Fall foliage is finally here – As the Summer begins to quickly blow away, don’t let it blow you away! Time for the cozy weather and fall scenery. Embrace the perfect in between weather before the winter pushes its way through.
In a bustling city like Chicago, there is always something to do. With that being said, a moment of celebration for our city! Choose Chicago has announced that Chicago is the “Best Big City in the Country.” This is the 8th year in a row that we have received this honor, according to Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards!
For those who aren’t local or don’t make their way to the city often, come see what all the rave is about for yourself!
Step outside and spend a perfect Fall day in Chicago. Here’s how to enjoy a boat ride and visit fun shops. They are just a short walk from our Michigan Avenue Dock, where our Chicago River Architecture Tour and Water Taxi Service leave. These shops offer many items to buy and support local businesses.
Fall Foliage on an Architecture River Tour
As the leaves change color, see Chicago’s Riverwalk surrounded by vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. If the Summer heat isn’t for you, the crisp air will make your ride and vacation enjoyable without the sizzling sun. While Summer tourists make their way back home, these October days bring a sense of calmness to the city. Spend 75 minutes heading down all of the three main branches of the Chicago River before our Winter hours take into effect, tours lasting only one hour!
Falls days may be shorter but the sunsets are still nothing short than breathtaking. Join a Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour or Skyline Lake Cruise for a great experience. Take the opportunity to explore Chicago’s Architecture history in a way only a boat tour can offer before or after you head to Pioneers Court Fall Festival!
Fall Festival at Pioneer Court Chicago
After taking the 75 minute Architecture Tour, head up the stairs by our ticket booth to that lead to Fall Festival! Fall Fest takes place at Pioneer Court, the largest privately owned plaza in Chicago. Located at 401 N Michigan Ave is where you can walk, shop, and eat. Every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm for for the French Market in Chicago that took place during the Summer now extending into the Fall!
You can find special vendors such as Terra + Talia. A local handcrafted jewelry business started by Brittany who started to pursue her dream after leaving her 9 to 5 job! Check out her unique gold minimalistic pieces that won’t tarnish. Follow her socials for updates on where she’ll be and when. For now you can find her stationed every Wednesday of October from 10am to 3pm amongst others!
A women founded farm, Parra Farms, grow and harvest their variety of vegetables in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Buy your farm fresh produce from Parra, they make the trip to different locations to showcase their produce.
Enjoy the smells of fall and other favorite scents with Creatively Intentional Candle Co. Mary Ylisela started this company. She was once a disappointed customer herself and now runs her business to ensure customer satisfaction of her brands products.
These are just a few vendors to name a few of what there is to find at Chicago’s French Market. Every stand has their own personal twist! Feeling hungry after your tour and walking around? Fall Festival has food trucks on the street.
Happy Lobster Truck serves lobster rolls and a lobster grilled cheese! Catch them while they are driving around until Thanksgiving! Grab a hot dog, brat, sausage at Sausage Fest’s truck, they even have vegetarian options.
Tacomo Tora’s truck order mexican street food. At the Route 66 Mobile Diner food truck get comfortable with their comfort food menu items that will have you in a food coma!
Each Wednesday they have different activations. For the first week they had a talented artist come by to draw a Halloween theme sidewalk piece with chalk. At the second week, they are having face painting and balloon twisting for both kids and adults. The remaining weeks will have someone reading tarot cards, Katrina’s Day of the Dead decorations and Halloween decorations with a pumpkin patch!
