What summer staples did you miss most because of the pandemic?
“TAKING SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT ROAD TRIPS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.” Lois Drayer “VACATIONS AT THE BEACH!” Cindy Deans
Now that summer’s over, we asked readers: What summer staples did you miss most because of the pandemic? Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“The fireworks at Navy Pier.” Diana Martinez
“Taking my kids to the beach and Maggie Daley Park.” Nesha Williams
“I missed Sox games more than anything. I’ve been a season-ticket-holder for years, and they are super-good and fun to watch this year, and I didn’t get to see any of it in person — although my cardboard cutout did.” Justin Svoboda
“My summer hiking trip to Arizona.” Paul Olson
“I miss taking my grandkids to the water park.” Linda Basile
“Family picnics in the park and children’s zoo.” Deborah Fuller Tobias
“Movies at Millennium Park.” Fernando Riascos
“I live right alongside the Wells Street
Art Fair, and I missed hearing the bands, seeing the people, tasting the food — and buying things I really don’t need but somehow must have.” Mary Jane Tala
“Miss outdoor concerts and live theater. Also miss family and friends’ BBQs. Miss having my grandchildren sleep over.” Rhonda Rowe-Skolnik
“I miss hugging my friends, giving my girls high-fives, drinking wine and eating cheese and crackers, outside concerts, cookouts — I can go on and on. I just want this to all go away.” Demetrus Box-Griffin
“My annual grandmother/grandaughter trip to see Chicago Cubs play. First miss in 20 some years! Also missed monthly lunches with a special group of friends and monthly playing cards with another group.” Sharon Naftzger Woodring
“The Iowa State Fair and the Wisconsin State Fair.” Becky Schmidt-Chalberg
“Taste of Chicago, fireworks, fairs and festivals, concerts.” Vicki DeFord
“Going to outdoor concerts. Was supposed to see Doobie Brothers and Hall & Oates.” Debbie Ochwat
“Watching the Cubs at Wrigley.” Marianne Gapen