Have a visit planned to Chicago in the near future? You might have booked cheap flights to Chicago from the best website to book flights and be having your itinerary full with the most popular places to visit- including the city’s biggest attractions like the top- notch museums, best restaurants and other such places that require reservations.
While that usually isn’t a problem, it would be inconvenient rubbing elbows in the nearest crowded places because of the current situation of COVID 19 going on.
But, that shouldn’t discourage you from satiating your wanderlust altogether. We did the hard work of researching out the least crowded places that will help you avoid tourists when you’re there.
So if you haven’t book your online flight tickets from us now and go through our list of recommendations.
1) Blue Nose Brewery
Blue Nose Brewery is nestled in the suburban Hodgkins. It has more of a low key vibe than the other craft breweries in Chicago. Beer and brew lovers can easily spend an afternoon or two exploring the premises and sampling a flight or more.
The list of beers on tap changes regularly, but recently included Two Fuses double IPA, Basic Bitch unfiltered wheat ale and Sticky Wicket English mild ale. You can pace yourself and play games of darts, jenga or pool between the drinks.
2) International Museum of Surgical Science
While there’s no problem while you visit the city’s most popular museums, try not to forget to check out the lesser explored museums while you’re at it. The International Museum of Surgical Science is an entire place dedicated to surgery, and is the only one in North America.
The museum holds an expansive collection of medical instruments, surgical tools, anatomical artifacts as well as educational arts. Check out the working iron lung, a Civil War era amputee kit, primeval trephine skulls that were found in Peru and so many other medical oddities.
3) Busy Beaver Button Company
The Busy Beaver Button Company has been whipping out unique buttons and pins for political campaigns, bands, nonprofits and local businesses since it opened its doors in 1995. You can go design your own custom buttons but don’t forget to check out the museum accompanying the Logan Square Store.
Filled with a collection of more than 9000 antique pin- back buttons, they include any and every style and design you can imagine. This would remain as a matchless unforgettable experience for you because you cannot find it anywhere else.
4) Small Cheval
You’re craving for that tasty but messy Au Cheval burger and yet, do not want to queue for hours long wait in line.
Forget the long lines and head over to Small Cheval, a small Chicago Diner that is serving a smaller and cheaper version of the burger (with or without the cheese) and fries with the same amount of deliciousness. Get a pitcher of beer or a creamy, frothy, whisky- spiked milkshake to wash down your meal with.
5) Chicago Botanic Garden
Whether you arrive there on busily bustling days or the calmer ones, Chicago Botanic Garden doesn’t ever feel crowded, thanks to its vast expanse of area over 285- acre grounds. Taking a walk through around 2.6 million species of flora is sure to wash away all your worries and wrap you with a sense of tranquility and peace.
Stroll through the Krasberg Rose Garden and saunter through the Aquatic Gardens and be in awe at the views of the 8 inch pale pink lotus flowers blooming there.
If you become interested in owning a plant or two during your visit, the Chicago Botanic Garden also offers learning sessions which covers everything from floral arranging to backyard garden design, should you be ready to develop your green thumb.
6) Myopic Bookstore
Opened 25 years ago, Myopic Bookstore fulfills every book lover’s dream with its shelves packed full of over 70,000 books. You would be happily immersing yourself in the three jam- packed floors full of rows and rows of books.
Choose from the religious texts, used cookbooks, works of classic and contemporary literature, novels and hundreds of books available on every subject imaginable.
Like any library, the place inside is peaceful and quiet and the smell of old books fills you with comfort and homeliness. The store hosts free live poetry readings on selected Saturdays and improvisational and experimental music on Mondays.