Mayor Lightfoot recently announced that the Lakefront Trail east of Lake Shore Drive will open on June 22. In addition, bars, breweries, and taverns will be open for outdoor service starting June 24. Slowly but surely, Chicago is beginning to look like the city we all love again. In the meantime, however, there are still a few things we can do outside of our homes to remind us that it is summer in the Windy City.

Miss going to the movies? It’s been months since movie theaters across the nation have been open due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of our favorite escapes where we can collectively enjoy stories of action and drama has been relegated to our home screens since winter. Thankfully, Chicagoans now have some options to take part in enjoying the silver screen as summer approaches.

Starting June 25, a pop-up drive-in theater will be located near Wabansia Avenue and Throop Street adjacent to the Lincoln Yards’ soccer field at 1397 W. Wabansia Avenue. 

Called the Drive-In at Lincoln Yards, this partnership between Lincoln Square’s Davis Theater and the Sterling Bay development firm will screen Chicago cinematic favorite Ferris Bueller’s Day Off starting at 8:30 pm on the 25th. The film will run at approximately the same time Thursday thru Sunday evenings.

The following week from July 2 thru July 5, the Drive-In at Lincoln Yards will screen another Chicago film masterpiece, The Blues Brothers.

Tickets are $35 per car. Not bad, considering most trips to the movie theater cost you that much just in snacks and refreshments. 

Another smaller pop-up drive-in is set to debut soon in Lincoln Square next month at the site of the Old Town School of Folk Music’s parking lot. Stay tuned as more details emerge.

Over in Bridgeview, the Chicago Drive-In located at 7000 South Harlem Avenue offers a wide array of flicks to please film fanatics of all genres. On Friday the 19th, you can laugh along to a double feature of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at 9 pm, followed by Superbad at midnight. Saturday the 20th will feature Tom Hanks in The ‘Burbs at 9 pm, followed by Quentin Tarantino’s masterful debut, Reservoir Dogs at midnight. Tickets will run between $30 and $50 depending on how close you are to the giant 70-foot screen. Purchase tickets in advance at the website.

Of course, social distancing must be practiced as we slowly return to our usual methods of entertainment. Check with each drive-in to find out precisely what is required. Still, you can be sure that six feet or more of social distancing between cars and patrons is a must. Guests will also be required to wear face masks when purchasing any goods (most likely credit card only) and interacting with others. 

As Chicago begins to see warmer weather, it’s great that the city is finding ways to provide entertainment with drive-in theaters while playing it safe to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

All of us gardeners know we feel better just digging around in our gardens. Just the action of pulling weeds or transplanting can leave you with your spirits lifted. With the expansion of community gardening, approximately 115 million people now have access to gardening. And that is a good thing!

Research has found that gardening has a wide range of health benefits, including reductions in anxiety, depression, and body mass index. There are a wide variety of gardening implements on the market to aid gardeners who need a little help. From kneepads and portable benches to large handle tools to help anyone get out to the garden. 

Gardening improves mood and life satisfaction. It increases the quality of life, vigor, and psychological wellbeing. The effect is now known to actually come from the soil. The microbe is called mycobacterium vacaee, and it stimulates serotonin production. It can be ingested through small cuts in the skin or simply inhaled while digging.

As you know, low serotonin levels can cause many problems like depression and anxiety, even OCD. Higher levels make you relaxed and happy. Now we know why we feel so good after a gardening session. Everyone from kids to the elderly can get out and do some digging and raise those spirits!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

It looks as though we’re not going to have a typical summer this year in Chicago. So far, the city has canceled Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and the Air & Water Show. Hopefully, we’ll have some smaller neighborhood and suburban events taking place so we can get outdoors. But until then, here’s this weekend’s virtual events.

The Chopping Block continues their Virtual Cook Along Classes, via Zoom, with you and their chef cooking together in real-time. Upon registration, you will be provided with the recipe packet and equipment list to be prepared to get cooking. Again, their Zoom moderator will make sure your questions are answered live by the chef either during or after class.

Saturday’s demo will run from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. with Chef Shelley Young, who just so happens to be the owner/chef with The Chopping Block. 

She will demonstrate how to prepare Strawberry Shortcake. Skills covered in this class are preparing the biscuit dough, understanding baking ingredients, macerating fruit, and, of course, the best whipping cream you’ll ever make!

Sunday’s demo will run from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. with Chef Hans Mooser. He will demonstrate how to prepare Grilled Bass with Mediterranean Farro Salad. Skills covered in this class are selecting and grilling fish, determining fish doneness, working with grains, roasting peppers, balancing flavors, and making fresh herb sauces!

How about taking a cruise right from your couch to view iconic and lesser-known Chicago architecture on a Virtual Boat Tour (Saturday, 1 p.m.-1:50 p.m.). Your tour guide will be Amanda, who is the Executive Director and Chicago Detours founder. She will delve into the forgotten stories of Chicago’s waterways, environment, transportation history, and architectural masterpieces while sharing stories and places that even the locals don’t know about! For just $8, this tour is a great way to beat cabin fever and will be unlike any architecture river cruise you’ve taken!!

