The upcoming week brings two great festivals to downtown. The 25th Annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest along Dearborn Street June 6th and 7th is the largest free literary event in the Midwest. It features new, used, antiquarian and specialty books for sale, author readings and signings, panel discussions, storytelling for kids and more. Gospel Fest returns to Grant Park on June 6th and 7th from 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. This is one of the largest Gospel festivals and features live music, food, drink, along with arts and crafts. Not to mention it is free admission… If Gospel Music isn’t your scene, the House of Blues will feature the Crystal Method June 8th and Ziggy Marley will have a kids show June 14th.
I’m sad to say the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup will not be in Chicago – but there are many places to view the games and plenty of drinks to forget that the Chicago teams were eliminated. Although, baseball is the savior as the Cubs and White Sox are in town. The Cubs will host the Twins June 12th – 14th at Wrigley Field. The White Sox will have 11 consecutive home games at US Cellular Field: June 1st thru 4th against Oakland, June 5th thru 7th against Cleveland, and June 8th thru 11th against Detroit. Our Concierge Team will be happy to assist you with tickets to any game (even if it isn’t in Chicago) or a recommendation for a place to view it.
For a more cultural experience, the Summer smARTshow will be at the Flat Iron building in Wicker Park June 5th and 6th. Browse the work of more than 100 artists as you tour resident artist studios and living spaces as well as guest artist exhibits throughout the building. Follow that up with lunch at the Earwax Café – a carnival style restaurant with a multiethnic, mostly vegetarian menu of breakfast, salads and sandwiches. Have dessert at iCream, a newly opened ice cream shop where you can customize every scoop of your sundae from the type of milk to the coloring.
For those of us with little ones, consider heading to Oz Park, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, on Saturday June 6th for their annual Chalk Festival. See artists transform the sidewalk into images of Rembrandt and the Mona Lisa. You can also purchase your own “square” of sidewalk for $10 (includes chalk). The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the more energetic kids, head to the Lincoln Park Zoo on June 7th for the United Run for the Zoo. Choose from either a 5 or 10K run or 5K walk – for anyone under 10 years of age they have a free Giraffe Gallop ranging from 50 yards to ¼ mile that passes by the lions, zebras, and kangaroos – proceeds go to fund the habitat of the zoo animals.
Lastly, after a long day of running, chalking, interpreting art, listening to music, watching the game or indulging in ice cream, head back to the hotel and let us organize any in-room spa treatment you wish – from manicures/pedicures, facials, massage and more.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Mission Impossible: The Picnic
Memorial Day, the official kick off of summer, is finally upon us. Nothing beats a good picnic in the park with some hotdogs and barbeque. Although, if you try that in Grant Park the wonderful Chicago Police might have something to say about it. Instead, head out on a mission in search of your ideal Memorial Day picnic experience.
Objective 1: The Celebration
The annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 23rd at 12 p.m. (noon) along State Street. This is one of the largest in the country and has almost 10,000 participants. The festivities begin at Daley Plaza and the parade proceeds south on State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street.
Objective 2: The Food
The Weiner Circle and Hot Doug’s keep the Chicago hotdog tradition alive. The Weiner Circle has rude and rowdy staff, but serves some of the best dogs in town. Just don’t ask for ketchup. Hot Doug’s is a more eclectic hotdog/sausage emporium with menu items such as The Kiera Knightly, a mighty hot fire dog, and The Elvis, a smoked and savory sausage just like the king. The one item that sets them apart is their fries, which are cooked in duck fat (only Friday/Saturday). The Weiner Circle is open 11 a.m. until 4 a.m. everyday and Hot Doug’s 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday thru Saturday (closed 5/25/09).
If you rather get sauced, hop on the train and take it to Honky Tonk BBQ in Pilsen or Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park. Honky Tonk BBQ is just like it sounds, a country western barbeque restaurant with music and even a barn door. They recently took 3rd place in the pork shoulder category at the 2008 Memphis World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. As for Smoke Daddy, it is located in the heart of Wicker Park and mixes live Rhythm and Blues music with some of the finest barbeque in the city. “The Daddy” has been featured on the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Rachel Rays Tasty Travels.
