Archive for
November, 2007
November 30th, 2007 by jamie a
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Until all of Chicago becomes wireless as hinted at by , here’s a list of wi-fi hotspots to help keep you stay connected while you travel.
As far as hotels go, there’s quite the variety. The offer free wireless, as well as and . If you’re up for meeting new faces, there’s also which welcomes guests of all ages.
For brunch, sandwiches, salads, or coffee, there’s the (featured in the film Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell), with great espresso shots, and with a menu full of exotic Mediterranean flavors and signature smoothies.
If you like to have a couple drinks while you catch up on emails, Chicago also has a wide assortment of pubs that provide free wi-fi. There’s which shows all Great Britain’s football games and serves traditional Irish pub fare and tasty appetizers like Guinness BBQ Wings. At the , you can sample the finest Chicago-crafted ales and lagers with over 10 handcrafted brews on tap every day.
Finish up your day with a visit to a genuine soda-fountain for a shake, float, or a build-you-own sundae. At the , you can savor the only handmade hard-pack ice cream in Chicago all while surfing the ‘net.
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November 29th, 2007 by jamie a
November 22 - December 24
In its 12th year, the brings the traditional German Christmas market to families in Chicago. A favorite of locals, it’s become a Chicago institution to take part in the unique holiday shopping, German food and drinks, and all the holiday entertainment.
November 30 - December 24
Lend a hand to the this season by participating in their leading up to the holidays. The foundation raises awareness and grants wishes for terminally ill adults, much like the Make a Wish Foundation does for children.
Friday, November 30 (7 pm)
For one night only, join the Chicago Art Department for the first ever showing of featuring photography from the 1970s San Francisco Bay Area Scene by Larry Schorr.
Saturday, December 1 (7 pm)
Join the as they celebrate 50 years in Chi-town. At the historic Auditorium Theater, this event features acts like Jeff Tweedy and Bela Fleck and will benefit the school’s education, scholarship, performance, and outreach programs.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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November 28th, 2007 by jamie a
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While you’re touring around the great city of Chicago during this chilly time of year, check out this list of coffee shops to stop in while you’re out and about.
If you’re visiting the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, or the Field Museum, we’d recommend stopping in to the . Cozy up with specialty drinks like the Caramel High Rise, Mint Condition, and the Turtle Mocha. If you’d like some lunch, they also have delicious roasted chicken sandwiches on multi-grain rolls or a turkey cherry pasta salad.
After a stroll through or the Art Institute of Chicago, awaits with a tempting cup o’ joe. Voted by locals as their favorite in the city, it’s great to know that this is also a Chicago-based business. Drink it black or indulge yourself with a delicious mocha or their seasonal “celebration blend.” You can even have your lunchtime break here and enjoy some of their delicious paninis or salads.
Visit the in Lincoln Park and then head over to for a delicious treat. A cute little independently run coffee shop, order an orange coffee and a smoked salmon salad to fill your hungry belly. It’s the type of place to sit in a rocking chair and relax for awhile while you read the local paper.
If you’re in the area, be sure and stop in to the in the basement of Swift Hall where all proceeds benefit the Divinity School and its students. For just $1, you can enjoy a 16 oz. cup of regular or fair trade coffee. Espresso is also $1, and if you stop in on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 10:30 - 11:30 am, you can score a latte or a cappuccino for a dollar as well! (Any other time, they’re only $2) Grab a boxed lunch catered by other local businesses for only $5.25 and join in the intellectually stimulating conversation in this quaint little spot.
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Chicago?
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November 26th, 2007 by susan j
This week we’re hosting the on the Go Chicago Card Blog. If you aren’t familiar with the idea of a blog carnival, then this will be a great opportunity to discover some new travel blogs and see what’s happening in other cities around the world (no plane ticket required). We’ll start with some posts about US destinations and then move further afield…
Mary Jo at blogged about her
wrote about the , offering coffee recommendations in Salem, Massachusetts.
Jon at discussed up the women’s suffrage movement in the US and suggested a visit to the in Washington, DC.
Speaking of museums, Jamie at the wrote about the .
And now, for some blog posts from around the world…
Andrew at submitted a post about describing the various options for a Mediterranean getaway. Sounds like we could all use a little sun this time of year!
wrote about in Mauritius.
described the from Bangkok, Thailand.
Carol at chronicled her recent and compares Lisbon’s cleanliness and eco-consciousness to that of the United States.
Alex’s post about on offered a taste of the holidays down under in Brisbane, Australia.
shared . Great ideas!
offered some tips on .
Sheila at the wrote about .
Kristie at wrote about .
Tomas Dinges at Chile From Within posted about the attack of the new bus system in Santiago, Chile.
Thank you to everyone who contributed blog posts and to last week’s hosts, . Next week’s Carnival will be hosted by , so check it out!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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November 20th, 2007 by susan j
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This year the Air Transport Association predicts that , which is a 4 percent increase over last year. If you’re flying this Thanksgiving, then you’ll want to consult . Today and tomorrow, Travelocity’s Thanksgiving Tack Force will hit 10 of the country’s largest airports to offer frequent updates. As of this writing, there were .
