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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Add Boating to Your Summer Plans

** This post is sponsored by Discover Boating but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I have shared quite frequently that I love being on or near water. Turns out I am not alone in that: 142 million Americans go boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. And summer is the best time to spend on a boat! There’s just something so relaxing about being on the water. It feels like you’re on vacation, even when you’re not. You get to experience a familiar or new place in another fun way! That’s why Graham and I try to make boating a part of our travels wherever we go.

Examples of how to incorporate boating in your travels:

In Hawaii, you can charter a boat and hire a guide to spend the day whale watching and swimming with dolphins. There’s so much to do on a boat in the state!

In San Francisco you can take in a different view of the city, especially the Golden Gate bridge, while on a sailboat. You don’t need to stay on land to explore a new place.

In Chicago you can take your boat (or boat rental) down the river or spend a day in the “play pen,” where you can interact with other Chicagoans on the water. Or you can cruise in a yacht and soak in the sunset and skyline views. That is one of our favorite things to do in the summer.

You can find ways to spend time on a boat, whether at home in your city or many miles away, by checking out Discover Boating’s Go Boating Today tool that generates local options for boat rentals, classes, charters and more, by simply entering a city or ZIP code. I searched for boating opportunities in Chicago and found many options. Examples in Chicago include renting an island party boat on Lake Michigan! How fun does that sound?!

You don’t need to own a boat to experience what it’s like to have a vacation on the water, but if you’re ready to explore buying your own, Discover Boating’s Boat Selector tool lets you find what type of boat fits your lifestyle and budget. Discover Boating also has information on youth boating programs, classes and lots more!

Do you have any plans to go boating? Let me know in the comments!

Related posts:

5 Boating Activities in Chicago
Chicago Summer Goal: Get On The Water

Connect with Discover Boating:

Discover Boating Website

7 Favorite Things to Do in Chicago

Favorite Things to Do in Chicago During the Summer

Every summer that I’ve lived in Chicago I create a summer bucket list of things I want to do during the season. This year I am simplifying the process by sticking to just my favorite things to do in the city instead of trying to do everything. Completing my check list will be a bit more challenging with two kids, but I’m up for the task!

My favorite things to do in Chicago:

  1. Standup paddleboarding: I have really enjoyed trying SUP as a way to get a workout and see the city from a different viewpoint. It’s also a nice way to get away if you think about it: everyone’s on the beach and you get some of the lake to yourself while on the water.
  2. Kayaking on Chicago River: Graham and I had a memorable date night on a sunset river kayaking tour and I hope to find the time to try this again.
  3. Baseball game at Wrigley Field: No summer is complete without baseball! (You can sub a White Sox game if that’s your jam, I guess.)
  4. Architecture tour: The evening architecture tour on the Chicago River doesn’t get old. I like to do this whenever we have visitors.
  5. Sunset cruise: Graham and I have done this cruise on Lake Michigan every summer. We love the views.
  6. Running on the lakefront path: I want to train for the Chicago Half in the fall, and I miss the trail! I plan to sign up for group training again.
  7. Brunch (bonus points for a rooftop!):  Sure, you can have brunch any time of year, but it’s the best and most fun during the summer when you can sit on the patio with your mimosa(s) in hand.

What would you add to this list? Have you visited Chicago during the summer? What was your favorite thing to do?

Related posts:

Chicago summer bucket list and on-the-go photo tips
Chicago spring bucket list

Sunset Cruise on Lake Michigan

When I bought tickets for a Monday night cruise via Groupon, I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t sure if it was on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, but I figured it would be entertaining either way.

We boarded the Mystic Blue Yacht to see it’s basically a club on a boat. There’s a DJ and a bar on the top deck. People had already claimed the seats in the center, so we were left standing on the railing, which turned out to be the best position to take in views. (Each floor had music and a bar, and the lower inside portion had a dance floor, too.) No one danced at first; most people took selfies with the skyline backdrop while sipping their first drinks. After a while, the crowd got a little louder and more relaxed. The music was a selection of hits you forgot you loved, a lot of them from the ’90s.

The views are incredible. I mentioned a few times that I just can’t believe we live in Chicago.

Clouds initially made us nervous that it would rain, but there was nothing to worry about.
 It couldn’t have been a more perfect evening.

The boat goes south in a big, slow loop before moving north for another loop. Both sides of the boat get views of the skyline. You get a nice glimpse of Adler Planetarium before turning around.

 Also visible are Buckingham Fountain and the Navy Pier Ferris wheel.

We could see the northern neighborhoods to the right.

As the end of the two-hour cruise approaches, the yacht returns to Navy Pier.

All this fun cost $23 for two people (thanks to a $5 promo code), $13 for parking and $21 for two drinks. Am I crazy for thinking that’s a good deal for Chicago?

Evening Architecture Tour on the Chicago River

Fourth of July weekend was one for the books. It began with some sightseeing with friends before embarking on one tourist activity I don’t mind doing regularly: the architecture cruise on the Chicago River. We chose the 7:30 p.m. cruise on Friday to start our Fourth of July celebration.

Instead of boarding on Navy Pier, which I was sure was insane packed, we chose the Michigan Avenue boarding location. It is more convenient to access from the L train, too.

Fourth of July in Chicago has an indescribable energy. Chicago wore its Fourth of July best. I loved the flags; patriotic attire; and red, white and blue lights on the buildings. And the weather was absolutely perfect.

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

The tour guide’s script is just about the same as in the first tour I went on, but I picked up on facts I missed the first time around. You will always learn something new. And your seat choice gives you a unique perspective.

Chicago Architecture Tour
35 E. Wacker Drive, aka the Jewelers Building

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour
A mirror of the Chicago River.

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Merchandise Mart has its own ZIP code.

Our tour boat was not too crowded; we had plenty of room to move around. We took advantage of the lower level to take photos from other vantage points.

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Once you get to the lake, the boat turns around and you see an amazing skyline and Navy Pier.

Chicago Architecture Tour

Chicago Architecture Tour

Again, I could do this every weekend. It’s worth every penny of the $35 I paid.

Dolly Steamboat Cruise on Canyon Lake

Part of our anniversary weekend was cruising Canyon Lake on the Dolly Steamboat. As an outdoors enthusiast, I was excited about the possibility of seeing some animals along the 6-mile ride. It’s quite a hike out to Apache Junction — it took an hour to get the the marina from central Phoenix — but it’s worth the trip to check out another one of our state’s gorgeous lakes. You’ll drive through Apache Junction to get there, where you’ll pass Lost Dutchman State Park and the Superstition Mountain Museum. As is expected in June, it was a hot day, but the steamboat has an air-conditioner, so you can still keep cool (at least if it’s working). There’s also that lake breeze that tickles your skin.

Canyon Lake was busier than I expected it to be, considering how far it is from the Valley.

You’ll hear some tunes (including “Diamond in the Rough” by Rex Allen), Arizona history and details about the flora and fauna of Canyon Lake. You might see eagles and bighorn sheep, and you’ll definitely spot Mormon Flat Dam and rock formations such as E.T and a mastadon. The captain points out some tree rings in the rock as well.

We sat toward the front, on the upper level, where we enjoyed this view:

Graham captured this little guy.

As we made our way back to the marina, we were beginning to think we wouldn’t see any wildlife. Some people asked the crew what animals we might see and what sightings they’ve had recently. Just then the captain pointed out bighorn sheep to the right. It’s a wonder he could spot them from so far away. It took the rest of us a few minutes to see the rams and ewes.

We shared the day with other couples, retirees and some families. Overall it’s a nice little day trip.

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