Eco-friendly Chicago Guide: Eateries, Shops, and Activities to Experience
Plan Your Sustainable Chicago Getaway: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Experiences in the Windy City
For your next vacation or weekend staycation, consider the second city as your eco-friendly destination. This guide highlights sustainable options for dining, shopping, transportation, and activities, ensuring a low-impact, enjoyable visit to Chicago.
Having resided in several Chicago neighborhoods since birth, I have curated my collection of favorite conscious Chicago spots and am delighted to share them with you. Chicago offers a myriad of experiences, but before delving into those, let me introduce you to an exceptional eco-retreat just outside the city.
A Sustainable Chicago Escape: Getaway House
Whether you are a local seeking a weekend escape or a visitor interested in adding a unique addition to your trip, consider Getaway's Michigan outpost. The acclaimed glamping-style nature retreat provides a perfect chance to disconnect from city life and indulge in a less strenuous adventure.
What is Getaway?
You may have spotted Getaway's internet-famous cabins on social media but are still curious about their mission. Getaway House offers modern, compact cabins nestled in nature, with locations near major cities across the United States. The Chicago outpost can be found in Grand Junction, Michigan, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes away from downtown and a short 15-20-minute ride from the beachside city of South Haven.
The location offers the ideal setting for enjoying the outdoors without feeling secluded. South Haven can get crowded during the summer, while Getaway's cabins provide a tranquil escape into nature.
Here's an overview of the key aspects of Getaway's Chicago Outpost:
The Getaway Cabins
Getaway's sleek cabins offer a glamping-style accommodation experience—you'll have everything you need and nothing you don't. Inside the cabin, expect a queen-sized bed, a small table and chair, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. The cabin's window, boasting a captivating view of nature, is a standout feature. The kitchen is stocked with all the necessary cooking essentials, along with a few provisions available for purchase, including coffee, tea, and a perfectly portioned s'mores pack.
Each cabin also includes a fire pit for roasting marshmallows and logs for purchase. You can cook and dine outside using both the fire pit and a camping stove, or utilize the indoor electric stove inside the cabin if you prefer. In addition to the amenities, each cabin's bathroom contains everything you'll need for a comfortable stay, including a toilet, shower, and bath towels.
Outside the Cabins
The outdoor space surrounding each cabin is equally important in the glamping experience. Similar to a campground, you'll have ample room to relax and soak up the great outdoors, with far more space than a typical RV or camping lot. Getaway thoughtfully designs cabin placements so that neighbors are likely to remain unseen.
Near each cabin at the Chicago Outpost, you'll find space to park, a picnic bench, Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and a lake nearby with provisions for swimming or canoeing.
If you're interested in more ideas for activities during your Getaway trip or a full packaging list, be sure to check out the full Getaway review.
Booking a Getaway Cabin
Ready to plan your eco-friendly getaway? You can book a Getaway cabin here. Use code CONSCIOUSLIFE for $25 off your booking.
Eco-Friendly Shopping in Chicago
Chicago offers numerous sustainable shopping options, from thrift stores to boutiques stocking eco-conscious goods.
Secondhand Shops
If you're looking to shop sustainably in Chicago, there are many thrift stores scattered throughout the city. Some popular choices include Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Co., Monarch Thrift Shop, Knee Deep Vintage, and Mr. and Mrs. DIGZ.
Ethical Fashion & Decor Shops
There are also numerous small boutiques where you can find sustainably-sourced and ethically-made goods. Some options include Andersonville Galleria, Dearborn Denim, The Shudio, Milk Handmade, Neighborly, and The Kitchen.
Sustainable Chicago Eats
Although Chicago is famous for deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, there is a growing number of vegan, vegetarian, farm-to-table, and mission-driven locally-owned restaurants in the city.
Belli's
Belli's, a woman-owned healthy local market and cold-pressed juice bar in Pilsen, offers made-to-order smoothies, fresh salads, vegan food, health lattes, and cold-pressed juices.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
This farm-to-table restaurant in Gold Coast emphasizes seasonal, sustainably-sourced ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner, along with weekend brunch, they offer an intimate setting with a beautiful garden seating area during the warmer months.
Chicago Diner
Since 1983, Chicago Diner has been serving meat-free cuisine at its traditional-style diner. Locations can be found in Lakeview and Logan Square, and they offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with award-winning vegan milkshakes.
Chicago Raw
Completely vegan and entirely raw, this spot offers healthier versions of traditional favorites such as lasagna, burgers, and chocolate. Their raw raviolis are highly recommended, and they boast delicious smoothies.
Dill Pickle Food Co-Op
This collectively-owned, community-centered grocery store in Logan Square stocks snacks and cooking ingredients, along with grab-and-go options like soups, salads, and sandwiches for on-the-go meals.
Farmhouse Chicago
Farmhouse Chicago sources its ingredients sustainably and locally in the Midwest. The brunch, lunch, and dinner spot offers an approachable farm-to-table experience compared to traditional farm-to-table restaurants.
Frontera Grill
An award-winning Mexican restaurant by Top Chef, Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill sources many local, seasonal ingredients, composts, and boasts a LEED-certified building. Although there aren't many meat-free choices on the menu, I found two vegetarian dishes here that were exceptional.
Justice Cream
This woman-of-color-led nondairy creamery is driven by a solidarity economy, donating 100% of profits to grassroots movements.