Objective 3: The Entertainment
The Chicago Blackhawk’s return to the United Center on May 22nd and May 24th for two home games against the Detroit Red Wings. Baseball is in full swing with the Chicago Whitesox at US Cellular Field May 19th – 24th and Cubs at Wrigley Field May 25th – 31st.
By the end of the mission you’ll have an ideal picnic without having to explain how the fire started…
Objective 1: The Celebration
The annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 23rd at 12 p.m. (noon) along State Street. This is one of the largest in the country and has almost 10,000 participants. The festivities begin at Daley Plaza and the parade proceeds south on State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street.
Objective 2: The Food
The Weiner Circle and Hot Doug’s keep the Chicago hotdog tradition alive. The Weiner Circle has rude and rowdy staff, but serves some of the best dogs in town. Just don’t ask for ketchup. Hot Doug’s is a more eclectic hotdog/sausage emporium with menu items such as The Kiera Knightly, a mighty hot fire dog, and The Elvis, a smoked and savory sausage just like the king. The one item that sets them apart is their fries, which are cooked in duck fat (only Friday/Saturday). The Weiner Circle is open 11 a.m. until 4 a.m. everyday and Hot Doug’s 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday thru Saturday (closed 5/25/09).
If you rather get sauced, hop on the train and take it to Honky Tonk BBQ in Pilsen or Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park. Honky Tonk BBQ is just like it sounds, a country western barbeque restaurant with music and even a barn door. They recently took 3rd place in the pork shoulder category at the 2008 Memphis World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. As for Smoke Daddy, it is located in the heart of Wicker Park and mixes live Rhythm and Blues music with some of the finest barbeque in the city. “The Daddy” has been featured on the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Rachel Rays Tasty Travels.
Objective 3: The Entertainment
The Chicago Blackhawk’s return to the United Center on May 22nd and May 24th for two home games against the Detroit Red Wings. Baseball is in full swing with the Chicago Whitesox at US Cellular Field May 19th – 24th and Cubs at Wrigley Field May 25th – 31st.
By the end of the mission you’ll have an ideal picnic without having to explain how the fire started…
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Music of Politics
The summer festival season official starts on Friday with the 14th Annual Chicago Mayfest in the Lakeview neighborhood. The three day festival is full of food, drink, live music (including a U2 tribute band), arts and crafts, and even a pet parade on Sunday. It is a great way to start summertime and get a taste of the local fare.
If a concert is what you’re looking for, R&B artist India Arie will be at the House of Blues on May 17th and Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen is back at the United Center on May12th for a sold out show – but we can still get tickets. The Chicago Blues Fest is a widely popular event in mid June; the city and Blues University have created the Chicago Blues Tour this May 16th which is a preview and features 8 bands at 7 different off-the-beaten-path and classic lounges.
In the political spirit of Chicago, Bobby’s Bike Hike now offers a guided tour of Hyde Park, President Barack Obama’s former stomping ground, and stops at his favorite restaurant the Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop. After the tour, head to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for “Rod Blagojevich Superstar!”. This show takes inspiration from classics such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell” and mixes it with our wonderful government. Rod and Patricia take the role of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene, while the apostles appear as Roland Burris, Patrick Fitzgerald, Dick Mell and Lisa Madigan. It’s a great way to experience Chicago politics without the corruption, lawsuits and court orders.
If a concert is what you’re looking for, R&B artist India Arie will be at the House of Blues on May 17th and Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen is back at the United Center on May12th for a sold out show – but we can still get tickets. The Chicago Blues Fest is a widely popular event in mid June; the city and Blues University have created the Chicago Blues Tour this May 16th which is a preview and features 8 bands at 7 different off-the-beaten-path and classic lounges.
