Spring is almost here… I think

One of the most fascinating ways to travel Chicago is by bike so check out a Divvy.

With the weather jumping from 60 degrees to 20 degrees in a matter of days, I can no longer tell if spring is coming soon or if winter is here to stay forever. Nevertheless, springtime in Chicago is coming soon — I think, and it is my favorite time of the year. Springtime is the perfect time, to me, to really see what Chicago has to offer — without the hassle of summer tourist and the summer heat.

Here are three things you should try to do during the spring season that are relatively inexpensive:

• Take a Divvy: One of the most fascinating ways to travel Chicago is by bike (in my opinion, Chicago’s version of San Francisco’s trolleys.) You can ride your bike throughout the city stopping and going wherever there is a biking dock, which the city has plenty of. Taking a Divvy is fun and relaxing when you’re with friends or by yourself and is way to get in a quick workout without even knowing – trust me, I skipped leg day at the gym after riding across Chicago. Even better is that through the Office of Sustainability, students, faculty, and staff are offered a Divvy discount on annual membership fees. Divvys are a quicker and more fun way of traveling Chicago throughout the warmer months.
• Food stands and trucks: During late March and early April, many food stands and food trucks are coming back out of hibernation and have great deals to welcome their customers back. These food places bring a variety of taste and fun items that you won’t typically find at a fancy restaurant and at a much cheaper price. Food trucks are usually easy to find as they are spread out across the Central Business District of the city and throughout neighborhoods like Lincoln Park. One of my favorite food stands is Sugar Shack. They’re famous funnel cake sundae is something that even Gordon Ramsey would approve of.
• Museums: Places like the Shedd Aquarium are not as crowded as they will be in the summer which makes for a much more pleasurable experience. Many of the museums will be introducing new exhibits to their gallery as the new season comes in (i.e. the Shedd’s Amphibian Exhibit and the Art Institute’s Van Gogh Exhibit). Take advantage of the museums discounted and free days. If you want to visit all the museums in a week or in one day, purchase a Chicago City Pass and save over 50 percent off admission and have a variety of coupons for Chicago landmarks and stores.

These three activities could make the perfect day even for Ferris Bueller. Enjoy this day by yourself, with a group of friends, or tag team with a partner. I can guarantee that you will have a higher appreciation, such as I, for springtime in Chicago.

Christian Gray is a senior majoring in marketing with a focus in promotion and communications and a minor in economics. He is president of the Student Activities Board. When he’s not planning events or doing schoolwork, you’ll catch him watching something sports related (#KOBE) or vibing out to music. His career goal growing up was to be Batman. He won’t tell you if he was successful on that mission, but let’s be real ­– have you ever seen him and Batman in the same place before?