So I'm getting hitched in less than two weeks now, and I was hoping to put together some bags for the out of town guests with a bit of a Chicago theme, but I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas that are gift bag sized. (If only I could stuff a Lou into each bag, but alas.) I thought Garrett's popcorn might be a good idea. Anyone else have ( Read more... )

I'm doing my final photography project on urban prairie - places around the city that have started to revert to their natural state. I'm looking for empty lots full of weeds, abandoned buildings, untended gardens, that are visually interesting and easy to access. Anyone have places they can recommend?

I'm new to Chicago, and I'm wondering where I can take a day trip to in order to see some fall color. I have a couple articles from the Tribune that list places, but closest one they list is two hours away. Is there anything closer? Also, when is the best time to see all the colors? It's getting pretty late in the season, but there are still ( Read more... )

My mom and grandparents are coming to Chicago next Thursday-Sunday morning and I'm trying to find some fun stuff to do.  Normally I'd just find a cool neighborhood to explore with my mom (she loved the walking tour for the Frank Lloyd Wright houses), but my grandpa has trouble lately with a lot of walking.  Definite plans so far include a trip to ( Read more... )

I know that the "official" location for the air and water show this weekend is at North Ave. Beach, but I live in Ravenswood/Albany Park, and I really don't feel like getting up at 8 AM in order to go down to that beach in order to get a decent seat and see some planes. Other than a friend's high-rise, where are some good places to see the air show ( Read more... )

Hi Gang -

I'm flying into Chicago on April 7th for some work meetings and flying out on 4/10. I basically have the afeternoon of Tuesday and Wed/Thurs evenings free.

Any recommendations on what to see what to do??

Thanks!

Has anyone been sky diving in the chicago area?

Where did you go?

How was your experience?

I'm thinking of doing a sky dive and want to get some opinions on who is the best!

thanks!

(x-posted.)

First of all, let me apologize for being one of those touristy people who are like "OMG VISITING YOUR CITY, PLEAS HELP ( Read more... )

Museum of Science & Industry - FREE admission for the month of January.
Chicago History Museum - FREE on Mondays all year.
Art Institute - FREE from 5pm-8pm on Thursdays all year.
Adler Planetarium - FREE Jan 12-16, Jan 20, and Jan 27. More free days will later be posted on their website.
Shedd Aquarium - FREE general admission to aquarium and ( Read more... )

I'm taking the metra to randolph from 87th & cottage grove and I'm looking for a nice restaurant from there or anywhere off the red line that my boyfriend & I can go to for his Birthday.  We live in the south 'burbs so we're not familiar with the areas and restaurants yet.  Thanks!