I don’t know about you but it is always easier for me to stay active and healthy when the weather is cooperating. I always say living in California would aid so much in a healthy lifestyle and totally found that true while we were visiting. Something about sunshine and warm temp’s make you more likely to be positive and eager to get out and take advantage of the weather.

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We usually go on walking trails or hikes fairly often in Chicago when it’s warm (despite the snow yesterday it’s supposed to seriously warm up) but the best spots are sometimes outside of the city – totally worth a car rental for a day in my opinion. After being inspired by hiking at Runyon Canyon and getting out again this past weekend with Trevor I thought it would be fun to round of some of the best spots in and outside of Chicago. The city options are more of walking trails than ‘hikes’ but still beautiful and great exercise!

In the city:

1. Chicago Riverwalk:  A great way to soak up city views and enjoy miles of
2. Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk: One of our favorites when friends come into town! It’s a great way to stroll through Lincoln Park but also feel like you are on a little escape from the city.

Outside of the city:

1. Starved Rock: The prettiest hike I’ve ever been on in Chicago and my #1 recommendation if you can get out there!
2. Chicago Botanic Gardens: One of the prettiest places I’ve ever been. It works out well for us to visit often because it isn’t far from my brother’s house but if you happen to have family in town it’s a great spot to stop by.
3. Ryerson Woods
4. Morton Arboretum
5. Waterfall Glen
6. Kankakee State Park
7. Indiana Dunes State Park
8. Mattheissen State Park

The remaining 6 are all spots we have yet to make it to but are high on our list. I’ve heard great things about each one and hope we can make it to a few this spring and summer. Hope you are able to get out and enjoy some nature soon & let me know if you have any favorites that didn’t make the list because we are always looking for new spots.

Also, on a fashion side note there are some serious sales going on this Easter weekend so I rounded up my favorites for you guys!

Loft: 40% select styles

ASOS: $50 off $200 with code MARCH50

J.Crew: 25% off $125+ with code SHOPMORE