10 Bucket List Things to See and Do in Bridgeport

We're excited to be part of a video series that takes an intimate look at 52 Chicagoland communities like never before, with Baird & Warner agents and other people who live and work in th...

It's that time of the year, when articles about spring cleaning pop up everywhere and people start to get rid of the old, to make way for the new. With warm weather dawning and a queue of Marie Kondo episodes to watch on Netflix, many people are starting to think about decluttering, in all its forms. When faced with the often enormous task of organizing and restructuring your space, it's easy to start to feel overwhelmed. Even if your stuff has been relatively tidy, when that spring cleaning regimen begins, you may start to notice all the little things you don't normally see, lingering in your closets, cabinets, and drawers. And it's easy to get caught up on the emotional side of things, as well. Everyone who's spent time organizing and decluttering knows those lingering feelings of doubt that can arise when making a tough choice on whether to throw something away. Then there's the guilt that can come up when considering holding onto things you know you don't want, but think you may need.

The sun is shining a little bit brighter. The days are getting longer. Green grass and fresh flowers are starting to blossom. The signs are all there — yes, spring is returning to Chicagoland at long last! After a cold and blustery winter, many people can't wait to get outside and go exploring. What could be a better way to spend a beautiful day than by taking in some equally beautiful outdoor sights? Whether you want a prime view of the city or a spot where you can soak up the wonders of nature, here are ten Chicagoland spots perfect for enjoying the view when the weather gets warm:

Matt Thomas, of Baird & Warner's Lincoln Park office, was always destined to dive into a career in real estate. His mom is a broker in the Philadelphia area, and has been in the industry for more than 30 years. "Some of my earliest memories are going on showings to 'help' her sell a home, or occupying a playroom for a few hours as she hosted an open house," Matt says. "I drew a lot of inspiration from watching her work, and came to the conclusion early on I wanted to work in an industry where I could help people achieve their goals."