Situated below Lincoln Park and above the entryway to the Magnificent Mile, the Gold Coast is a beautiful setting for dining, people-watching and touring some of the city’s most beautiful homes. Here are my top picks:

Food

• Chicago Q (1160 N. Dearborn): Barbecue so good you couldn’t tell you’re 500 miles from the south. Pulled pork is always my favorite, but the brisket and other smoked meats are just as delicious. My favorite side dish is the fried green tomatoes to round out the southern feast. If you come with a large group, call ahead to request seating in the cozy front atrium
• Bistro Zinc (1131 N. State): The brightly-lit space offers white-tablecloth service reminiscent of the bistros along the Parisian boulevards. French onion soup and a frisee salad with lardons and a poached egg delight your European senses. Sit in the front for a view of the pedestrians walking by or sit in the back of the restaurant for a more intimate dining experience
• Da Lobsta (12 E. Cedar): A tiny newcomer to the neighborhood, Da Lobsta features delicious lobster rolls reminiscent of coastal Maine. While the different flavors served offer alternatives to the traditional roll, the mainstay is still the best pick, featuring delicious lobster meat with tarragon mayo and garlic butter on a toasted roll. Supplement with the lobster and crab mac & cheese and spinach dip. Great for a quick sit-down on the sidewalk (they offer BYOB), and they even deliver!

Drinks

• Cedar Hotel (1112 N. State): I know, I know, this one is no surprise to the see-and-be-seen crowd of the Gold Coast’s youth. But the day I made my first Friday 5 p.m. happy hour perched at a high-top table, Lynchberg lemonade in hand, it was pure bliss. For dinner, order the fried cod bahn mi, it has just the right mix of flavors and textures
• Oak and Rush Starbucks (1003 N. Rush): Two stories, wine and savories served, pure inspiration for your work at home/final exam paper/job search highlighted by Starbucks “I’m not trying too hard to be hip” décor. I am a sucker for the exposed brick wall showcasing a distressed Chicago design, and can’t wait to go out on the balcony in the warmer months

Salon/Fitness

• FFC Gold Coast (1030 N. Clark): My new sanctuary. When I joined they gave me an incentive to win back my $90 initiation fee if I came 36 out of the first 90 days. I have met this promise and will be booking my spa reward shortly! The gym features a rare city indoor track, a yoga studio, fabulous spin classes, and a system called ActiveTrax that spits out customized weights workouts. For an extra cost, take advantage of weekly boot camps, Pilates, the spa and the sunless spray tan studio
• Asha Salon (1135 N. State): They offer everything you’d expect in a salon including a hair studio upstairs. Check their website for monthly deals – I took advantage of a three-part service including a back massage, foot massage and a facial. Scented candles and soothing spa music set the stage, while the friendly staff delivers top service. Upstairs, I got a haircut and style to my exact specifications, with many compliments to follow!
• Spa Dabin (1212 N. Wells): An extra few blocks’ walk west gets me to the plush blue velvet pedicure throne at Spa Dabin. Manicures and pedicures are done to perfection and you’re even treated to a mini massage in the middle of your manicure. I’m racking up the loyalty points in anticipation of my free birthday manicure

Atmosphere

• Rush Triangle: Experience a little slice of Europe sitting in the triangle park at the State and Rush split, gelato in hand, watching the passers-by and the chic diners at the surrounding outdoor bistro seating
• Oak Street Beach: Head a few blocks east for a slice of seaside vacation, and try not to get any sand in your fish tacos at the Oak Street Beach Bistro. Make sure you don’t get hit by the motivated bikers whizzing down the path in triathlon training season. The beach hosts the occasional volleyball game and serves as a day bed for the sun and sand worshipers who understand that Lake Michigan is just as good as having our very own ocean. Enjoy views of skyline skyscrapers such as the Hancock building

Shopping

• Kate Spade (56 E. Oak): Shout-out to my friend Emily who braved the tourist droves and emerged as a top salesperson. Who can resist the pink and green splurge? The champagne-themed accessories make me smile. And the rampant sequins don’t hurt either
• Treasure Island (75 W. Elm): While I find this grocery store to be hit-or-miss, the hits have been oven-ready items such as marinated steak and chorizo-stuffed chicken. Cheese samples bide my after-work hunger and a helpful staff serves up pasta salads and grilled vegetables from the deli. The bakery will build you a box of mix-and-match cookies and mini desserts to take to your next dinner or friendly gathering

What are your favorite spots to visit in the Gold Coast?