The Chicago Traveler

We’ve all probably been more budget-conscious than usual, but sometimes it feels good to splurge a bit. If you want to get around town in luxury, here are some of the most extravagant ways of traveling around Chicago.
At Bentley Gold Coast, you can find some of the best cars in the world, ranging in price from $100,000 to over $1 million. Stop in (just south of Intermix), and check out items like the 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster with 631 HP and a V-12 mid engine or the 2008 Bentley Azure, a twin-turbo V-8 that churns out 450 HP and …read more

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• If you’re a fan of all things dark and gruesome, check out the artwork of author, film director, and artist Clive Barker at the Packer Schopf Gallery, showing Tuesdays through Saturdays and free to the public. (runs through February 16)
• The 24th Annual Playdough Palooza is the Wish List Auxiliary Board’s annual fundraising event to support the Child Life Department. This year’s fundraiser will be at Rockit Bar and Grill. All of the proceeds will fund new supplies for the Children’s Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $50-$60 via childrenswishlist.org (Jan 18)
• Ladies, spend A Night in Paradise. This girls’ night …read more

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• Can you shake your booty to a Latin beat? Club 720 holds a weekly salsa competition where winners advance to the finals in the hopes of earning the $2500 cash prize. (runs through Feb 15)
• Those handsome Chicago calendar firemen will be hitting the town again, this time at Crobar. They’ll be signing autographs, posing for pictures (slightly more clothed this time), and even giving out kisses from a kissing booth. Have a favorite month? Vote for the handsomest hero as the men compete for the title of “Chicago’s Hottest Fireman.” Actor Daniel Sunjata of the FX show “Rescue …read more

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• Every First Friday of the month, relax with a cash bar and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy live music from local DJs along with the work of an up-and-coming Chicago artist. This month’s theme: Fallen Stars. (Jan 4)
• There’s not much you can get for $10 on Michigan Avenue. But every first Friday of the month, your $10 will help you Wine Down at Foodlife. Sample 20 international vintages and snacks on the mezzanine level of Water Tower Place. (Jan 4)
• It’s time to get started on that New Year’s resolution for more …read more

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These days, more and more women are learning how to fix their own cars, change their own flat tires, and keep up with general auto maintenance. But what about their bikes?
The Cycling Sisters is a women’s cycling group here in Chicago aiming to increase the confidence and comfort of women cyclists. The organization teaches bikers how to fix flats, lube chains, adjust brakes, and even build bikes via year-round, low-cost (sometimes free!) workshops. The Sisters also hold group rides, social get-togethers, and other activities.
This all-volunteer group also has great advice on how to carry stuff on your bike, what to …read more

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So you’ve got that busted bike sitting in your basement or out on the porch, and you keep telling yourself you’ll have it fixed when you “have the time.” After all, who wants to lug a broken bike all the way to the repair shop? Well now you don’t have to. This bike repair shop comes to you.
On the Fly is a 16-foot Workhorse Heavy Duty truck that is equipped with enough tools to cover every problem you can come up with. Joe Ebervein and Rich Kwaitkowski do everything from basic bicycle tune-ups to frame straightening to gear and brake …read more

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Love to jam in your jammies? Check out the World’s Largest Pajama Party on Friday, July 13. Located at the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, Victoria’s Secret is celebrating the launch of their new loungewear collection—PINK—by throwing a huge dance party. The doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the dance pit will be hoppin’ when DJ AM starts spinnin’. And it will only get better when Fergie takes over the stage. Yay Fergie! This show will be nothing less than G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS. Download FREE tickets at http://vspink.com/
Art lovers will flock to the Chicago Tribune Magnificent Mile Art Festival this weekend. …read more

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It’s impossible to talk about Chicago attractions without talking about Navy Pier. It’s the place to go when you can think of absolutely nothing else to do. There’s always something going on there.
This 3,000-foot attraction on the shoreline of Lake Michigan was originally opened to the public in 1916. It was known as “Municipal Pier #2″ (#1 was never built), and it was both a shipping and entertainment area. And while it experienced a “golden era” of success, its popularity declined in the ’30s, due to the introduction of cars, the opening of movie theatres, and the lack of shipping …read more

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Looking for a new and different way to tour Chicago? Get a new perspective and even some exercise by seeing the city from a bicycle.

Bobby’s Bike Hike offers bicycle tours of Chicago, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There are three different 7-mile tours available with a three-hour running (or should I say “biking”) time, and prices range from $25-$35. (Kids under 12 ride for $15-$20.) This price includes the bike and helmet rental, just in case you couldn’t fit yours in your suitcase. Locals, of course, are welcome to bring their own.
The two-wheeled tours will take you to …read more

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