Chicago

Beaches Are Open. Use This.

Feeling beachy? Here’s your packing list.

By The Editors / May 22, 2015 9:00 am

It’s opening weekend for Chicago beaches. Step 1) Hit up our Where to Take Her: Beach Edition to find the sandy shore that best meets your demands. Step 2) Buy some/all of the things listed below. Step 3) Be crowned King of the Beach.

Your Kayak

For all your boating and watersports needs, West Marine just opened a massive flagship store on the edge of Lincoln Park. Filled to the brim with top-of-the-line gear, including the Scout Advanced Inflatable Kayak, a portable ‘yak that handles like a hard shell but folds up so you can transport it with ease to wherever the water’s warmest. Don’t forget your paddle.

Your Trunks

J.Crew’s collection of tabbed swim trunks are tailored trim and play well on or off the beach. They’ve got a color and design to suit every taste; we’re partial to these navy stripes. They’re also 30% off this weekend only. Stock up.

Your Sunnies

From Warby Parker: The Topper is classic. Or try on your best Don Draper look with the Bates. And no need for home try-on: Warby’s got a spiffy new permanent location along Lincoln Park’s Armitage and Halsted Corridor.

Your Entertainment

Here’s the thing about touchscreens: they don’t belong on the beach. Instead, roll out this backgammon and checkers set. Drawstring game-bag made from chambray. Handsome and functional.

And the rest:

Your Beach Blanket: Gather Home & Lifestyle has got a line on linen blankets large enough to sprawl out on with a lady by your side. Lightweight and easy to pack.

Your Hat: Pay a visit to Goorin Brothers, where they’ve got a few summer chapeaus that’ll be right at home on the sand. They’re also running a 30% off Memorial Day sale. A few standouts: Sam Jackson, a casual straw hat. And the Big John, another straw number with a wider, more statement-sized brim.

Your Summer Read: The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic, the new retrospective anthology of reviews, essays and interviews from Pitchfork Review Editor-In-Chief Jessica Hopper, is a delightful read and look at the music industry through the lens of Chicago’s brightest music journalists.
Your Water Bottle: The best way to stay hydrated: the steel Kanapi Bottle from Snow Peak. Screw-on cap makes it perfect for the beach. And it’ll keep water (or your beverage of choice) cold for six hours. Pick one up at Independence.