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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It’s been a while, but b5media’s Travel & Culture Channel is celebrating another Theme Day soon, centered on “Changes.” Change is necessary, but it can be stressful, and we Chicagoans certainly know stress. In fact, last week Forbes declared Chicago as America’s Most Stressful City. Eep!
Chicago has had to endure plenty of changes recently: flood-inducing rains, a depressing economy, expensive gas prices, and an unbelievable sales tax. Combine all this with the country’s second-highest population density, and you have the formula for a stressful situation.
Forbes examined the country’s 40 largest metropolitan areas and looked at things like unemployment rates, housing …read more

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Our b5media Travel & Culture Channel is greeting summer with three new blogs.
The Travel Product Guide offers information on all the cool merchandise out there that is designed to make your trip easier, comfier, and more fun.

Phoenix, Arizona is the most populated state capital in the United States, and it’s the subject of our most recent destination blog, The Phoenix Traveler.

Finally, you can see the world’s best sights before you even get there or long after you’ve visited at Travel Photo Daily.

Photo credit: b5media

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Soaring gas prices and global warming issues remind us that we need to take care of our planet and be as fuel-efficient as possible. Our newest Travel & Culture Channel member, Liz Lewis, provides all kinds of great information on how to travel eco-responsibly at Traveling the Green Way. Welcome Liz!

Photo credit: b5media

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While I admit that I’ve never been to the South Florida area, it’s not for lack of want. I’ve tried a few times to plan a trip there, but obstacles have always seemed to pop up. Once I finally do get there though, I will have Katherine Lynch to help me as she and The South Florida Traveler join us here at the b5media Travel & Culture Channel. Welcome!

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This week, the b5media Travel & Culture Channel is celebrating a Theme Day, this time having fun with all things “T”. So what does The Chicago Traveler have to offer?
How about tall buildings? Chicago’s three tallest buildings are the Sears Tower, the Aon Center, and the John Hancock Center, all standing well over one thousand feet tall (305 m).
The Windy City also has plenty of restaurants that begin with the letter “T”…

Table Fifty-Two
Tavern on Rush
Tel Aviv Kosher Pizza
Terragusto
Thai Pastry
Tokyo 21
Tony’s Italian Beef
Tony’s Italian Deli

The annual Taste of Chicago will be coming up in just a few weeks, where you …read more

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Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia picked Chicago’s very own Michigan Avenue for its tricked-out flagship store. It was the first in the United States and second in the world, behind Moscow.
The Nokia flagship store offers a few cutting-edge phones before they can be found elsewhere. Of course, calling these mobile devices “phones” doesn’t do them justice. Phones today can do a lot more than just call friends; they can take pictures, surf the Internet, and send text messages. In fact, you can send a text message from one of the demo phones that will display on a giant computer screen …read more

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Today is a very special day for all of the mothers in our lives, but it is also a special day for The Chicago Traveler as well.
One year ago today, The Chicago Traveler went live and was available to the public! For a whole year, I’ve had the pleasure of keeping you updated on Chicago news, events, restaurants, bars, attractions, and more. Thanks to this blog, I have learned a lot about my own hometown, and I appreciate it now more than ever. I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog too! I look forward to the future and more Windy City …read more

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Yesterday began World Cocktail Week (May 8-13), established by The Museum of the American Cocktail, celebrating the history of the cocktail and the skill of the bartenders who mix them. This “holiday” will be celebrated by several cities throughout the world, including Boston, Las Vegas, New York, Seattle, Washington D. C., and Chicago.
We here at the b5media Travel & Culture Channel are celebrating in our own way, presenting cocktails (both real and imaginary) that best represent our destination blogs. I did find a drink online called the “Chicago Cocktail,” containing 2 ounces of brandy, 1 ounce of champagne, a dash …read more

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Gas prices are getting ridiculous, and they’re affecting everything from airplane tickets to the cost of food. Fortunately, Chicago has plenty of attractions you can enjoy for little to no money. Just a walk down Michigan Avenue can be a tourist’s delight.
This week, the b5media Travel & Culture Channel is celebrating a Theme Day, featuring the photogenic side of our blogs. With that in mind, I present a few fantastic photos of eight great places you can visit for free here in the Windy City.
8. Lincoln Park Zoo
7. Millennium Park
6. Tribune Tower
5. Oak Street Beach
4. Grant Park
3. Buckingham Fountain
2. Chicago …read more

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