How to Have a Haute Summer in The City

Spice up the season with the latest in shopping, sightseeing, spa treatments and more.

“Laugh Now” by Banksy can be viewed at the new exhibit.

VIEW

Banksy is perhaps the most renowned—and definitely the most mysterious—graffiti artist in the world, and now Chicagoans can get an eyeful of his work at new exhibit The Art of Banksy. Featured among the $35 million collection are some of his more iconic works, like “Girl and Balloon” and “Flower Thrower,” as well as a slew of limited-edition pieces dated between 1997 and 2008 and some lesser-known indoor pieces. In keeping with this enigmatic artist, the collection will be displayed at a secret venue in the West Loop, which will be disclosed closer to opening day. Opening July 1, banksyexhibit.com

A look from Veronica Beard’s pre-fall collection features a variety of textures and muted tones.

SHOP

Looking good, feeling good and doing what you love is the message behind sisters-in-law-owned fashion brand Veronica Beard. Designed with feminine silhouettes and detailed tailoring, the label offers clothing that brings flair to corporate attire and extra wow factor to clothes for a night out. At Veronica Beard’s new Gold Coast location, shop new arrivals like the Abdula ruffled top and Rilla wedge espadrille to create an effortlessly beautiful summertime look. 11 E. Walton St., veronicabeard.com

Treatment rooms at The NOW Massage exude a relaxed bohemian aesthetic.

INDULGE

Built to feel like an oasis for rest and relaxation, The NOW Massage is Chicago’s new go-to destination for self-care. With over 80 locations across the country, this Los Angeles-based wellness massage boutique is opening its doors in Chicago to provide the perfect opportunity for clients to take a break and focus on stress relief and overall health improvement with Swedish-inspired massage techniques. Choose from three signature massage styles and pair with a variety of custom enhancements, such as herbal heat therapy; the Fresh Eyes soothing eye mask; and Hemp Calm Balm, a unique combination of cool peppermint and warm capsicum. 2038 N. Halsted St., 773.614.7971; 1109S. Wabash Ave., 312.667.0960, thenowmassage.com

Spend the day on the water with Chicago Electric Boat Company.

CRUISE

Here’s a unique, socially distanced activity for the summer: Chicago Electric Boat Company. Guests can choose from a variety of crafts including the 18-foot Duffy boat, pontoon boats and the deluxe Pathfinder yacht to spend the day on the water, all of which let you BYO food and drink. Rent a boat to experience unmatched views of the Chicago River and city skyline for a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience. 300 N. State St. E, chicagoelectricboats.com

Ike Holter, playwright of I Hate It Here

SEE

Missing live performances? Goodman Theatre has you covered. The Live series, which is the theater’s next step toward resuming in-person performances, delivers productions to audiences at home broadcast in real time via multiple video cameras. Coming up next: I Hate It Here, written by Ike Holter and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, who teamed up to create a work punctuated with song—which The New York Times hailed as “sharp and satisfyingly foul-mouthed”— about life during the pandemic. July 15-18, goodmantheatre.org/live