Gossip Girl in Chicago: How to Re-live Your Fave Moments Before Summer Ends!

CAUTION! THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS!

Gossip Girl here!

Your one and only source into the scandalous lives of Manhatta… I mean, the Gold Coast’s elite.

Are you a huge fan of Gossip Girl? Are you not fortunate enough to be as well off as Blair Waldorf or Serena van der Woodsen but still like a good martini here and there? Have no fear! I’m here to inform you that the places you’ve dreamed of visiting in Manhattan can also be found right here in Chicago! And while the MET steps aren’t exactly available in Chi-town, there could easily be some look alikes to at least pretend. I’ve picked out some of the top 10 most memorable spots including shopping, food, and landmarks out of the hit show and mapped them out across Chicago so you can get your GG fix right here in our Windy City!

#10

Dylan’s Candy Bar 

445 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Dylan’s Candy Bar was the famous spot in season two where Dan and Vanessa were spotted shopping for Nate’s anniversary present which ended up being sour gummy worms. Chicago’s Dylan’s Candy Bar resides on the Magnificent Mile along with owner Dylan Lauren’s daddy’s store Ralph Lauren. The original in NYC is the world’s largest candy store selling over 5,000 types of candy!

#9

La Fournette

1547 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Chicago’s take on Blair Waldorf’s favorite French pastry bakery Laduree from Season 4, this bakery has locations in Old Town and Lincoln Park. Blair Waldorf was famous for her love of macarons, and Laduree unfortunately only has one US location and that is of course in NYC. La Fournette is my recommendation for macarons, for these are as real deal as they get! I of course recommend pistachio!

#8

Henri Bendel

845 N Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place, Chicago, IL 60611

Serena van der Woodsen could always be spotted at this store in Manhattan, even little Jenny Humphery showed her face there. This store was the location for the season two premiere party while also being a major designer for the wardrobe of the cast! Find the best “Queen B” and “It Girl” styles while you’re shopping on the Mag Mile!

#7

Art Institute of Chicago

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Ah, the MET Steps, some of my best blasts were received on those steps. Queen B could always be seen with her minions as she always sat above them. Here in Chicago, we have the steps on the Art Institute which have the best people watching view being on Michigan Ave. Being right next to legendary Millennium Park, you’ll have a lot to discuss while you enjoy the view!

#6

Vera Wang

945 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

We all remember when Blair became a princess, and who could forget the dress she did it in? Queen B was spotted at Vera Wang with Dan Humphery to looking at dresses for the wedding. The winner was a strapless chantilly lace gown and came from Vera Wang’s Fall 2010 collection. Where else could you find a Vera Wang boutique in Chicago other than the Gold Coast!?

#5

Untitled Supper Club

111 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf were spotted at Chuck’s regular spot: the strip club. Blair did a fabulous burlesque show as Chuck watched in awe. Our Chicago lounge, Untitled Supper Club is a hot spot famous for its burlesque shows. With over 500 types of whiskeys and a killer menu who wouldn’t wanna stop by for a little show?

#4

Lincoln Park

500-5700 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Central Park was home to many  scenes we know and love from GG. The show filmed scenes all over the park, including many walks with Blair and Dorota feeding ducks as well as the moment we all waited for: Chair’s wedding. Central Park is one of a kind, however, in Chicago we have a park with many perks that stretches 1,208 acres! A zoo passes through it, the lake is next to it, and there is even a nature preserve!

#3

Willis Tower

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Chuck Bass was spotted waiting for Blair atop of the Empire State Building although he was alone the whole time. While the view was amazing from the floor, nothing beats the view from the Willis Tower! Having a skydeck at the 103rd floor, a piece of glass stands underneath you and the busy city of Chicago! While a tad frightening, the view is extremely romantic when the city is in lights!

#2

The Underground

56 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Serena, Blair, Chuck, Dan, and the rest of the gang could always be spotted around the hottest clubs and venues around NYC for their parties, and The Underground is Chicago’s. Dubbed “Chicago’s sexiest nightclub” by Cosmopolitan, this military based low-key club always has celebrity spottings as well in its club/lounge atmosphere. With the exclusive vibes, the Upper East Siders could totally be spotted partying here.

#1

Union Station

S Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606

Union Station is the hub of where many professionals can be seen getting to and from the city just like the Grand Central Station in NYC. The beloved story behind Gossip Girl all started in Grand Central Station: Where none other than It Girl Serena van der Woodsen returned to NYC after a mysterious hiatus. Relive this moment in the Great Hall at Union Station, for it should be one of the first places you go during your GG tour in Chicago.

And as I have mentioned before, “Take time to smell the flowers. It’s true that all good things must come to an end, and August is no exception. They don’t call it fall for nothing.” (Season 2, Episode 6)

You know you love me,

XOXO

Gossip Girl