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.

Free Things to do in Chicago

MICHIGAN AVENUE

Walk North on Michigan Avenue from Lake Street to Water Tower Place.  This is Chicago's fanciest street with hundreds of shops, restaurants and plenty of  window shopping. 

LINCOLN PARK ZOO (2200 N. CANNON DRIVE) 

As one of only a few free zoos in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo covers over 35 acres and features tigers, polar bears, lions and more than 230 other species of animals. The Farm in the Zoo and Nature Boardwalk bring you up close and personal with the animal world.

MILLENNIUM PARK (201 E. RANDOLPH STREET) 

One of the state's most popular tourist attractions features larger-than-life public art (don't miss Cloud Gate for a mirrored look at the skyline or splashing in Crown Fountain during warm weather months); a cutting edge performance stage (the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Prizker Pavilion) featuring free concerts all summer; and the all-seasons beauty Lurie Garden. Be sure to check the Millennium Park schedule for a listing of upcoming events.

CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION PROGRAMS (224 S. MICHIGAN AVENUE)

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. In addition to their popular architecture river boat cruises and docent-led tours, CAF pursues this mission through free exhibitions, special events and youth/adult education programs. Visit their Loop headquarters to see their impressive 3D model of the city, try to catch a lunchtime seminar, or plan your trip around their marquee event Open House Chicago each September.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART (1852 W. 19TH STREET) 

Located in the cultural epicenter of the colorful Pilsen neighborhood, this museum is focused on celebrating Mexican culture and is the largest of its kind in the nation.

NAVY PIER (600 E. GRAND AVENUE) 

One of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks boasts gorgeous lakefront views — take a stroll and enjoy the breezes, admission is free to the pier's boardwalk. Summer features free weekly fireworks Wednesday and Saturday evenings as well as free outdoor concerts in the LandShark Beer Garden.

CHINATOWN

Take the red line train to Chinatown for the sights, sounds and wonderful smells of Chinatown.

THE 606 (BLOOMINGDALE AVENUE FROM ASHLAND TO RIDGEWAY)

Trek this stunning new 2.7 mile elevated park trail set above city streets and explore its five interconnected neighborhoods. With its linear walking/bicycle/jogging paths, as well as ample green space, it boasts scenic lookout points, public art murals and an outdoor observatory. 

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY (60 W. WALTON STREET) 

This stunning library contains more than 1.5 million published works and often features special exhibitions. 

THE ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM (1155 E. 59TH STREET) 

Focusing on the rich history of the ancient Near East, this museum displays artifacts recovered during Oriental Institute excavations. 

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER (77 E. RANDOLPH STREET)

This historical landmark hosts hundreds of free programs year-round. The building has two unbelievable stained-glass domes, which you can see on your own or on a free building tour. The many halls regularly hosts free events, from weekly classical music concerts to blues, jazz and more. Also look on the daily Chicago Cultural Center schedule for free dance performances, film screenings, seminars and theater events.

CHICAGO PARKS & BEACHES (VARIOUS LOCATIONS)

Chicago has hundreds of free public parks that cover over 8,000 acres of Chicago. Many feature wildlife havens like Northerly Island and North Pond Nature Sanctuary; incredible landscape designs such as Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool and Jackson Park's Osaka Garden; and athletic facilities such as the kayak boat house in Ping Tom Memorial Park. Hit the Lakefront Trail for some free outdoor recreation with a view or spend the day at one of the free public beaches, open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

CITY GALLERY AT THE HISTORIC WATER TOWER (806 N. MICHIGAN AVENUE)

The treasured landmark on The Magnificent Mile has been turned into a beautiful showcase for rotating art exhibits from local photographers and artists.

Salvage Shops - Looking for Reclaimed Items from Chicago?

An alterative to museums is shopping in antique stores especially building recycling places.  Imagine walking through a warehouse full of old architectural items pulled from Chicago's long gone oldest buildings.  There you will find old furniture, large mirrors, statues, chandeliers, window, columns and more.  Its an opportunity to be creative wit old items and give them new life in your home or garden.

Here are a couple of popular places:

Salvage One - http://www.salvageone.com/home.php

• A good choice for a wedding

Architectural Artifacts - http://architecturalartifacts.com/

• A good choice for a wedding

Oak Park Farmers Market

From May to October visit the local farmers market in Oak Park illinois on Saturday mornings.  Besides a large selection of fruits and vegetables, breads, meats, flowers you can enjoy some of the best donuts in the area. Come early for the folk music and stay for the people watching.

Located next to Oak Park River Forest High School in the Pilgrim Church parking lot. 

Must Do In Chicago from a Male Perspective

What should you visit if you have a very limited time in Chicago?  The question is hard to answer since everyone has different tastes, but here is a guy's recommended list:

• River Boat Tour - great to get an overall history of Chicago.  Dress well during spring and fall weather because it can get cold on a moving boat;
• Visit the Bean

• A sports game:
• In the summer:  Chicago Cubs baseball game
• In the fall: Chicago Bears game
• In the winter: Chicago Bulls

• Eat a deep dish pizza at Giordanos or Burt's Place 

• Walk down Michigan Avenue: Start on Michigan avenue and Randolph and walk north.  Start at Milenium Park to see the Bean (aka Cloud Gate) then walk over the bridge on Michigan avenue, see all of the stores (including Nike store and Apple store)

Navy Pier

       Navy Pier is a popular destination for tourists, young people and kids.  The place attracts so many people that it can get very crowded and noisy, but the place is always fun for at least one visit. Don't go there if you do not like crowds or lots of noise.  You will find a variety of stores geared towards tourists like souvenir shops, pretzel and popcorn vendors, ice cream shops and fast food restaurants and family friendly bars.

       Here is a list of the many attractions you can find at Navy Pier:

• Children's Museum
• Chicago Ferris Wheel
• Shakespeare Theater
• Imax 3D (giant movie theater screen)
• Boat Cruises
• Dinner Boat Cruises 
• Outdoor music entertainment

More information about Navy Pier - click here

Fourth of July celebration in Oak Park

A fun family event is to avoid the Chicago fireworks at Navy Pier and instead go to Oak Park's fireworks. If you walk to the event instead of driving you can avoid the traffic and get to watch an amazing fireworks display. Your kids will enjoy it and it's free!

Bring something to sit on like chairs or a beach towel. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent. You will be sitting on grass and the June rain showers are sure to produce plenty of mosquitos.

Monthly Events in Chicago

Here is a link to a monthly event calendar for all the major events in Calendar Link

The following is a list of our favorite events:

Most of the year:

• Chicago Baseball (April to September and rarely to October)
• Chicago Cubs - classic baseball an great neighborhood after game
• Chicago White Sox - talented team, easy to get tickets and cheaper

• Illinois Railway Museum - great for kids and adults Link

March

• St. Patrick's Day

April

• Opening Baseball - read our posting about baseball - Link
• Opening day Illinois Railway Museum

May

• Cinco de Mayo
• Gospel Music Festival Link

June

• Printer's Row Lit Fest (https://www.facebook.com/PrintersRowLitFest/likes?ref=page_internal)
• Chicago Blues Festival (http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival.html/)
• Neighborhood Festivals - read ou post about neighborhood festivals - Link
• Old Town Art Fair Link
• Gay Pride Parade (http://www.chicagopridecalendar.org/Parade.html)

July

• Oak Park Fourth of July celebration;
• Millenium Park Music Events - free, easier to get to than Ravinia and spectacular, bring a picnic and listen to msuic under the stars - Link to website
• Ravinia Music Festival - major stars (http://www.ravinia.org/Calendar)
• Taste of Chicago - July 6 to 10 Link
• Neighborhood Festivals Link 
• Wicker Park Fest Link

August

• Lollapalooza - super music festival of top music groups
• Chicago Air and Water Show - airplanes and boat show (performances) by Lake Michigan

• Chicago Hot Dog Festival - The fabulous frankfurter will be celebrated at this third annual outdoor event at the south end of Lincoln Park that benefits the Chicago History Museum. Also features a music stage and kids' activities.  Free to get in but the cost of purchasing food is variable. - usually first week of August

• Chicago Cubs baseball at Wrigley Field - one of the last traditional baseball parks, well worth a visit to watch a game, enjoy the sun while eating salted peanuts and beer - for tickets and schedule click here

September

• Chicago Jazz Festival Link

October

Chicago Architectural Tours - free

Chicago Bookstores

Indie Bookstores

Sandmeyer’s Bookstore

714 S. Dearborn

Chicago Illinois, US

(312) 922-2104

Barbara's Bookstore

1218 S. Halsted St.

Chicago IL, US

312-413-2665

Chicago's Mexican neighborhood: Pilsen

Pilsen is a favorite neighborhood for Mexican food.  Located near 18th street and Racine, the community has grocery stores, herbal medicine stores, a Mexican Fine Arts Museum, and resturants. 

Culture thrives in Pilsen and invites you to explore the treasures that wait around every corner. Here bold murals have blossomed in the most unexpected places — on the fronts of homes, along railway overpasses, and wrapped around train platforms. The artful vibe continues within storefront galleries and studios, as well as in the colorful collections of the National Museum of Mexican Art, a highly-regarded cultural institution.

One of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago is 5 Rabanitos.  Check out our separate post about this magical place.

One of our favorite is Nuevo Leon. The staff is friendly, service is fast and is a popular location for locals and tourists. Some people call it the city hall of Pilsen.  Politicians, community activists can often be found there enjoying breakfast or lunch. The noon lunch hour is crowded so it is better to visit at 2pm. 

Another favorite is Los Comales. The place is friendly and helpful.  The prices are cheap. The decor is simple but the flavors are very good.

Also try the outdoor food vendors. City health enforcement is pretty strong so it is worth trying tamales. They are served hot and they are cheap.  People who have sensitive stomachs  (the tamales are s little greasy) should avoid it.

The Pink line is the most convenient way to get there but parking is not that difficult if you come before 12 noon or after 2pm.

Summer Fun: Chicago Cubs Baseball

One of the more popular tourist attractions in Chicago is going to see a baseball game.  The Chicago Cubs play in a very traditional baseball park.

The team’s home stadium, Wrigley Field,  which was built in 1914 and is located in the Central Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago’s north side.  The team plays in the National League Central Division, and in 2005 finished fourth (missing the playoffs) with an overall losing record.  The regular season lasts from the beginning of April, and goes through the end of September.  Over this time, the team will play 162 games, half of which are at home, so there are many opportunities to catch a game in Chicago.  Many people living in the area would agree that summers are made for going to the ballpark to watch the Cubbies play. 

            The Official Website of the Chicago Cubs is a great place to find useful team information such as Standings,  Schedule, and Player Statistics. There is also a link on this site for Buying Tickets. 

Strategy to going and watching a game at Wrigley Field:

Our approach to watching a game at is first to eat before you go!  Food is expensive inside the ballpark.  Second take the train to the game.  There is parking but you will be paying $20 or more for parking and might not be very close.  Use Moovit to get you there.  As your walking to the game from the train, people will be selling tickets and peanuts.  Don't buy tickets because it is against the law and one of the vendors selling tickets could be a policeman in disguise.  So don't do it.  But buy the peanuts!  Eating peanuts is part of the tradition.  You can buy peanuts inside but we like to buy them outside because the sellers outside are poor and could use the help.

Inside the ballpark go to your seat.  The seats are reserved (except bleacher seats).  Bleacher seats by the way are in full sun.  Young people love the bleachers.  The rest of the part has plenty of shade.  The park is close to the lake and the blows stronger so expect the temperature to be a little colder than the rest of the city.

Now eating and drinking while watching the game.  Open the bag of peanuts and break the shell and let the shell fall to the floor.  Yes the floor.  If you are not sitting near the end of the aisle and you want to buy a beer from a passing vendor.  Order beer by yelling, "Beer!" and signaling with one, two or more fingers to tell the vendor how many beers you want.  The vendor will yell the price and you can pass the money to a stranger who will pass it along to the vendor.   Never use the middle finger to signal one.

Game day is a massive party.  We hope you like crowds.  After the game there are many many bars along many of the streets.  Walk inside one of the crowded bars.  Remember drinking agae is 21.  In the United States the drinking age is strictly enforced so don't try if your less than 21.

Want to learn a little about baseball?  Watch this video.

Neighborhood Festivals

A good summer time past time is visiting neighborhood festivals in Chicago and suburbs and nearby cities. Many festivals include local restaurant food, artwork, music and plenty of beer. Many will charge an entrance fee. 

Local block parties are usually only for the people living on that block.  If you Live on the block go ahead and visit, bring some food and meet new people.

Here is a list of some neighborhood festivals:

Timeout Chicago festival info

Link to Chicago Neighborhood festival info

Chicago Chinatown

http://chicagochinatown.org/

An interesting place to go while visiting Chicago is Chinatown.  While not as big as New York's or San Fransisco's the Chicago Chintown is a thriving and growing community that really welcomes tourists.  Large enough to be worth the trip but not so big that your tired walking through it all.  Chicago's Chinatown is a friendly and easy to get to tourist location.  From Galewood, take the number 90 bus south to the Green Line.  Take the Green line train to the Roosevelt Road station. Without changing sides, take the red line train to the Chinatown stop.  You will arrive at the heart of the Chinatown community.

Try Dim Sum for breakfast.  Dim Sum are small plates of all kinds of food, primarily dumplings filled with a variety of meats or other fillings.  Go early to aviod the crowds at the restaurants.  We like to go around 10 am.

After Dim Sum we like going to the local grocery stores for Bok Choy, soups, candy and other Chinese foods.  For tourists there are even hardware stores that sell Chinese cooking utensils like woks, cleavers and other unique utensils.

Visit world famous Frank Lloyd Wright architecture

www.flwright.org

Oak Park, Illinois is home to the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and houses, with 25 structures built between 1889 and 1913. It was in our village that Wright developed and perfected his signature Prairie Style architecture, emphasizing the use of interior light and open spaces in low, earth-hugging buildings. His designs changed the course of 20th century architecture. Many of the Wright houses and buildings in Oak Park and River Forest are registered National Historic Landmarks.

UNESCO World Heritage Nomination

In January 2015, Robie House and Unity Temple were nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with eight other Frank Lloyd Wright sites, by the U. S. Department of the Interior. World Heritage designation is an honorary distinction that identifies sites of outstanding universal value around the world. It does not provide protections but requires that the owners and stewards of the site have made a commitment to its preservation and protection in perpetuity. Robie House is Wright’s definitive expression of the Prairie style and the most forward thinking of all his Prairie houses. Unity Temple's bold design and unconventional materials make it one of Wright's most sophisticated accomplishments. During 2015 UNESCO representatives will conduct an on-site review and a final decision on World Heritage designation will be made in summer 2016.

Trust Site Locations

Trust historic sites are located in five Chicago area locations:

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302

The Rookery Light Court, 209 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604

Unity Temple, 875 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Frederick C. Robie House, 5757 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

Emil Bach House, 7415 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60626

The Bean - must visit

Cloud Gate or more commonly known as "The Bean"

As a traveler you cannot miss visiting the Bean.  Located by Lake Michigan in Downtown Chicago you can visit time of the day, any day of the year.  This impressive piece of sculpture is one of the most visited attractions in Chicago.  Bring a camera and take pictures of yourself, the skyline or the sunset.  It is a fun place to visit, watch people and relax.

Millennium Park

201 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601