Things to Do in La Grange Park

Wateriders' experienced and knowledgeable guides have been leading relaxed kayak tours down Chicago’s picturesque waterways since 1997. Day and night tours explore the city's most exciting attributes, focusing on history, architecture, and eerie mob chronicles as guides provide paddling instruction and share true tales of Al Capone's mythical collection of tracksuits. Wateriders also rents its kayaks to independent paddlers who prefer to discover Chicago's sights on their own.

Through rich photographs and incisive articles from a wealth of contributors, each glossy issue of Home & Cabin explores the physical, social, and cultural minutiae of home and cabin owners in Newfoundland and Labrador. Articles in the quarterly's March, June, August, and December issues profile the businesses, builders, decorators, and landscapers that create the abodes, the individuals who inhabit them, and the structures themselves. The magazine's do-it-yourself pieces walk readers through projects such as room redesigns and floating-deck construction, and its eco-friendly tips encourage sustainable cleaning methods and uses for rainwater other than filling your basement shark tank.

Founder Ian Jacobson grew up on the Lake, and started his board-top paddling program after his passion for the sport ignited during a trip to Hawaii a few years ago. His love for the low-impact activity also feeds his interest in its safety; as he spreads awareness of the sport, he makes sure customers know when it's safe to venture out into calm or choppy water. His passionate team gathers a range of paddling certifications, such as ACA and WPA, and many staffers are equipped with official training in first aid and CPR as well as unofficial training in blowing bubbles. Some of the team honed their boarding skills on the waves of California and Hawaii, and several boast a background in stand-up paddleboard yoga and fitness instruction.

Dubbed "the epicenter for the paddle community in Chicago" by Chicago Now, Jacobson's company ignites his passion for the sport of standup paddleboarding in others with rentals and instruction atop calm waters boasting sweeping skyline views. As shoulders, backs, and arms work to propel the boards forward under his instruction, the core engages to keep balance on the board, resulting in a full-body workout enlivened with the pleasure of sunny skies and the thrill of submarine sightings in Lake Michigan. Featured on NBC Chicago's 1st Look and in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago SUP—formerly Great Lakes Board Company—and Jacobson grabbed attention for pioneering the relaxing full-body workout in the Midwest, as well as for their innovative board-top yoga classes (SUPyo) and SUPFit classes which were featured in Chicago Magazine's Best of 2012 issue. On St. Patrick's Day, the Chicago SUP crew paddles their way down the dyed-green Chicago River while their street team gives away free goodies and offers a chance to win a discount on board rental; see their Facebook page for more details on this contest. In the 2013 Expedition Paddle Series, he and his team point paddlers toward attainable goals as they paddle decked in headlamps toward Navy Pier for fireworks, or simply take in the skyline at sunset—often paired with paddling instruction.

What looks like a crimson-hulled pirate ship glides into view from behind Shedd Aquarium. The wind picks up, surging into the schooner's 77-foot gaff-rigged topsails and speeding the vessel along Lake Shore Drive at 10 knots. Those on shore can just make out the boat's name, Red Witch, and what appear to be passengers raising a drink to the Chicago skyline.

Docked in Burnham Harbor, the Red Witch tall ship is one three vessels in Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago's fleet. Designed by naval architect John G. Alden and named after the book Wake of the Red Witch—the same story that inspired the film starring John Wayne and Gail Russell—the Coast Guard–licensed ship accommodates up to 49 passengers within its mahogany-over-oak frame. Having sailed waters off Maui and San Diego, the boat is now under the stewardship of Captain Andrew Sadock and his crew, which leads tour cruises, coordinates charter adventures, and autographs cannonballs for each passenger.

In addition to being a current member of the American Sail Training Association, the Red Witch finished among the finalists for Best Boat/Cruise Service Provider in the 2010 Illinois Meetings + Events Readers' Choice Best of Awards.

Gliding through parks and weaving between runners on the lakefront path, segway-riding guides from Signature Segway Adventures keep guests in the know, offering up fun facts about the city and its origins. During tours, they highlight architectural sights, scenic views, and landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, and the Shedd Aquarium. Before hopping aboard a self-balancing vehicle, guests take part in an instructional course so they will feel confident and not try to bring their own training wheels from home.

Thanks to the innumerable breweries strewn throughout its iconic neighborhoods, Chicago has grown into a craft beer hot spot. During the 2nd annual Chicago Craft Beer Festival, the metropolis’s brews shine alongside regional and national beers beloved for their unorthodox flavor notes, subtle malt flavors, and Brooklyn accents. As participants traverse the grounds of St. Michael’s Parish—accompanied by live music from performers such as Tyrone Wells and Marcia Ball—they can sample more than 75 distinct beers, comparing ales, pilsners, and Belgian-style suds.