Ernest Hemingway once wrote in his book, A Moveable Feast, “When the spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest.” People often assume that this quote is about Heminway’s time in Paris, while others assume he is reflecting on the happy times at his home outside of Chicago in the Spring. But in either case, half of the quote is missing that perhaps reveals the truth: “The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.”

Now if the idea of spending a long weekend in Chicago worries you due to the crowds, we get that! According to Lynn Osmond, the President & CEO of Choose Chicago, “The hotels were packed, the streets were full, the attractions were busy. And this fall we’re actually doing very well. We’ll probably end the year somewhere around 82% of 2019!” Since more than 60 million tourists visited the city in 2019, that is a lot of people to have to wade through.

So, what do you do if you have the amazing sports, incredible architecture, or cultural attractions on your Chicago Bucket list? Or paraphrase Hemingway, if “the only thing that could spoil a day” in Chicago “was people”, how do you manage crowds during a long weekend in the Windy City? 

Well, perhaps the answer is as simple as to visit Chicago in Spring!

The best weather for a less crowded Chicago

Now depending on what is on your Chicago bucket list will most likely direct you on when you will want to visit. For example, if you want to go swimming in Lake Michigan then Summer might be your only option since only then the average lake temperature is 70°F. But with warm summer days comes crowds of people looking to explore the various indoor Chicago Tourist attractions as they look to escape the heat.

Of course, the best season to visit Chicago is the beginning of autumn, from early September to mid-October. But with football season, the leaves change colors, & tons of food Festivals, the city becomes packed with visitors.

But if you really don’t care about specific events or seasonal outdoor adventures, then visit Chicago in the Spring, especially from mid-April to late May. Now the weather may be a bit unstable. For example, with an average of 59°, one day it might be a cold windy day and the very next day might be a sunny 86 °F. Perhaps, it is this unreliability in the weather that keeps the crowds a bit thinned.

How do you experience the incredible architecture, cultural attractions, or food experiences the Windy City has to offer while avoiding the crowds? Perhaps the answer is as simple as to visit Chicago in Spring! #ChicaGOandKNOW #Chicago
Click To Tweet

The Best Activities when you Visit Chicago in Spring

When adding items to your Adventure Activities & Experiences Bucket List, Chicago has a lot to offer. From amazing museums and cultural activities to unbelievable food and drinks, it’s hard not to find something for any type of traveler. Plus, most of the popular items are easy to tick off during a long weekend in Chicago in Spring. So let’s dive into some of the best Chicago Bucket list items you can find.

The Wonderful World of Chicago’s Sports

With spring comes baseball! There is something magical about watching either a White Sox or Cubs game in the Windy City. But for those with a Baseball Stadium Bucket List, Wrigley Field offers a magical step back in time. Of course, catching a pre-season game is ideal in the 100+ year old stadium, but if the team isn’t playing, don’t fret. Wrigley Field tours take place regardless of the weather & is ideal for those wanting to avoid the crowds. Just make sure you check the weather and dress accordingly because being so close to Lake Michigan can bring cold winds.

The Amazing Art Scenes in the Heart of America

From major art exhibits to local history, there are tons to explore and see when you visit Chicago in the spring. With so many different types of museums you are bound to find something that piques your interest. But with fewer crowds, you can easily tick off some of the best the Second City has to offer. Plus, with a Chicago City Pass, you can gain admission to five of the city’s top attractions with priority entry like The Art Institute of Chicago.

Top Art to See in Chicago:

• The Art Institute of Chicago: With 2 gigantic lions guarding the entrance, this amazing art museum has over 300,000 artworks in its permanent collection from some of the greatest artists from history.
• Museum of Contemporary Art: One of the largest museums in the world, this gallery is packed with art from local and international artists alike.
• The Field Museum: Okay, so this isn’t an Art Museum. But this museum of natural history museum has tons to see from around the world. Make sure you see SUE, the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex.
• Cloud Gate: Also known at the Bean, this outdoor sculpture was created by British artist Anish Kapoor between 2004 and 2006. On a perfect spring day in Chicago, it reflects the city’s famous skyline and those looking at it.
• The Crown Fountain: Nearby the Cloud Gate is an interactive video sculpture created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The fountain is two towers at each end of a reflecting pool that projects video images of Chicago citizens.
• The Hemingway Birthplace Museum: Located about 1 hour via the Chicago L from downtown Chicago in Oak Park, Illinois, the once childhood home of Ernest Hemingway is now a museum that explore the author’s life.

