The Chicago Traveler

Due to a few changes here at b5media and some big changes in my own career path, I have made the difficult decision to step down from The Chicago Traveler.
I have had such a great time writing the nearly 750 posts over the past year and a half. I want to thank b5media—especially Mary Jo Manzanares—for the opportunity to share my passion for Chicago with hundreds of readers.
Of course, I thank each and every one of this blog’s visitors. The Chicago Traveler could not exist without its audience. It has been an absolute pleasure exploring and learning about my hometown …read more

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• The Halloween Ghost Bash at Ghost Bar (hosted by the Lincoln Park Young Professionals) includes appetizers, candy, Skyy martinis, and a Bloody Mary bar.
• Plan B invites all Saints and Sinners to come up with the scariest, sexiest, and most creative Halloween costumes.
• Ohm holds its 6th annual Halloween Fundraiser with an open bar and prizes for best costumes. Proceeds benefit Urban Initiatives, a nonprofit organization working to boost children’s academic performance by establishing soccer programs.
• The Haunted Happening at Take Five offers a cash prize for best costume and benefits the Concordia Avondale Campus, a community center serving …read more

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• Miss Foozie hosts the 12th annual North Halsted Street Halloween Parade. (Register at Spin to participate in the parade.) After the parade, festivities include a costume contest and the Chicago Spirit Brigade.
• Comic book fans can party down at Heroes & Villians sponsored by Metromix at Harry Caray’s Tavern. Guests can enter the costume contest by having a professional photo taken in front of a comic book backdrop. Awards will be given for Best Hero, Best Villian, and Best Overall Costume.
• Psychic Sidney Friedman shows off his telepathic and mind reading skills at Davenport’s as part of Mind Shivers.
• …read more

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• After enjoying cocktails at Plan B, hop on a bus for a tour of four allegedly haunted bars as part of Boo & Brew. (Oct 30)
• Traverse the Trails of Terror, a half-mile of wooded trails in Peterson Park filled with creepy characters. Not suitable for small children. (ends Oct 31)
• ‘The Fear’ at Navy Pier is a tented, outdoor haunted house aimed at teens and adults, featuring zombies, werewolves, vampires, and more. (ends Nov 2)
• The Halloween Bash at Murphy’s Bleachers includes food, drinks, live music, a costume contest, and raffle prizes. Proceeds benefit the North Side Housing …read more

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Chicago may be known for its warm and friendly Midwestern ways, but the city has plenty of spooky tales and creepy locations. Here are just a few that have been featured right here on The Chicago Traveler.
• The site of the Eastland Disaster is marked by a historical plaque, but some visitors to the historic location have reported hearing screams and cries for help coming from the Chicago River. In addition, the old armory building where most of the dead bodies were stored is still in use today. Many of its inhabitants have reported unexplained voices, sounds of crying, and …read more

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Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. However, I have to say that I much prefer the scary, evil-looking ghouls over the smiling, cartoon-like ghosts. But whatever your likes, you can likely find a stage performance that suits the season.
• Dream Theatre re-presents Anna, in the Darkness, a terrifying story about a young teacher trapped in her own home while the entire town gathers to kill her… and the audience is trapped inside with her… (ends Nov 2)
• Think the goriness has gotten out of hand? You haven’t seen anything yet. Annoyance Productions hosts Splatter Theatre, a parody …read more

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This coming weekend, you’ll likely be gobbling up the little candies at the door that you had meant to hand out to little ghouls and goblins. Instead of feasting on all those brightly-colored sweets, enjoy some grown-up desserts at Chocolate Grape.
With burgundy, faux-finished walls and a large wooden bar, this wine and chocolate place (a block west of Crust) specializes in delicate desserts like the basil and lime granita (tart and sweet gourmet ice); cappuccino crème brulee; and a fall soufflé flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. All of these sweets, including an impressive list of truffles, can be paired …read more

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Time-Out Chicago reveals the results of its most recent sex survey. Find out the favorite sex toys among both women and men.
The MenuPages Blog examines why restaurant critic Pat Bruno recently visited Erwin—a good, but old, restaurant. And then goes on to giggle at the Falling Baker.
GB Drive-Thru interviews Michael Nagrant on how he was involved in writing the new cookbook, Alinea.
The GB Book Club reminds you that you can bring all your used and unwanted books to Open Book’s Great American Book Drive this Sunday.
Did you know October is National Pretzel Month? Centerstage offers some options on where to …read more

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The current economy may not support lavish travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get special treatment. Guests at the Fairmont Hotel can be treated like royalty and customize their own gourmet ice cream.
Made with all-natural ingredients, the decadent dessert is made overnight and can satisfy your unique cravings. So, if you want guacamole-flavored ice cream, the chef can whip up the perfect recipe for you.
This service, which premiered in June of last year, is available daily. For less than $20, you can enjoy a pint of your own signature ice cream, designed exclusively by you for you.
From one luxurious …read more

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Halloween hasn’t arrived yet, but let’s face it. It’s time to start thinking about the coming holidays and seasonal dinners. Hours and hours of peeling vegetables, slaving over hot stoves, washing multiple bowls and dishes…
I don’t know about you, but that does not sound like fun to me. Let someone else do it. Sunday Dinner is a catering service that specializes in local, seasonal food. They are available for private dinners, celebrations, special occasions, hors d’oeuvres parties, etc., all with food from local farmers markets.
Menus are individually based on the client’s needs and the ingredients available during the season. For …read more

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