Bri Helm
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What do you love most about the city of Chicago?
Summertime! The whole city wakes up after the long winter, and everyone is happy and soaking in the perfect weather. You can find us at outdoor concerts, patio happy hours and sporting events, or at Lake Michigan on the weekends. Almost everyone in the office is on an adult intramural kickball or volleyball league—it’s a great way to make new friends!
What are the first 3 things people should see when they visit Chicago?
1. Take the L or Metra train into the city and walk around China Town, Lincoln Park/Lakeview, Wicker Park or Old Town.
2. Take a picture at The Bean– just to say you did it. While you’re there, check out the botanical gardens. They’re beautiful!
3. Walk down Clark Street or Addison and take in Wrigleyville and Wrigley Field.
Bonus: Get a deep dish at the legendary Lou Malnati’s. You’ll thank us later. What is your favorite happy hour spot? ROOF on the Wit – hands down one of the best city views.
Noisiest time of day?
Our daily 9:15am kitchen pow-wow–everyone gathers to make coffee, grab food, and chat about our upcoming day.
Most ordered office lunch?
We’re a team divided over the greatness of Taco Nano and Goddess & Grocer.
Favorite in-office activity or antics?
We’re always up for birthday celebrations, bagel Thursdays and spontaneous dance parties in the #socialmedia office.
What do you love most about your Chicago office?
Everyone is friendly, smart, and excited about PR. At any moment you find groups of people connecting to get creative and talk strategy. We can also bring our dogs to work.
Our Perfect Day in Chicago
In 1890, U.S. congress granted Chicago rights to host the next great world fair amid a time of economic uncertainty and in the aftermath of the tragic 1817 Great Chicago Fire. Revered as the most influential world’s fair in history, the 1893 Chicago World Fair dazzled visitors with it’s gleaming white buildings and exhibitions that spanned over 600 acres along Lake Michigan in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood and ushered in the gilded age of this great American city.
Now the City of Broad Shoulders, Chicago attracts all walks of life: the athlete who loves to run along the lake; the boater who spends the greatest three months of the year in Chicago’s “Play Pen”; the artist who can be spotted on bustling Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park; the Cubs die-hard that’s first in line for a beer game day; the Farmer’s Market family that can be found at Green City Market every Saturday followed by a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Start your day at Ann Sather’s, a Chicago institution that serves hearty Swedish-American fare amid Scandinavian wall murals and vintage leather booths. Locals show up for the legendary cinnamon rolls starting at the crack of dawn. While Ann Sather’s conjures the 50’s, Southport Grocery is all things modern. Shop a curated selection of locally-produced artisan food-stuffs or dine in and experience trademark dishes like the house-smoked brisket and gravy, cupcake batter pancakes, or our cult favorite– sweet & savory french toast covered with smoked ham, baby swiss & mustard syrup.
Head over to the Chicago Lakefront Trail after breakfast to take in the Chicago skyline and cultural attractions along its path. This 18.5-mile park runs along Lake Michigan and unites legendary neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Lincoln Park and Lake View. If you’re visiting during the colder months, skip the walk and head straight for the jelly fish exhibit at The Shedd Aquarium, or take a group photo while sipping cocktails against the incredible backdrop that is the Chicago Skyline seen only from the Adler Planetarium.
You’re bound to run into a vibrant street festival happening on any given weekend during the warmer months. Summer on Southport, Mayfest, Pilsen Food Truck Fest, or the Chicago Hot Dog Fest never disappoint and let you soak up the sun and some local culture. Not a street fest fan? Take a reprise from the humid summer heat with a historical river cruise hosted by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. If you’re taken with all things mid-mod, catch their Frank Lloyd Wright bus tour and spend an hour taking in the interior of his home and studio and walking through the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District.
Migrate to the blue line and head straight to the famous Wicker Park neighborhood for sightseeing and a lunch stop at Big Star, where you’ll find the city’s most coveted patio and tastiest tacos. If tacos aren’t your style, Green City Market is a must. Snack on a sandwich and soup from Gayle’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese. You’ll notice that just about everyone has a purple-ish smoothie- don’t ask questions, just order one!
As the weather cools, take a stroll down Armitage Ave toward the lake. Chances are good that you’ll be just in time for a free concert at Millennium Park or an unforgettable comedy show at the revered Second City.
Grab a post-show late night slice the size of your head at Bacino’s Pizzeria, then cap off the perfect day in a high backed leather armchair at the swank and semi-secret cocktail lounge, the Violet Hour. Just be sure to obey the house rules—check your cell phones at the door, and don’t bring anyone that you wouldn’t bring to your mother’s house for Sunday dinner.