The Incredible Architecture of the Second City

Known around the world for its beautiful designs and soaring skyscrapers, Chicago is an architectural delight. Of course, you can get lost amid all the amazing towering buildings. But throughout the Second City, you will find ornate fountains, wide European style bridges, & even a few gothic churches. 

Now when you visit Chicago in the spring, you should take note of the weather before you head out. Due to a mix of rain & cold weather on some days, some of the sights can be lost amid the fog. But overall, you will find  that most of the popular locations are open with little to no crowds.

Top Architecture to See in Chicago:

• Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower: One of the most famous buildings in all Chicago is the Willis Tower. Originally known as the Sears Tower, this building held the title of World’s Tallest Building for 25 years. Now, visitors can take in views of the city while sitting in a glass cube that hangs off the side of the building some 1,353 feet in the air.
• The Chicago Tribune Wall: Perhaps one of the coolest buildings in Chicago is that of the Chicago Tribune. Along the Magnificent Mile, this building humbly stands amid its taller brothers. But what makes it unique are the 150 fragments of famous world architecture embedded in the outside wall. They have stones, bricks, and just random pieces from places like St. Peter’s Basilica, Pompeii, the Hagia Sophia, & even the White House.
• Buckingham Fountain: Located in the center of Grant Park is one of the largest fountains in the world. Inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, the fountain performs water shows and evening colored-light shows. Fair warning though, the fountain is only turned on from May to mid-October.
• The Holy Name Cathedral: For those who don’t know, most of Chicago was destroyed in the 1871 Great Chicago fire and a great rebuilding occurred, hence the name the Second City. Perhaps one of the beautiful results was building of the Gothic Revival style Cathedral in 1875. Though seemingly flawless, it does bear a unique scar of bullet marks from the murder of North Side Gang member Hymie Weiss, who was killed in front of the church.

Take a private tour with a Local Chicago Guide

Where to Stay when you visit Chicago in spring

Now Go to the Paris of the Prairie

Architect & urban designer, Daniel Burnham, originally called Chicago the “Paris of the Prairie” since he developed major changes to the city’s layout in a style that is similar to Paris. Perhaps that is why Hemingway felt so close yet so challenged by the people of both cities. But, if you too have issues with crowds then springtime might very well be the best time to visit Chicago.

But what do you think about visiting Chicago in the Spring? Which of the activities do you think are the best for you and your partner? Are there other things to do in Chicago over a long weekend that we forgot?

Let us know in the comments below and help someone else plan out their own long weekend getaway or bucket list adventure in Chicago today!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Travel Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: This post, “How to Visit Chicago in Spring”, does contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post How to Visit Chicago in Spring appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

If you like to experience the great outdoors, then a trip to The Great Smoky Mountains range is a must. The mountain range is across the Tennessee and the North Carolina border, but is a great spot, for locals and tourists alike. But what are the best things to do there? Here are some of the top things to do in the area. Whether you are planning a trip there or want to add the area to your bucket list, there are a number of things to do and experience. With things like historic sites, overlooks, plenty of wildlife, and stunning waterfalls, there is something for everyone in the Smokies.

Clingmans Dome

Climbing up Clingmans Dome is a must to add to the list! It is over 6,600 feet high, and it sits right at the top of the National Park in Tennessee. You can drive up to it, and then just have a short walk over to it, with its great observation tower right at the top. It is a popular spot, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to go early in the morning to experience it when it is much quieter. You can head that direction in winter too, as it is a good spot for skiing and snowshoers.

