Tajah Ware

A city of rooftop bars, boat rides on the lake, endless festivals, unbeatable views and countless restaurants, Chicago is unmatched—especially at this time of year. With summer’s glow beaming down on the city, it’s time to get outside, touch grass, and get lost in the dreamy and vibrant aura of the season. Embrace all that Summertime Chi has to offer by tapping in with these four Black-owned and run creative collectives. This way, you’ll never have to say, “I wish I’d known about this event” or “I always miss out on parties like this” again. Because summer is not the place for FOMO. Very Human Social  Photograph: Candis Oakely Ground yourself in your body, connect with your power and be open to flow this summer with Very Human Social. An idyllic social wellness club, VHS was founded by Candis Oakley in 2021. “With VHS, I’ve worked to create a space that feels spacious,” Oakley expressed.  Through connective and mindfulness-centric programming, Oakley gives participants the room to discover what they feel, then feel what they feel and talk about it. VHS calls in people who are open—or at the very least curious—to self-exploration, healing and empowerment. At the heart of the club is connection and community. As Oakley explains, "The purpose is to guide us back to ourselves, expand our sense of trust, see ourselves more clearly and foster a more interconnected city that respects and acknowledges the humanity of others." From Friend Request, a platonic friendship speed dating

You are the writer, director, producer and lead actor in your life story. Your set is the city of Chicago, and it’s time you start utilizing it. The city of hard workers, untouchable summers, and hidden romantic gems, there’s no better place than Chicago to start romanticizing your life. An internet trend that arose during the height of the pandemic, romanticizing your life is all about living in the moment, smelling the roses and appreciating life’s simple pleasures—and luckily for us, Chicago’s full of neighborhoods where you can plan a whole day around making your life a little more romantic. From walking around your city with hot cocoa in hand to ice skating during the first snowfall, lean into your main character energy this winter and explore six ways to romanticize your life in Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago according to locals Photograph: Courtesy of Boka Restaurant Grouop 1. West Loop  Main stops: Cira and Levain Bakery With its bustling energy and boundless supply of aesthetically pleasing dining options, the West Loop is a must-visit destination if you’re on a journey to romanticize your life. Stumped on where to eat? Trying popping by Cira, a modern, well-designed Mediterranean eatery that looks like one of those places you see in the movies. From the high ceilings to the clean yet inviting decor, this is the perfect place to sit at the bar, order some brown butter hummus and people-watch. Stop at Levain Bakery, an NYC import and the new