In the political spirit of Chicago, Bobby’s Bike Hike now offers a guided tour of Hyde Park, President Barack Obama’s former stomping ground, and stops at his favorite restaurant the Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop. After the tour, head to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for “Rod Blagojevich Superstar!”. This show takes inspiration from classics such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Godspell” and mixes it with our wonderful government. Rod and Patricia take the role of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene, while the apostles appear as Roland Burris, Patrick Fitzgerald, Dick Mell and Lisa Madigan. It’s a great way to experience Chicago politics without the corruption, lawsuits and court orders.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Flautas and Flowers
Cinco de Mayo is always a great celebration in Chicago and many restaurants and bars offer specials on traditional Mexican food and drink. Even though it falls on a Tuesday, there are a few options if you really want to party or just relax and enjoy the festivities.
For a more authentic celebration and cuisine head to the heart of Pilsen, Chicago’s Latino neighborhood on 18th Street. There you will find plenty of places to celebrate, including favorites like Taqueria El Miagro, excellent home-style fare, La Cebollita Grill, delicious tamales, and Taqueria Casa del Pueblo. If you'd rather have a more stylish and swanky Cinco de Mayo with plenty of tequila and mini sombreros, check out Carnivale in the Warehouse District or Salud Tequila Bar in Wicker Park. Either one will make your Tuesday much more interesting.
For those of us who are sports fanatics, the next two weeks are going to be wonderful. The Blackhawks return to the United Center against the Canucks on May 5th and 7th for their playoff games. The Chicago Cubs are at Wrigley May 12th – 17th against the Padres and Astros. The Chicago Whitesox are at US Cellular Field May 6th – 10th against the Tigers and Rangers. Our Concierge Team can always find tickets to any event, but the hotdog and drink are extra.
If you are having trouble navigating your stroller through the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave., there are a few places that you might want to consider. Lincoln Park is just a short distance from the hotel and features three great attractions: The Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The zoo is always free, not many places in Chicago are these days, and has everything from apes to giraffes and even a large carousel. The Conservatory holds plenty of flowers, plants and shrubs that create a great sense of spring, even if the weather doesn’t. Finally, the Nature Museum is a wonderful place for children to run and play. They have plenty of exhibits on turtles, snakes, fish and even a large indoor butterfly habitat with over 300 different species. It’s fun, educational and in the end will make them very tired.
So, go out and enjoy springtime and all its festivities, even on a Tuesday.
For a more authentic celebration and cuisine head to the heart of Pilsen, Chicago’s Latino neighborhood on 18th Street. There you will find plenty of places to celebrate, including favorites like Taqueria El Miagro, excellent home-style fare, La Cebollita Grill, delicious tamales, and Taqueria Casa del Pueblo. If you'd rather have a more stylish and swanky Cinco de Mayo with plenty of tequila and mini sombreros, check out Carnivale in the Warehouse District or Salud Tequila Bar in Wicker Park. Either one will make your Tuesday much more interesting.
For those of us who are sports fanatics, the next two weeks are going to be wonderful. The Blackhawks return to the United Center against the Canucks on May 5th and 7th for their playoff games. The Chicago Cubs are at Wrigley May 12th – 17th against the Padres and Astros. The Chicago Whitesox are at US Cellular Field May 6th – 10th against the Tigers and Rangers. Our Concierge Team can always find tickets to any event, but the hotdog and drink are extra.
If you are having trouble navigating your stroller through the hustle and bustle of Michigan Ave., there are a few places that you might want to consider. Lincoln Park is just a short distance from the hotel and features three great attractions: The Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The zoo is always free, not many places in Chicago are these days, and has everything from apes to giraffes and even a large carousel. The Conservatory holds plenty of flowers, plants and shrubs that create a great sense of spring, even if the weather doesn’t. Finally, the Nature Museum is a wonderful place for children to run and play. They have plenty of exhibits on turtles, snakes, fish and even a large indoor butterfly habitat with over 300 different species. It’s fun, educational and in the end will make them very tired.
So, go out and enjoy springtime and all its festivities, even on a Tuesday.
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