The Chicago Traveler

October is the month of Halloween, bringing with it all things scary and sometimes sinful. Time-Out Chicago features seven strolls through Chicago that are based on the famous seven deadly sins.
Feeling gluttonous? Indulge in delicious treats while ambling through Oak Park. Got to have it all? Take your greedy little self downtown through the shops, the banks, and the skyscrapers. And you sex-driven folks (call me!) can visit some of Chicago’s former and current adult-minded locations in River North.
For the complete list of TOC’s seven sinful strolls, click here.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) ♥♥peppersmom♥♥

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I love ice cream. Which is probably obvious from these love handles of mine. But I love it even more when it’s free!
Ben & Jerry’s has been holding its promotional Free Cone Day for a few years now as a way of thanking their customers. This year, the ice cream gurus are celebrating their 30th birthday across the globe, and you’re invited to the party. Today is your opportunity to get a FREE scoop of ice cream at participating outlets.
For a list of participating “Scoop Shops” in Illinois, click here. Did I mention FREE?
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Casual Chin

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The Italian Beef is a simple sandwich that is unique to Chicago, and there are several places in the city to find this great dish. Of course, just as is the case with pizza and hot dogs, Chicagoans can debate for hours on who has the best. I’ve tried to be as fair as possible with this ranking order, but I’m sure there will still be contention. Be sure to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail, and let me know what you think!

8. Roma’s Italian Beef & Sausage. For decades, generations of loyal customers have been enjoying this …read more

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As I’ve said before, I’m not usually one to write up chain restaurants or businesses. They seem to do well enough of their own advertising. But some places, like Buona Beef, are located only in the Chicago area and draw in plenty of locals and visitors.
Buona Beef is a hit with many Chicago suburbanites. Each of the chain’s 11 locations offer an almost-daunting long list of dishes to choose from, including paninis, sandwiches, salads, soups, and pizza. However, one of my rules when it comes to dining is this: If there’s a food in the name above the door, order …read more

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Although you might not know it by looking at it, the Robert P. Parker House was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It may lack the overall style that he is often associated with, but that’s because this is one of his “bootleg homes,” buildings he designed independently while still employed by Adler and Sullivan.
Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the world’s most prominent and influential architects, influencing the design of buildings all over the world. In 1890, he was assigned all residential design work for the firm of Adler & Sullivan. However, three years later, Louis Sullivan discovered …read more

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When it comes to stuff, you’ve got it—plenty of it. And while those cute little purses may be fashionable, they don’t come close to carrying all your stuff. Maybe it’s time to get to know Jessica Miller-Webster, a Chicago native and creator of MABeL handbags.
Jessica took her hobby of creating big, bright bags and made a business out of it in 2006, sharing her oversized ruffled creations with women everywhere. The patterns are fun and expressive, and many of the bags come in a variety of colors. They range in price from $30 to $80, depending on style, fabric, and …read more

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What would Independence Day be without fireworks? “Celebrate the independence of your nation by blowing up a small part of it.” (The Simpsons, “Summer of 4 Ft. 2″) So where is there to go to see some bright lights and loud booms?
A grand display complete with great music can be found at the Taste of Chicago tonight, but you don’t necessarily have to be at the Taste to enjoy it. In fact, many spectators enjoy the colorful explosions from Navy Pier, and some Chicagoans will even be witnessing the spectacle from the Chicago River on cruise ships and private boats.
Of …read more

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