Another virtual tour that might be of interest is the LGBT Chicago History in 1893 Virtual Tour (Saturday, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.). Led via Zoom, you’ll glimpse beautiful architectural spaces from the era of the 1893 World’s Fair and learn about the fair’s impact on Chicago. Your tour guide Marie will show you archival images illuminating the World’s Fair and share stories of some gay and lesbian men and women from turn-of-the-century Chicago. You’ll also get to check-in with the group and see where other tour guests are from. During the presentation, guests are encouraged to have a lively chat to share comments and questions!

While a lot of crowded running races around Chicago have been canceled, runners can still race for a cause this summer by staying in their own neighborhoods (or on a treadmill) and participating on their own schedule. Here’s a list of virtual races that will earn you swag and medals without the crowds:

Chi Town Half Marathon & 10K. Swag includes a zip-up hoodie and finisher medal. This race benefits Best Buddies.

The Super Run – Chicago. Swag includes a superhero cape, event bib, and finishers medals. This race benefits an organization that donates superhero capes to children in local hospitals.

The Great Run Across Illinois. Swag includes a t-shirt and finisher’s medal. This race benefits the Illinois Nurses Foundation.

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago has entered Phase 3 of the city’s recovery plan to begin stepping outside the shadow of COVID-19. While dining indoors is still not an option, outdoor dining is in full swing in many spots throughout the city. Let’s take a look at some of the great restaurants that have reopened for outdoor dining in our favorite Chicago neighborhoods. After all, the weather is finally pleasant, and we are all in dire need of getting out and enjoying each other’s company. Just remember to still practice social distancing, as we don’t want to give the pandemic a leg up as we re-enter our world.

Lincoln Park:

Cafe Ba-Ba- Reeba: For a brilliant taste of traditional food from Spain, check out this hot spot located at 2024 N. Halsted. The tapas, pintxos, and delicious sangria are all top-notch. In addition, the patio menu includes seafood, beef, and chicken and pork dishes. Be sure to make a reservation, as capacity is limited to 50%.

Avli: If your taste buds are in the mood for inspired Greek offerings, look no further than this Chicago favorite Lincoln Park located at 1335 W. Wrightwood. The chicken shish kabob and ouzo salmon are particular standouts on the menu. Again, be sure to make a reservation, as seating for outdoor dining will fill up quickly.

River North: 

Maple & Ash: It’s probably been a minute since you put on your best attire and hit the town. River North’s Maple & Ash, located at 8 West Maple Street, is the perfect way to emerge from our spring hibernation with style, class, and an excellent menu that raises the stakes when it comes to the best steakhouses in town. Their Downstairs Burger and Ricotta Agnolotti are among the many wise choices to make on a menu that can do no wrong. Enjoy a cocktail, a delicious meal, and appreciate reintroducing yourself to fine dining after months of takeout.  

Quartino: Quartino is another River North favorite, located at 626 N. State Street. The house-made pasta, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, and bevy of traditional Italian dishes will have your taste buds singing the praises of this fantastic restaurant. Like all the other spots on this list, be sure to call ahead to reserve a table for an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. 

Lakeview:

Crosby’s Kitchen: Located at 3455 N. Southport Avenue, Crosby’s Kitchen is a definite go-to when you crave some comfort food. And after the last few months stuck in our Chicago homes, who doesn’t want some comfort food as we strive to move forward amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? Enjoy the warmer weather and delightful entrees such as their beloved rotisserie chicken, pork chop, and fillet of beef, while dining at their open-air seating. Call ahead for reservations.

Dryhop Brewers: It’s probably been quite a while since you were able to share drinks with friends outside of a Zoom session. Visit Dryhop Brewers, located at 3115 N. Broadway, to enjoy some tasty libations no matter what kind of beer you crave. A wide selection of brilliant IPAs will satisfy even the most particular taste buds. They offer plenty of excellent bar food ranging from burgers to salads to wings. This Lakeview spot doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to call ahead.

That does it for today’s list of restaurants that have reopened in many of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods. Tomorrow we will look at more places to enjoy great food in open-air dining outside. Of course, always practice social distancing and bring your mask and your appetite.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Nothing ruins a workday like not having a designated, comfortable place to work from. And when you are working from home, whether it be temporarily or indefinitely, setting up a great workspace gets even tougher. However, your productivity and body will thank you if you take a few steps to upgrade your desk setup. Here are some ideas!

Seating

Purchase a chair that offers great spine support and has adjustable height, armrests, and back. If a new chair just isn’t in the budget, there are many seat pillows and cushions available that are designed to attach to an office chair and encourage you to sit properly and help support your lumbar.

Desk

Adjusting your desk height to fit your specific needs can be tricky, but necessary. If you are able to, investing in an adjustable-height standing desk is ideal because you can adjust your desk for different tasks, such as typing, writing, and reading documents. If you are unable to make that purchase, consider installing a keyboard tray to lower your keyboard or raising your chair to ensure your wrists are above your keyboard. If you are experiencing neck pain, that may be a result of your monitor height. Purchase a laptop or monitor stand or use normal household items like books or a box.

Lighting

Poor lighting can cause a lot of strain on your eyes and may decrease energy levels. If you are unable to work in an area with natural light, find a LED desk lamp that can be adjusted as needed. These come in all shapes and sizes and LEDs bulbs have a long lifespan and are energy-efficient.