The challenge in Chicago when one is blessed with the freakish alignment of a) a day off b) warm weather and c) clear, sunny skies is not letting your head spin out of control with options. What to do? Where to go? You could easily short out and go nowhere for the indecision.

So in an effort to overcome the mind-boggling array of could-do’s, my beaux and I took some time to flip through Sam Weller’s "Secret Chicago", an excellent starting point for slightly off the beaten path suggestions to aid in your exploration of the city. He suggested a tucked-away Japanese Garden that had been planted for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition by the Japanese government.

In my 6 years as a Chicagoan, no one has mentioned the existence of this hideout just to the rear of the Museum of Science and Industry, so I can only assume that it’s a little-known respite. Slightly tricky to locate, you head to Jackson Park, park next to the lagoons, and proceed to the footbridge leading to the island. Follow the paved path to the gated garden. I can’t think of a nicer spot to enjoy a picnic in the city on a beautiful early summer day. Shh!