The Chicago Traveler

As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I make a monthly trip to visit family in southwestern Michigan. The trip usually takes about three hours, and I pass through several small towns along the way. In fact, in that rural area, it is not uncommon for us to visit one town to go grocery shopping, another town for dining out, and yet another to go see a movie! Of course, all the towns are within a few minutes of each other, so driving from town to town is much like driving to different neighborhoods here in Chicago.

One road that we …read more

3 Comments

I have featured several condominium towers that are so much more than boring blocks. The Regatta, River East Center, Skybridge, and many more are all examples of the great architecture the Chicago skyline has to offer. Today’s residential towers, though they look similar, are all eye-catching pieces along the lakefront.
Along the way to Navy Pier, you can’t help but notice Lake Point Tower. Completed in 1968, this 645-foot-tall (197 m) skyscraper has three rounded lobes, evenly spaced at 120-degree angles. The building’s curves are designed so that residents cannot see into each other’s windows. If you think the tower has …read more

1 Comment

• If fresh-shucked oysters and pints of Guinness sound like a good time to you, check out the Guinness Oyster Festival in Roscoe Village. There are also vendors of other foods, pints of Harp’s and Smithwick’s available, and live music. (Sept 6)
• Chow down on brats, potato salad, sauerkraut, smoked sausages, and beer at the 88th Annual German-American Festival in Lincoln Square. The 43rd Annual Von Steuben Parade (featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) starts Saturday at 2 p.m. (Sept 5-7)
• You can sample from more than 300 international vintages and watching cooking demos at the Fourth Annual Windy City …read more

Comments Off

Gas prices are finally beginning to drop a bit. Summer’s almost over, so it’s time to get out of the house and go on a little road trip. From the beaches to the views, the Beverly Shores and Indiana Dunes area is the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a quick break from the routine. Located just 50 miles (80 km) around the lake, this family-friendly escape has great beaches and cool attractions.
If your eyes are always on the skies, take a gander at the Indiana Aviation Museum. There are nine former military aircraft in the museum, and all of …read more

2 Comments

• The Croatian Fest features a huge roast of 75 lambs and over 10 whole pigs at the St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church. The festivities include homemade foods, ethnic dancing, and a beer garden. (Aug 15)
• This weekend marks the 50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show. Arrive early and claim your spot at either North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach, where you’ll see the Blue Angels, the Golden Knights parachute team, an F-22 Raptor, and much more. (Aug 15-17)
• The third annual North Side Summerfest features live music from over a dozen artists and bands and plenty of …read more

1 Comment

While I mentioned this attraction in my post on Navy Pier, the Ferris Wheel is so big, it deserves a blog entry of its own. It stands 150 feet tall (46 m) and is modeled after the very first Ferris wheel, built for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Open year-round (weather permitting), folks can climb into one of the 40 gondolas for a seven-minute ride that provides great views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan. Go during the day, and you can see cars and boats for miles. Cuddle up with your date during a sunset trip around the …read more

1 Comment

• At the Newberry Library’s 24th annual Book Fair, you can browse through more than 100,000 books in 60 categories, most of which cost $2 or less. (July 24-27)
• In honor of Jimmy Buffet’s concerts at Toyota Park (July 24, 26), Lizzy McNeill’s Irish Pub is holding a Luau on the Chicago River. This Hawaiian-themed barbecue will be held outside the bar and includes live music, games, beer samples, and a cruise raffle. Food and drink sales benefit the Special Olympics and Misericordia. (July 25-27)
• You can compete in a Neil Diamond look-alike contest at the Neil Diamond Extravaganza, hosted …read more

1 Comment

Buckingham Fountain is probably the most famous fountain in Chicago, but one of my favorites has always been Centennial Fountain. It is much more interactive, allowing visitors to get close enough to actually touch the water. Completed in 1989, it commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago. The fountain is located near the very spot where the agency reversed the flow of the Chicago River back in 1900.
Centennial Fountain is comprised of two major parts. The semicircular waterfall runs every day between Memorial Day (last Monday of May) and Labor Day (first Monday in September) …read more

2 Comments

• RedEye columnist Mark Bazer hosts “The Interview Show” at Hideout, where a variety of guests (including musicians, comedians, authors, and more) share their thoughts. (Every first Friday)
• The indoor-outdoor 23rd annual Irish-American Heritage Festival features live Irish music on five stages, folk dancing, food, arts and crafts vendors, and a raffle for a trip to Ireland. (July 11-13)
• You can browse through wood carvings, paintings, and jewelry from Asia, Africa, and Europe at the Black Thai International Arts and Crafts Fest in the West Loop. (July 9-11, Aug 6-8, Sept 3-5)
• More than 200 painters, sculptors, photographers, street musicians, …read more

Comments Off

Tomorrow, the United States will celebrate Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. There are several fireworks displays all across the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs:
• At Navy Pier, the Fourth of July Fireworks are a ten-minute display accompanied with inspirational music. (9:30 p.m. – 9:40 p.m.)
• Partygoers will meet at Lumen before buses will take them to the DayRa Fourth of July Boat Cruise, a three-hour cruise with dancing, cocktails, food, and a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. After the display, an after-party will be held at Lumen. ($75-$95, …read more

1 Comment