The Chicago Traveler

February 18th, 2008

Chicago Board of Trade Building

The Chicago Board of Trade Building has towered over the LaSalle Street 'canyon' since its completion in 1930. With 44 floors and standing at 605 feet (184 m), it was Chicago's tallest building from 1930 until 1965 (when it was surpassed by the Daley Center). It has been listed as a National Historic Landmark since […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

February 17th, 2008

Starved Rock State Park

I was born and raised an urbanite, but even I can appreciate the magnificence that nature has to offer. When city dwellers want to get away from the lights and the noise, many of them head to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, approximately 75 miles (121 km) southwest of Chicago. The park has 13 […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

February 16th, 2008

Papillon

Many Chicagoans flinch at the mere mention of going outside city limits. However, Papillon's warm, inviting atmosphere and delicious French fare are worth the trek.
The word 'exquisite' doesn't even begin to describe the created by Chef Kljajic, or 'Chef Danny' as he is referred to by friendly locals. Chef Danny enjoys being very hands-on […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

February 15th, 2008

Friday Film: The Weather Underground

For the past few years, Americans have been barraged by propaganda, warning us against terrorists, demanding that we 'protect our borders,' and 'fight the war there so we won't have to fight it here.' However, we (Americans) forget that most violent acts of terrorism begin right here at home: the Ku Klux Klan, Alpha 66, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

February 14th, 2008

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Chicago Traveler wishes everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Celebrate love in whatever form it may be: partner, family, friends.
Photo credit: Nick Benjaminsz
Tags: chicago, holiday, valentine's day

By Matt B -- 0 comments

February 14th, 2008

St Valentine’s Day Massacre

On February 14, 1929, seven men gathered at the SMC Cartage Company garage on Clark Street: Johnny May, Frank and Pete Gusenberg, James Clark, Adam Heyer, Al Weinshank, and Reinhardt Schwimmer, all friends of George 'Bugs' Moran. Moran himself was scheduled to be there as well, but he was running late.
Two men in uniform exited […]

By Matt B -- 4 comments

February 13th, 2008

Happy Birthday!

The Chicago Traveler will be taking a break today to wish a very happy birthday'

'to me!
This Aquarian Chicagoan was born 28 years ago today.
Cheers!
Photo credit: wishymom, Saul TM, polomex
Tags: birthday, chicago

By Matt B -- 1 comment

February 12th, 2008

Greer

I most certainly would not be where I am today if it weren't for 'the kindness of strangers.' I am more than grateful for those good Samaritans (some of whom became good friends) who have helped me in my critical times of need.
Sometimes, the words 'Thank You' just aren't enough. How do you let that […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

February 12th, 2008

Lunch Locomotives

Sometimes, taking kids out to eat is an incredible chore. You have to get them dressed, order food they won't scoff at, and keep them entertained throughout the meal. A few restaurants in the Chicagoland area though are perfect for children though, playing on many of their fascinations with trains.
One of the oldest eateries […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

February 11th, 2008

Skybridge

Just two blocks north of Santorini and Greek Islands, the $75-million, 39-story Skybridge is a condo building that puts all the other concrete box-shaped buildings to shame. Completed in 2003, it is a symbol of inventive architecture: a twin-towered structure bound together by 250-foot long (76 m) transparent, glass bridges. Because of these glass hallways, […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments