Cinco Rabanitos (5 Radishes)

 

If you want out of the ordinary creative Mexican food you can't find anywhere else head out to 5 Rabanitos in Pilsen (5 Rabanitos, 1758 W. 18th St., 312-285-2710).  The food is not expensive and the setting might not be the fanciest, but make no mistake this is a classy well managed neighborhood restaurant that compete with the finest ethnic restaurants in Chicago.  Here we have Rick Bayless veteran chef Alfonso Sotelo, with creative interpretations of Pozole ($10). The first thing you notice is the color, an intense verdant green. Each sip is rich and meaty, with the hearty hominy only adding to the depth. The toppings add a texture to the soup that is amazing and a riot of colors.  Not just for hangovers this is a soup to order for any occasion you want to treat your mouth to a celebration of flavors. 

 

There is mole that is indescribably good, some of the best carne asada tacos (with homemade tortillas!) in the city.  There is too many good things on the menu.  The food is well made without the greasy oily taste some other restaurants are known for. 

 

Open: Lunch, dinner Tuesday to Friday; breakfast, lunch, dinner Saturday and Sunday; closed Monday.  This place gets crowded during typical eating times so try to come on off hours.  BYOB (local Mexican liquor store just east of the restaurant on the same block).

 



Listen to Blues music at Buddy Guys at Legends

If you love blues music whIle drinking beers and eating American cusine then check out Buddy Guys Legends at 700 S. Wabash in Chicago. Tables get taken 4 hours before performanceso so expect to stand. Standing is still fun.  Look out for a chance to see Buddy Guy in person where he will fascinate you with his stories

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is a free architectural wobder. Go to the 3rd floor to see an amazing dome.  Take time to visit the various exhibits. 

Located at 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. Take green line train to Randolph train stop.

Chicago is the Best

https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/top-chicago-bucket-lists/15-epic-reasons-to-visit-chicago/

Walking Trails in the Chicagoland Area

Caldwell Woods

Set GPS to: 6350 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60646


One of the best if not the best trails in Chicago.  Endless trails through the north suburbs ending at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.  Well marked and maintained trails for walking, running and bicycles.  You may even see deer calmly grazing throughout the year.

Waterfall Glenn

Probably our favorite trail.  This trail is less crowded than the othes.  The nature sounds are more pronounced and the car traffic noise is less obvious.  Dirt path instead of assault which is great for running.  A couple drawbacks is bike riders, they are not as frequent and numerous as other trails but this place tends to attract less trained bicyclists.  Others have bike enthusiasts who know how to ride and are announce themselves when coming behind you.  Here at Waterfall Glenn the typical riders are families and weekend warriors who zoom past you without announcing themselves.  Saying that no accidents occurred but it can be an issue.  

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZD2FhrKT712pnXEr6

Sag Valley Trail in Palos Park, Illinois

Beautiful trail with singing birds, creeks and tall trees.  Away from traffic so no car noises to spoil the nature sounds. Bring shoes appropriate for mud conditions.

Set GPS to: Kean Avenue & 83rd, Palos Park, Illinois

Here is the trail map Trail Map

Starved Rock

Less than 2 hours away, Starved Rock State Park is a popular destination for nature lovers. Here you can find hiking travels through valleys created by glaciers. In colder days you can see bald eagles along the rivers. 

Free Days at Chicago Museums

Art Institute of Chicago

Free to Illinois residents 5-8pm Thursdays.

The Field Museum

Illinois residents recieve free admission on January 4, 5, 16, 28, 29, 30 and the entire month of February. Active military personnel and Illinois teachers receive complimentary admission.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Free admission daily.

Chicago History Museum

Free every Tuesday beginning January 10, 2017 to Illinois residents between 12:30pm 7:30pm. Also free on holidays: January 16, February 20, March 4, and July 4.

Free for children 12 and younger daily, and Illinois residents enjoy free admission during Illinois Resident Discount Days.

Free to members of DuSable Museum, National Museum of Mexican Art and Institute for Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

Museum of Science and Industry

Illinois Resident Discount Days offer free general admission for Illinois residents with ID.

2017 free days include:
January 10-12, 16-19, 24-26, 31
February 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28
June 5-9, 12
September 5-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29
October 2-5

National Museum of Mexican Art

Free admission daily.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois residents with ID. Free for children 3 and younger. Free for members every day.

Free from January 9-13, 2017.

The Oriental Institute Museum

Free admission daily with a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Adler Planetarium

Illinois Resident Discount Days offer free general admission for Illinois residents with ID.

2017 free days include:

January 6–13
January 16–20
February 6–10
February 20–24
June 5–9 

Brookfield Zoo

Free admission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from January 3, 2017-February 28, 2017. Free admission is always available for active, reserve and retired military personnel with proper ID.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden has free admission daily, though keep parking fees in mind ($25 per car, $10 senior citizens on Tuesdays, $30 per van, $65 per limousine, minibus, bus and RV). The Metra Union Pacific North line stops just outside the gates, which means you can avoid parking fees if you're up for a train ride.  You can also ride a bicycle and enter for free.

Chicago Children's Museum

 

Free Thursday evenings from 5–8pm. 
The first Sunday of every month is free for children 15 and younger. Active and retired military personnel receive free admission every day.

Teachers, firefighters and police officers receive $5 admission every day.

EBT cardholders receive admission for up to six people for $3. Groups must have at least one child 15 years old or younger.

Shedd Aquarium

Illinois Resident Discount Days offer free general admission for Illinois residents with ID.
2017 free days include:
January 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
February 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 27, 28
June 5, 6, 12, 13
August 28, 29
September 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31
November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21

DePaul Art Museum

Free admission daily.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Free every Tuesday for Illinois residents with ID year-round. Free for military personnel and veterans, members of police and fire departments and children 12 and under.