February 3, 2021 —
Though The Admiral at the Lake is known for its resident-directed programs for active seniors, not all fun area activities occur at The Admiral itself.
While residents enjoy swim classes, the theater club, college classes and more right at home, they also like to experience the excitement of the diverse, historic neighborhoods that surround our retirement community by beautiful Lake Michigan in Chicago.
Residents often step out into the neighborhood to enjoy the many restaurants, special events, and cultural activities nearby. Many of these activities and venues are within walking distance of The Admiral, but you can always hop on a bus if walking isn’t your thing.
Authentic Chicago fun isn’t far for Admiral residents.
1. Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ Markets in both Andersonville, Edgewater, and nearby Uptown offer fresh, local food at reasonable prices, as well as live entertainment. Andersonville’s market runs from May through October. The Edgewater Farmers Market runs from June through October. And Uptown’s market begins in early July and runs through late August.
2. Midsommarfest
In June, Andersonville celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with Midsommarfest on Clark Street. Party like a Viking for two days and three nights with original live music, dancing, kids’ entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors offers all sorts of unique items, and local shops feature bargains.
3. 4th of July
View spectacular fireworks from the posh Saddle & Cycle Club, right across the street from The Admiral at the Lake. The Saddle & Cycle Club is perhaps the only private country club in Chicago, and it features a rather small golf course. It was named for popular modes of transportation when it was founded in 1899.
4. St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Follow singers with candlelit wreaths adorning their shining hair in a parade to celebrate the Scandinavian holiday. The event begins at the Swedish American Museum on Clark Street in Andersonville.
5. Storefront Theater
Edgewater is known for its storefront theater district, boasting 15 intimate venues that seat 50 to 100 people. Choose among the CityLit Theatre, Redtwist Theatre, Steep Theatre, and many more.
6. Restaurants
Dine out at a host of Asian restaurants on Argyle Street and Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, Thai and American spots on Bryn Mawr for a world-class experience.
7. Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Whether you like traditional, contemporary, bebop or improvisational jazz, this venue has been the place to go since the 1920s. And you won’t want to miss the world-acclaimed Uptown Poetry Slam Sunday nights.
8. Free Concerts
There’s no better deal than a free concert by an exciting band. You’ll find them at Uptown Saturday Nights, which take place the second Saturday of each month at various locales.
9. Community Festivals
Enjoy Edgefest in August in Edgewater and the City Made Fest in September in Andersonville. Both offer music, food, crafts, merchandise vendors and beer! The City Made Fest features all things local, with Chicago-made craft beers, original Chicago music, distinctive Chicago food, and an artisan marketplace.
Of course, that’s not the half of it. Local parks, community gardens, historic buildings and districts, and unique shops surround The Admiral at the Lake. Why not take a walk?
Need some get-up-and-go?
Eagerness to explore and discover new things seems to be a trait of Admiral residents. They’re always doing something, whether it’s volunteering at Goudy Elementary School, taking University of Chicago classes, or learning how to master their Kindles from the Bezazian branch library’s Mark Kaplan. The philosophy at The Admiral at the Lake is guided by the principles of SPICE – Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, and Integrity.