas CrossFit // 312.664.0130 // Images courtesy Charlie Brown Photography via Atlas CrossFit
Coffee and treats at Sweet Mandy B’s in Lincoln Park
“You feel like you’ve gone back 40 years in time when you walk in there and I can honestly say that many of my pregnancy pounds were gained in that bakery…all three times! I like to grab coffee there after working out and bring back some scones or banana bread for my kids—and maybe a few cupcakes for later.”
Sweet Mandy B’s // 773.244.1174 // Images from
Art and activities with the kids
“I love taking my kids to the Art Institute for their incredible exhibits. And I can’t wait to head over to the Maggie Daley Park and watch my kids climb that incredible wall!”
Art Institute of Chicago // 312.443.3600 // Image by Katrina Wittkamp
Teatime and a girls’ outing
“The Langham Hotel is a great spot for lunch or afternoon tea. On a perfect day, my husband would be kind enough to watch the boys while I snuck in a quick manicure/pedicure at their incredible spa with my daughter, Piper.”
The Langham Hotel // 312.923.7710
Scouting at Randolph Street Market
“You always find the most unexpected pieces there, and I love chatting with all the vendors and hearing their stories Usually I’m on the lookout for vintage bags, jewelry or stuff for our house.” (See the Randolph Street Market Schedule here.)
Randolph Street Market // 312.666.1200
Dinner at Pelago Ristorante
“They have a beautiful outdoor dining space in the summer, and Mauro, the incredible Michelin-starred chef and owner, makes you feel like you are in his living room.”
Pelago Ristorante // 312.280. 0700 // Image by Neil John Burger Photography
Nightcap(s) at the Drum Bar
“I love going for an after dinner cocktail…or two. On the top of the Rafaello Hotel, right next to Pelago, is the Drum Bar, which has a great energy, music, and the cocktails are yummy.”
Drum Bar // 312.924.2531 // Images from Drum Bar’s Instagram