Lula Cafe
A charming café and bohemian bistro in Logan Square, Lula offers many local, fresh ingredients and numerous vegetarian options. Established in 1999, they were at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement in Chicago.
North Pond Restaurant
Situated overlooking a pond and the Chicago skyline, this restaurant offers an intimate setting and a menu featuring exceptional seasonal ingredients. The small restaurant supports small, local farmers, growers, and producers.
Original Soul Vegetarian
Just as the name suggests, this restaurant offers South-style soul food in vegetarian form. Its menu of comfort foods includes items like meat-free chicken wings and burgers.
The Kitchen
The Kitchen is a beautiful, chic restaurant using organic, sustainably-sourced, and local ingredients in its fresh dishes. If you're visiting during the warmer months, request a table outside overlooking the river.
Uncommon Ground
As the first certified organic rooftop farm in the US and first organic brewery in Chicago, Uncommon Ground is leading the way for sustainable restaurants and bars. They're open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Vaca's Creamery
This all-vegan ice cream shop offers oat milk soft serve, vegan milkshakes, and vegan sundaes (flavors include s'mores and cosmic cake). Discover more vegan-friendly ice cream shops in Chicago here.
Sustainable Coffee Shops and Cafes in Chicago
Chicago boasts an impressive array of sustainable coffee shops and cafes. Some notable options include Back Of The Yards Coffee, Everybody's Coffee, Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea, Intelligentsia Coffee Bar, Metropolis Coffee Company, and Sawada Coffee.
Outdoor Things To Do and Places to Go in Chicago
Urban vacations don't generally lend themselves to outdoor activities, but Chicago boasts over 8,300 acres of green space, nearly 600 parks, 70 nature and bird sanctuaries, and 29 beaches, making it a fantastic city for enjoying the outdoors.
Green City Market
Chicago's year-round farmer's market, Green City Market, elevates Midwestern farmers and growers, promotes ecological stewardship, and provides a bustling market for locally and sustainably-sourced food in Chicago.
The Nature Museum
A family-friendly museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, is an essential stop for any eco-conscious traveler. Open every day of the week, the museum offers educational activities and workshops. Consult their events calendar for a full list of offerings.
Green Spaces & Parks
Some popular green spaces and parks to explore in Chicago include Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606/Bloomington Trail, Lincoln Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, and Chicago Riverwalk.
Lake Michigan Beaches
Although not as famed for its beaches as tropical destinations, Chicago offers 29 beaches along Lake Michigan for your leisurely enjoyment. Some popular beaches with amenities (like restrooms, kayak rentals, beachside bars, etc.) are Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach, Montrose Beach, and Ohio Street Beach. For a quieter spot, consider Loyola Beach.
Getting Around with Cleaner Transportation in Chicago
In addition to numerous outdoor activities, there are several eco-friendly ways to get around Chicago.
Public Transit
Chicago has an efficient and affordable public transit system with over 300 bus routes and numerous L lines. Discover schedules and transit times on the Chicago Transit Authority's website or via Google Maps. A one-day unlimited pass costs $10, while a one-week pass is $28. Unlimited passes are not available for purchase on buses—head to the ventra vending machines located at train stations instead.
Biking
With over 300 miles of bike lanes, Chicago is bike-friendly, and a popular rental system, Divvy, makes it even more accessible. Bike rentals cost $3 for a trip or $15 per day. The 19-mile bike path running along Lake Michigan is an excellent choice for a leisurely ride.
Walking
Chicago is a great city to explore on foot—you may stumble upon hidden gems simply by taking the scenic route. If the weather is nice, consider walking to your destinations for a fun and sustainable way to sightsee.
Getaway's Michigan outpost, located just outside Chicago, offers a perfect eco-friendly retreat for those seeking a weekend escape or an addition to their trip. This glamping-style nature retreat, found in Grand Junction, Michigan, provides an opportunity to disconnect from city life and enjoy a less strenuous adventure, only 2 hours and 15 minutes away from downtown Chicago.
At Getaway, you'll find modern, compact cabins nestled in nature, stocked with essential cooking tools and provisions for purchase like coffee, tea, and s'mores pack, offering a comfortable and self-sufficient glamping experience. Each cabin includes a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and logs for purchase, enabling outdoor dining using the fire pit or the indoor electric stove for cooking inside the cabin.
The outdoor space surrounding each cabin is equally important, with ample room for relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors. Similar to a campground, you'll have Adirondack chairs, picnic benches, and a lake nearby for swimming or canoeing.
If you're interested in more activities during your Getaway trip, consider checking out sustainable shopping spots in Chicago, such as thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange, or boutiques offering ethically-made goods such as Andersonville Galleria, Dearborn Denim, or The Kitchen. Experience a range of vegan, vegetarian, and locally-owned restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine, like Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, Chicago Diner, or Frontera Grill.
For eco-friendly coffee, discover sustainable cafes like Back Of The Yards Coffee, Everybody's Coffee, or Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea, and spend a day exploring the outdoors at Chicago's parks, beaches, or green spaces, including Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606/Bloomington Trail, or the Chicago Riverwalk.
Chicago's public transit system, Divvy bike rental system, and numerous bike lanes make it easy to get around the city using cleaner transportation options. Take advantage of unlimited one-day or weekly passes for an affordable and sustainable way to sightsee.
