Lakeview is a neighborhood in the northeastern part of Chicago. Well-known as the home to the Chicago Cubs and the largest gay parade in the state of Illinois, Lakeview also offers much to the lovers of the outdoors and those who wish to explore the cultural background of the city. Home to almost 100,000 residents, it attracts thousands of visitors a year.
Because of its location near Lake Michigan, Lakeview is an ideal place to go for a stroll or enjoy a few lakefront activities, such as breakfast on the boardwalk or a morning row on the lake. If you would rather start your day with something more active, Lakeview offers several parks with biking and hiking trails, some of which run along the Belmont Harbor marina. If you bring a small picnic with you, you can have lunch near the water, or you can make your way to Wrigley Field and have lunch at Murphy's Bleachers, just across the street. After having a burger and cold beer, take a walk around the room and admire the extensive sports memorabilia collection that lines the walls. If there's a game at Wrigley's, you can pay to head to the cafe's rooftop and watch it from there.
Once the afternoon rolls around, head to the Music Box Theatre, which has been a Lakeview institution for years. Once famous for its silent movies, it now shows premiere and popular movies, as well as indie and limited-release productions. After a mid-afternoon movie, head to Lincoln Park, where you'll find the Kwagulth Totem Pole, donated to the city by the Kwagu'ł Amerindian tribe. The totem is known as a must-see in Chicago and is a popular spot for photos.
There are special events, nighttime shows and exhibits almost every week from May to November. If you happen to be in Lakeview then, you can join the Chicago Gay Pride Parade, the Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest or the month-long Northalsted Market Days, held in August. Most festivals run well into the night and are a great way to enjoy the early evening or a sunset-filled afternoon.
Once the night rolls around, you have a variety of options. Lakeview East is a huge gay and lesbian destination, while the Wrigleyville area is a must for sport-oriented bars and pubs. Sluggers is particularly popular. Aside from the typical TV screens and all-American fare, Sluggers also offers an indoor driving range and virtual basketball games. For something more classy, Lakeview offers a number of theaters showing musicals, live comedy, traditional plays and improv shoes. Popular theaters include the Athenaeum Theatre, the Live Bait Theatre and the Briar Street Theatre.
