“As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time.“
— Denis Waitley
SHOP THE LOOK:
Trench – Maxmara (via The Real Real) || Tank – Zara || Jeans – J Brand || Basket – Free People (similar) || Flats – Zara
It’s finally here.
Chicago’s prettiest week.
I’m biased, naturally.
This weekend is my 6th wedding anniversary and Hubby and I specifically picked this week to get married because it’s so magical.
Beyond magical, really.
Everything is FINALLY in bloom: the trees, the shrubs, everything. And the air smells heavenly because of it.
Unlike Europe and NYC, Chicago’s appear much later in the spring. And the wait can be excruciating… especially after our record-breaking winter this year.
But they’re finally here. On time and in all their jaw-dropping glory. And if you’re anything like me, you’re desperate to snap up photos of them before they’re gone…
next week…
So here are a few of the very best spots for finding Chicago’s spring blooms!
Where To Find Chicago’s Best Blooms
1. Old Town
I’m biased since I’ve lived in Old Town for almost 10 years now but Old Town has the best blooms in Chicago.
This old, little neighborhood is home to some of the city’s oldest trees and architecture. I particularly love walking around Menomonee by North Park West. It’s the street I shot today’s look on and one I’ve shot for YEARS:
2. Gold Coast
The wealthy mansions throughout the Gold Coast have some of the loveliest spring gardens. And the flowering trees canopy the streets. It’s absolutely magical and always one of my favorite neighborhoods to shoot in once the blooms finally appear.
3. Millennium Park
In the past several years, Millennium Park has become famous for their flowering trees in spring. You can get some truly enchanting photos with WALLS of flowers.
And, if the crowds aren’t bad, stop by the Cloud Gate to get some beautiful reflections of the blooms too.
4. The Cable House & The Driehaus
At Washington & Erie in River North you’ll find two of the city’s oldest mansions, The Cable House and The Driehaus.
Both have impeccable gardens and incredible flowers. I stop by both every spring to snap a photo:
5. Evanston
I sadly do not have any photos of Evanston during the springtime to share here but believe me when I say it’s a dreamy spot.
All the jaw-dropping old mansions are covered in blooms. And when you drive through the streets, the blooms rain down from above. It’s magical. And a spot I’m dying to shoot at this spring if I have the chance!
6. The Chicago Botanic Gardens
Technically the Chicago Botanic Gardens are about 30 minutes outside of Chicago but they deserve a spot on this list because of the EPIC amounts of blooms they have every spring.
I try to drive up there at least once in May to see the blooms — from the Japanese garden cherry blossoms to the manicured English garden, there’s a photo-perfect spot every way you turn!
Happy Spring!
