Uber driver, city conneisieur, and social lifestyle photographer Anthony Meade is no stranger to the comings and goings, as well as the faces and places of Chicago. In the daytime, he's engaging people from all walks of life while driving through city neighborhoods on his ride-share routes; and on evenings and weekends, flashing the city's most vivid events, nightlife and galas with camera in one hand and cocktail in the other. He's taken over 70,000 photos for ChicagoPride.com and still going strong.
With that kind of city knowledge, we asked Anthony to give us his favorite hangouts for spending a day in Chicago.
Anthony Meade: the social guru's favorite day-hangouts in Chicago
ChicagoPride.com
May 12, 2017
Uber driver, city conneisieur, and social lifestyle photographer Anthony Meade is no stranger to the comings and goings, as well as the faces and places of Chicago. In the daytime, he's engaging people from all walks of life while driving through city neighborhoods on his ride-share routes; and on evenings and weekends, flashing the city's most vivid events, nightlife and galas with camera in one hand and cocktail in the other. He's taken over 70,000 photos for ChicagoPride.com and still going strong.
With that kind of city knowledge, we asked Anthony to give us his favorite hangouts for spending a day in Chicago.
A beautiful zoo that's free to the public. Take a stroll around and explore attractions of all the different animal, amphibian and bird sites that the zoo offers. From the black rhino to the big cats, Lincoln Park Zoo is definitely something to check out and very family friendly.
After a long day at the zoo, head over to RJ Grunts for dinner.
Photo: Anthony at the ZooLights festival, which takes place in December at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Kathy Osterman Beach
A man made beach located six miles north of downtown Chicago. Always busy and bustling during the summer months with loads of fun.
Volleyball, sunbathing and taking a splash in the cool Lake Michigan water definitely revives the soul.
This beach is also known as the gay beach, where Chicago's gay community comes to have a little fun and relax on the weekends.
Located five and a half miles from downtown Chicago, there's always something going on and happening in this lively neighborhood. Sidetrack video bar Is a local favorite of the gay community and was also voted the number one gay bar in America.
Enjoy a cold slushy on a Sunday afternoon while singing show tunes and then head down to Hydrate for Sunday Funday. Choose from the many restaurants that are available on Clark (including nearby Wrigleyville) and Broadway streets.
Millennium Park
This is the green lung between downtown Chicago, the skyscrapers with all the architectural highlights and Lake Michigan. Enjoy sitting in the sun, relaxing, walking around and enjoying the views. The top of the top at the park is "THE BEAN" and the endless possibilities to have views mirror pictures in such a high variety - unbelievable!
Great photo opportunities, lots to see and do.
The Lakefront Trail
If you're a walker or a biker, this is a wonderful thing to do while in Chicago. If you're from out of town, you can rent Divvy bikes at various stops along path and is best way to get several great views of the city from different parts of the lakeshore. It can be a challenging ride depending on the wind but is a very flat route.
There are plenty of neighborhoods just off path that are easy to explore - as well along with several beaches where you can stop, rest and swim.
Wicker Park
The Wicker Park neighborhood is well-served by transportation with the CTA's Blue Line elevated train and the major arteries of North, Milwaukee, and Damen - all converging upon the center of the area.
Be sure to check out the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N Milwaukee Ave. The first floor is all retail, but the second and third floors have small art studios and galleries.
This area is what locals call the "indie Magnificent Mile." Explore from here and you'll find plenty of cutting-edge fashion boutiques.
Finally, I recommend taking a stroll through Reckless Records, 1532 N Milwaukee Ave. A new and used vinyl record music shop with plenty to sell and no particular interest in selling it to you. You're sure to find a treasure if you look hard enough.
After that, grab a light lunch at Big Star and then head over to Stan's donuts under the L, for a sweet snack to go home with.