The Suites Collection

As we bask in the day’s warming sunshine, our minds wander to the entertaining outdoor activities available for those of us lucky enough to live or work in Chicago.  From fountains and festivals to outdoor concerts and markets, we Chicagoans know how to take advantage of the perks that come along in spring and summer.  It is with great pleasure that we present The Suites Collection’s annual installment of warm weather to-dos for our tenants and friends.  Mark your calendars, we’ll meet you there!

Listen to beautiful music while lounging in Chicago’s “front yard” at The Grant Park Music Festival. This series of free classical music under the stars runs June 11^th – August 16^th.  No advance purchase needed!  Lawn and general seating in the Pritzker Pavilion is free, or if you prefer to be in the reserved forward seating area, you can make arrangements here.  Grant Park also boasts Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, Celtic Fest, Viva Chicago, and many others, so visit the Mayor’s Office of Special Events to find one to your liking.

Court House Executive Offices, located at 101 W. Grand, is just four blocks north of the picturesque Chicago River.  Catch the great riverside views from a $2 water taxi ride or indulge in a nice evening out with dinner and dancing while cruising along the river and Lake Michigan.  Pick the trip that’s right for you by reading Yelp reviews of Chicago River cruises. 

Another great way to enjoy the river is to Dine al fresco at Fulton’s on the River.  They are now featuring Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 – 6pm, where you can enjoy the new bar menu and half price signature snacks in the Murdoch Lounge. 

Across from Theatre District Business Center, Daley Plaza’s farmers market offers a wide selection of fresh and homemade fare for your impromptu casual lunch.  The market is held every Thursday from May 14^th to Oct 15^th, and is the perfect place to purchase produce, baked goods and flowers for a mid-day picnic.   There are plenty of grassy spots along the lake and river for grabbing a quick bite.  We prefer to enjoy our picnics in the tranquil courtyard at Tree Studios.  Won’t you join us?

Despite the fact that warm weather feels like it just arrived, we’ve only got 6 weeks left until Labor Day weekend.  Why not take advantage of the remaining season by having some fun after work in Chicago?

The Suites Collection executive offices are located in River North and Downtown.   Both neighborhoods offer plenty of special events to enjoy this summer.

Everywhere you look in the loop on Thursdays, you’ll see someone carrying a bouquet of beautiful fresh flowers.  It’s likely they just visited the Daley Plaza Farmers market across the street from Theater District Business Center.   Local farms set up tents selling fresh produce, jams, breads and other homemade goodies from 7am – 3pm.

After work, grab a picnic supper & meet your friends in Grant Park for a movie. Beginning tonight, movies play Tuesdays at sunset for the next 6 weeks.  Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended! Here’s the schedule:

July 15: 8:57 p.m. “All About Eve”

July 22: 8:51 p.m. “The Odd Couple”

July 29: 8:44 p.m. “The Blues Brothers”

Aug 5: 8:35 p.m. “The Day the Earth Stood Still”

Aug12: 8:25 p.m. “Touch of Evil”

Aug 19: 8:15 p.m. “An Affair to Remember”

Aug 26: 8:03 p.m. “Grease”

For a unique sightseeing experience near Court House Executive Offices head down to the River Walk and view “Chicago Looks: Portraits by Chicago Artists”.  These portraits reveal the artists’ personal perspectives on Chicago and their approaches range from literal portraiture to surreal interpretation.  Be sure to check out the portrait between Clark & LaSalle titled “The Pit Broker” by Rebecca Byrne, owner of Studio 12 Fine Art located in Tree Studios.