The Under-the-Radar Healthy Havens to Relax and Recharge in Chicago

Which is why we tapped wellness blogger Addie Martanovic of Chickpea in the City—who's constantly on the lookout for the best midday pick-me-up (oat-milk matcha, please), invigorating workouts, and coolest places to grab a lavender-infused cocktail with a view—to share her hometown travel guide to Chicago.

It's all part of our summer travel series with Cannuka, the buzzy beauty brand that infuses skin care with a nourishing combo of hemp-derived CBD and Manuka honey (check out the Austin guide, too).

"Some of my favorite places in Chicago are hidden gems that don’t get enough love or recognition, and nothing makes me happier than when someone visits them,” Martanovic says. Find the 411 below.

Scroll down for her specially curated recs for a weekend in Chicago—and the wellness gems she can’t live without.

Favorite fitness studio: SoulCycle and [solidcore]. I can’t just pick one because they're both so essential in my life. I started going to SoulCycle regularly in 2016 and fell in love with the community and music. And [solidcore] just came to Chicago this year and I can’t get enough—it tones my muscles and gives me a break from all of the cardio.

Favorite coffee shop: Intelligentsia Coffee. My absolute favorite pick-me-ups are the oat-milk lattes and matcha, unsweetened.

Favorite outdoor hangout: Washington Square Park in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood is a  hidden gem and one of my favorite parks. I always walk through it on my way home from work. I love to sit and zone out for a few minutes. I listen to a playlist of mine, which calms me down after a long day.

Favorite juice or smoothie bar: Real Good Juice Co. This has been my go-to since I moved to Chicago back in 2013. They have juices, smoothies, almond-milk lattes to go, and just recently came out with “noyo froyo,” a dairy-free frozen yogurt made of almond milk and coconut nectar. You can find me here weekly!

Favorite meditation spot: Chill Meditation + Massage is located in River North, right downtown near a ton of offices and corporate buildings, which makes it a great spot to go to right after work or on your lunch break to chill out.

Favorite healthy restaurants: Range (everything is locally sourced and there are tons of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options), Lula Cafe, Kitchfix's grab-and-go storefront with smoothies and paleo-friendly meals, Ella Elli (offers small plates and an amazing atmosphere for dinner and cocktails), and The Allis on the first floor of the Soho House Chicago.

Favorite grocery store: The Dill Pickle Food Co-op in Logan Square.

Favorite chill-out spots: I absolutely love C.C. Ferns coffee bar for the quiet and intimate setting (their lattes are Instagram-worthy) and the rooftop lounge at The Robey, which has one of the best views in Chicago at night.

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30, $36; bkr water bottle $48; Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar, $25; Manduka high line leggings, $70; Spindrift Orange Mango Sparkling Water, $25 for 24-pack; Cannuka CBD Calming Eye Balm, $38; Alaffia’s Everyday Shea Fair Trade Shea Butter Body Lotion
, $15

Favorite wellness essentials: I keep things super simple with my skin-care routine. I start the morning by washing by face with a simple face wash followed by a light moisturizer and foundation. At the end of the day, I’ll use gentle face wipes to take off my makeup and then I’ll add Cannuka’s CBD Calming Eye Calm to my eyes before I go to sleep to reduce the puffiness under my eyes. Usually twice a week, I’ll do a chlorophyll-based face mask to calm my skin.

My skin has always been super sensitive and as I’ve gotten older, it’s become a bit worse. I’ve had keratosis pilaris, a common skin disorder, on my arms since I can remember. I use the Cannuka CBD Cleansing Body Bar in the shower, which helps soothe my skin. I try to be extremely selective with my body washes due to this skin condition—having a product infused with CBD has really helped.

In partnership with Cannuka

Photos: Samantha Parquette