With things like historic sites, amazing overlooks, & stunning waterfalls, there's something for anyone in the Smokies. Discover 6 of the Best Things To Do in The Great Smoky Mountains. #GreatSmokyMountains #USTravel #TravelAmerica
Click To Tweet

Fontana Lake

There is a dam on the Little River that helps to form Fontana Lake, which is located along the southern border area of the park. A long and slim lake, there are nearly two-hundred and fifty miles of shoreline to experience, with kayaking, fishing, canoeing, paddle boarders, and swimmers. If you want to see it all, then you could also think about hiring out a boat from the village, or one of the outdoor centers. On a summer’s day, it is so stunning, with fantastic views in a pretty secluded spot.

History of the Pioneers

Way back before the area became a National Park, the area was home to a number of settlers who began farming in the area, due to the number of hidden valleys. As a result, these days, you will find nearly one-hundred of these historic buildings left all over the park. In the town of Cades Cove, you can find a great range of churches, barns, mills, and cabins, that all date back to the early 1800s which is pretty amazing. There are a number of museums that you can visit too, as well as structures all dating back to that time period.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, and most famously it is known for being the home of Dollywood. If you’ve not heard of Dollywood before, then it is Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park with rides and a water park, as well as a place to see many of her costumes and themed memorabilia on display. You can learn more about the city and what to do, because there are other things to do in the area other than Dollywood. The other attractions in the city include country music festivals, dinner theaters, and outlet malls. But it is not just a place for music lovers. Because it is set in the mountains, you will discover it is also a good place to experience the great outdoors too.

Do Go Chasing Waterfalls

If you love waterfalls, then the good news is that there are a lot of them in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are over a hundred that you can experience, as there are miles and miles of rivers and streams. There are some trails to hike up to experience some of the most stunning waterfalls, such as Grotto, Laurel, or Rainbow Falls. You could also take some of the best motorcycle rides in America to see some if that suits you better. Or with Meigs Falls and The Sinks being some of the most accessible by driving, rev up the old convertible.

Hike the Appalachian Trail

There are so many great hiking trails in the area, so it is a must to add to the bucket list of walkers and hikers, and those that love to be outside. There are seventy-one miles of the Appalachian trail in the Smoky Mountains National Park. A lot of people, as you might imagine, won’t be able to do it all, but the good news is that there are some trails that can be done in just one day. You could hike the trail from Newfound Gap Road which takes you to Clingmans Dome, which is around seven miles in total. If you have got some more energy and want to do some more, then you could try the hike to Silers Bald, which is just west from Clingmans Dome.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains with locals

Now go make some “Smoky Mountain Memories”

So, as you can see there are tons of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s probably why famous country musician, Mel Street couldn’t resist signing about it. 
But is there anything we forgot to add that you think definitely needs to be on your bucket list when in the Great Smoky Mountain region? Which do you think is the absolute best things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin These Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains to Your Favorite Board!

The post Six of the Best Things To Do in The Great Smoky Mountains appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

In 2018 a Gallup Poll was released stating that only 33% of Americans aged 18 to 29 said that they were extremely proud to be an American. In fact in that same poll, only 47% of all Americans described themselves as feeling Extremely Patriotic. So how can we fix this lack of Patriotism in the United States? Good news is that if it is on your bucket list to be more patriotic, then we offer 6 Simple ways to help you do it.

1) Be More Patriotic by taking the time to learn US Flag history

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to be more patriotic is to hang an American Flag. But to increase someone’s patriotism, it goes far beyond just hanging a flag. The US Flag should be revered not only for what it represents to us today but also because it tells the history of America itself. To learn more about the US Flag, turn to organizations like Flags Unlimited where you can learn not only the history of our current United States Flag but all of the flags that have ever flown over our country!

Is it on your bucket list to be more patriotic? Do you want to learn more about what it means to be an American? Check out 6 Simple Ways to be more Patriotic! #BePatriotic #USflag #America
Click To Tweet

2) Be more patriotic by visiting a Veterans Memorial or Cemetery

Many soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms both at home and abroad. So one of the best and simplest ways to be more patriotic is to visit different memorials or cemeteries honoring our brave veterans. When visiting these solemn sites, bring a US flag to place at their headstones. It is a simple way to honor them.

