The Chicago Traveler

• Check out two local designers and their earth-friendly clothing for women at EcoFashion: Beyond the Basics. Sip on pomegranate martinis with organic vodka at Pivot, while seeing how scarves are made with natural pomegranate dye. (Apr 4)
• The 24th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival features more than 100 short, animated, documentary, and feature films from the United States, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, and Spain. Screenings take place in several venues across the city and explore politics, race, sex, and social issues. (Apr 4-16)
• Doug Benson, as seen on VH1’s Best Week Ever, will be appearing at Lakeshore Theater. (Apr 4-5)
• …read more

Comments Off

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism asked the state’s residents and visitors to nominate their favorite destinations in Illinois. In May of 2007, seven of these were selected as the Seven Wonders of Illinois.

• Chicago: Wrigley Field. The atmosphere, neighborhood, and fans put this stadium in a league of its own. It’s not just a ballpark; it’s an experience.
• Chicagoland: The Baha’I House of Worship. This unforgettable sight is beautiful both inside and out. Its intricate construction took nearly 30 years to complete.
• Northern: Starved Rock State Park. Visitors can witness firsthand the results of Mother Nature’s power: 18 canyons framed …read more

4 Comments

Words can’t always fully describe the beauty and majesty of a scene. Letters and punctuation cannot capture the refreshing feeling that nature can offer. Such is the case with Allerton Park and Retreat Center.
Oh sure, I could go on and on about the 1500 acres (6 km2) of meadows, woodlands, gardens, hiking trails, farmsteads, and sculptures located near Monticello, Illinois. I could tell you about how several conferences, retreats, special events, and weddings are held there every year. This public park is used daily for hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, and even old-fashioned refreshing walks.
The land was the first major gift ever …read more

5 Comments

As my younger brother reminded me, many students graduate during this month of June, so on this last day, I congratulate all those who have completed another important step in their education.June is also the most popular month when it comes to weddings, so cheers to all those happy couples who have taken their relationship to the next level.
And finally, a big “thank you” and “congratulations” to my folks, who are celebrating their 28th anniversary today.

Comments Off

Just a few blocks away from my home, I can’t help but notice the Angel Food Bakery every time I pass it. Cute, retro, and with a bright green sign, this corner delight is awfully tempting. It’s filled with lime-green walls, custom-made cakes, and wide-eyed, drooling customers.
Pastry chef Stephanie Samuels is a self-taught artist, and her sweet masterpieces have been featured on the Food Network. Her cakes feature popular combinations like orange with caramel buttercream filling and white buttercream icing, lemon with lemon curd and spiky meringue, and carrot with orange-ginger buttercream. Feeling silly? Try a piece of the Spring …read more

Comments Off