Thumbnail graphic by Olivia Abeyta / North by Northwestern.

4/20, a special holiday for many, is approaching in less than 24 hours. As someone who is under 21 (and a good former Catholic schoolgirl), I won’t be celebrating. If you’re not sure of where to go or what to do (other than light up and lay in bed), though, I’ve got you covered.

Shedd Aquarium (1200 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL)

We’re starting off with a location that’s a bit of a trek from Evanston – lazy stoners, don’t fret! We’ll creep closer to campus as the list goes on. Located on the South Loop, Shedd Aquarium is a beautiful indoor expanse with a whopping 12 unique exhibits to explore. You can feel the textured skin of the starfish at the Polar Play Zone’s touch pool or gaze at the majestic green sea turtles at the Caribbean Reef exhibit. Those things are fun enough while sober, but even more so after you’ve smoked. In the wise words of  Nathaniel Scott from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, “It’s like a zoo for fishies!” Tickets are not cheap, starting at $39.20 for non-Chicago residents. But if you’re willing to break the bank, the experience will definitely be worth it.

The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL)

There’s never a bad time to visit the Art Institute, and there’s no better time to go than tomorrow. The museum’s newest exhibit, “Salvador Dalí: The Image Disappears,” is a surrealist heaven and a must-see. The Impressionist exhibit is also a fan-favorite. No matter which exhibits you visit, you’ll definitely get lost in the details of the artwork. Make sure to block a few hours if you want to see everything, and then add an extra one, as you’ll be going slower than usual. The Art Institute is free for college students and Illinois residents! All you’ll have to worry about paying for is a train or car ride.

Lincoln Park Zoo (Near DuSable Lake Drive at the Mid-North District)

The zoo provides much of the same wanderlust as the aquarium, but with a different set of creatures from the animal kingdom. However, you should also take in the gorgeous gardens spread throughout the Lincoln Park Zoo’s landscape (there are more than 1,200 plant species present!). Like the Art Institute, there is no cost to visit the zoo. Plus, they’re only a 36-minute train ride away from each other, so you can hop straight from one to the other.

Wake-N-Bakery Lakeview (3508 N Broadway, Chicago, IL)

At this point, you’ve probably lost your high. If so, you could head over to Wake-N-Bakery, a local weed-infused cafe on Lakeview – also pretty close to Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy their fresh squeezed lemonades, lattes, and various freshly baked edibles. Easy, breezy, high again! Now you can make your way to the next adventure.

The Big Lebowski 25th Anniversary Theatrical Re-release (select AMC theaters)

Iconic duo Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski and Walter Sobchak return to the big screen 25 years after The Big Lebowski’s original debut. This is a classic stoner film filled with chaotic hijinks and an unforgettable story. If you haven’t watched it before, don’t miss the chance to see one of the Coen Brothers’ earliest films. If you have seen it, watch it again! Most of us weren’t old enough to watch the movie when it was originally in theaters. The movie is not showing at AMC Evanston 12, but the closest theater it is showing at is AMC Niles 12 (301 Golf Mill Ctr, Niles, IL).

Dave’s Italian Kitchen (815 Noyes St, Evanston, IL)

Screenshot of Dave's Italian Kitchen's menu taken from https://www.davesnewkitchen.com/_files/ugd/985e0b_c778ffcc073846869b6f07c7f48cde70.pdf

We’ve finally made our way back to Evanston, and at this point, you’re probably starving. Head over to Dave’s Italian Kitchen to grab a relatively affordable, warm and filling meal. Try one of their many pasta options, their homemade hand-tossed pizza or something else! My order suggestion? Pasta rosé… and five baskets of bread. Trust me.

The Block Museum (40 Arts Cir Dr, Evanston, IL)

If you want to visit an art museum closer to home than the Art Institute, make your way to Northwestern’s most underrated treasure, the Block Museum. The main exhibit, “The Heart’s Knowledge: Science and Empathy in the Art of Dario Robleto,” explores the act of empathy transcending the boundaries of time and space, and displays visual and audio representations of recorded heartbeats as early as the late 19th century. The Aorta of an Archivist, an hour-long film installation, is full of abstract images that fade into each other, making for an engaging (and slightly trippy) experience.

Bahá’í House of Worship (100 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL)

If you have the energy, consider taking a walk to Bahá’í Temple in Wilmette. It’s a bit of a walk – approximately 40 minutes from the Arch – but witnessing the beautiful architecture of the temple will definitely be a nice reward. I’d suggest going in the nighttime when the outdoor lights turn on, wonderfully illuminating the space. Please be respectful of any worshipers in the area!

The Lakefill

Photo of the Lakefront. Photo credits: Jaharia Knowles / North by Northwestern

We’re blessed to have a “natural” green space that overlooks Lake Michigan (technically an inland sea!). Lay down on the luscious grass at the Lakefill and stare at the sky above you. At night, if you squint enough, the planes look like shooting stars. Be aware that NUPD regularly patrols the area.

Your couch

Television playing a recent episode of Succession. Photo credits: Photo by Jaharia Knowles / North by Northwestern.

Lazy stoners, I promised that I wouldn’t forget you! Sometimes, the best sight to see is the television in front of your couch or bed. Sit back, relax, and watch your favorite show. I don’t think Succession is the vibe for 4/20, but it’s the only picture I have of a television. Maybe you can watch That 70s Show or some crap like that.