3) Be more patriotic by reading more about U.S. history

There are countless books about America’s history. So a simple way to be more patriotic is to read more about it’s past. Whether you read books about US Flag history, the Revolutionary war, or more modern events, there is a subject out there for everyone to increase your knowledge about where we came from. Perhaps one of the best books to get started is David McCullough’s book entitled 1776 that discusses the events of an important year in American history!

4) Be more patriotic by learning the National Anthem

It is always amazing to see people stand up at the beginning of any sporting event and sing the National Anthem. It is a great way to show your patriotism. But how many people actually know all of the words to the National Anthem? Taking the time to learn the words of the Star Spangled Banner is an easy way to be more patriotic.

5) Be more patriotic by visiting America’s historical places

There are so many places around the world that people add to their Travel Bucket List. But adding some of the amazing places packed with history here in the United States should also be considered. Think about a trip to Boston’s Freedom Trail, Philadelphia’s Independence Park, or any of the museums and monuments in Washington D.C. Or for example, on the Bucket List Project we have #70) Visit the Statue of Liberty. Either way, exploring our great country is one of the best ways to learn more about America’s history.

6) Be more patriotic by being active in Civic events

Perhaps one of the most important ways to be more patriotic is to just be active in civic events. The easiest way to do this is to vote in all elections. Voting is important because you participate in important decisions that will affect the course of our nation on every level. Another way to be active is join in with different organizations or events that support causes that could benefit others in our communities. Whether this is being a member of a political organization or joining a cause you believe in, participation can truly make a difference.

So what items do you have on your bucket list that may increase your patriotism? Which of these 6 simple ways to be more patriotic do you feel is most effective? Or is there another way you personally participate in to be more patriotic? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Board!

The post 6 Simple Ways to be More Patriotic appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

There is always going to be some old favorites that you see time and time again on a bucket list. People want to see the green islands of New Zealand, the vast country that is Australia, swim with sharks, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, walk to Great Wall Of China and take the ultimate road trip across America. It is this road trip I wanted to discuss today. While all of the above are very worthy additions of a bucket list, a road trip is a great an exciting adventure to embark on. I thought I would share with you some of the things you need to consider if you fancy organizing you every own all American road trip.

The All American Road Trip is a great an exciting adventure that is a very worthy addition to anyone's bucket list. #RoadTrip #RoadTripAcrossAmerica #DriveAcrossAmerica
Click To Tweet

Think about the car you want to travel in

One of the first things to think about would be the type of vehicle you will need for your road trip. One big indicator of the style you might like would be the amount of guests you have on the trip. The dream might be a Ford Mustang, but the reality might be more like mini van depending on how many people are coming along. You also need to consider luggage and how much you will need to take around with you.

Where do you want to stop?

The next thing to think about would be the destinations you want to stop in. This might depend on where you are traveling to and the type of road trip you are wanting to take. It could be that you are focusing on one or two states that are close together, in which then you will be looking at the different cities and locations in which you want to see. It would also depend on the time you have to travel and take in the locations you want to see. This is when research can really help. Don’t be afraid to visit smaller towns and destinations, often these can provide you with the best experiences and beauty. Which leads me nicely on to my next point.

What about accommodation?

The all important element of a road trip may be the car and places, but what about where you will stop for the night? This also needs careful planning and consideration to ensure that the accommodation is close to the things you want to do. This is when websites like Julian Cabins can come in handy. Whether it’s hotels, camping, or taking advantage of some greats elf catering options that are available you are bound to find the right sort of accommodation to suit your holiday and your budget.

Are there any sites you want to see?

Finally, when you know the locations you are planning on stopping in, the next fun thing to plan is exactly how you are going to spend your time there. Are there any particular sites or things you want to experience and see? This is the perfect time to consult your bucket list or look online at travel blogs to see what is recommended.

Take the time to plan out what sites you want see on your Road Trip. Read what other great tips are important when organizing the All American Road Trip! #RoadTrip #RoadTripAcrossAmerica #DriveAcrossAmerica
Click To Tweet

I hope these tips help you plan the All American road trip.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

The post Taking On The All American Road Trip: How To Organise It appeared first on The Bucket List Project.