You can even set up so you’ll know the status of your flight and security wait times before you arrive at the airport. Also check out Peter Greenberg’s . Here’s wishing you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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November 19th, 2007 by susan j
Planning a trip to a new destination can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Where will you eat? What will you do on Saturday night? Will you be able to find vegan pastries in an unfamiliar city?
That’s why we’re rolling out a new feature on this blog called “Ask a Travel Expert.” If you have a question about where to stay, what to do, or anything else travel-related, then leave a comment and our team of travel experts will be sure to address it in a future blog post. Happy Travels!
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Chicago?
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November 16th, 2007 by amy c
Photo provided by Macy’s
The holiday season is fast approaching and there is no place like Chicago to take care of everyone on your gift list. Here are some world famous shopping hot-spots to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Known as the “,” Michigan Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. The mile-long stretch offers four different malls and 500 shops. Browse the height of luxury at Tiffany’s or Chanel and enjoy big name brands from Addidas to to .
Like almost every girl, I love to shop–especially to the sounds of Christmas music. But, I am by no means a marathon shopper. Just the thought of mile long stretch of stores both excites me and has my feet aching and stomach growling. Fortunately, the area is speckled with fine dining where you can recharge after working up an appetite swiping that credit card. Try the for some Southern comfort food, such as jambalaya and gumbo.
To experience holiday spirit at its height and get some serious shopping done, head to the former Marshall Field’s Department store. now owns the store, and it retains the old-fashioned charm and holiday cheer of years past. Macy’s offers an unforgettable glimpse at the ghosts of shopping’s past. This season, the store celebrates the centennial of famed icons, including the picturesque Tiffany Ceiling and Walnut Room. Refuel your shopping energy with delicious food or tea in the Walnut Room.
Also on State Street, is Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, and Aldo–the perfect destinations for the kids or teens on your list. Affordable and trendy, these stores will make you a hit with all the fashionistas on your list. Urban Outfitters offers great stocking stuffers that definitely beat the toothpaste and floss that make their way into my stocking year after year. (more…)
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Chicago?
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November 15th, 2007 by jamie a
Saturday, November 17 (11 am -10 pm)
Sunday, November 18 (all day)
, a 40 year old Chicago tradition, will be illuminated this weekend to kick off the holiday season! There will be live music, an attempt to break the world’s record for largest holiday carol, mini cheesecake decorating, and a grand fireworks show emceed by Mickey Mouse at 6:55 pm. This event will also be broadcast live on ABC 7 Chicago.
Saturday, November 17 (10 am - 6 pm)
Show your support for independent crafters at the . Get your holiday shopping done by picking up unique gifts for all your friends and family with everything from jewelry to kitchen gadgets and zines.
Saturday, November 17 - Sunday, November 18 (10 am - 6 pm)
Bring out your inner child at the . Meet inventors, test out new and upcoming toys, and participate in game tournaments with some of the world’s best players!
Sunday, November 18 (11 am - 4 pm)
At the , you can enjoy some great shopping and delicious treats all while supporting the Red Door Animal Shelter. This no-kill facility provides cats, dogs, and rabbits a cage-less life, offering them the closest experience to living in a home as they can. With 10 artisans selling their creations, you’re sure to find something to take home and cherish.
Sunday, November 18 (3 pm)
Come and be amazed by , two of Chicago’s exceptionally talented young orchestras, at their Fall Showcase. Don’t miss this grand show of up-and-coming musical talent!
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Chicago?
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November 14th, 2007 by jamie a
Experience the amazing collision between rock and roll music and contemporary art as depicted in
The Museum of Contemporary Art examines the intersection of rock and roll and visual art through music videos, album art, and works of art themselves. See the impact of music on the fine arts, especially prevalent with Andy Warhol’s involvement in producing the album The Velvet Underground and Nico in 1967. Explore recent album covers by Slater Bradley, Raymond Pettibon, and Mike Kelley created for modern bands, and discuss how musicians like John Lennon, Peter Townsend, and Bryan Ferry came from art school backgrounds.
For special events related to this exhibit, join the museum for the last session of on November 14 and then the on December 8 where children can explore their own connections between art and music for free!
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Chicago?
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November 13th, 2007 by susan j
Mickey Mouse lights more than one million lights along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive, culminating in a magnificent fireworks show over the Chicago River for The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris. Photo by Stanley Wlodkowski.
This weekend marks the 16th annual . Extending from the Chicago River to Oak Street, the Magnificent Mile (aka North Michigan Avenue) is one of Chicago’s main thoroghfares between the Loop and the Gold Coast. In honor of the holiday season, the street will be illuminated with more than one million lights.
From the lighting procession led by Mickey Mouse to musical performances by KT Turnstall and Sister Hazel, this year’s festival promises plenty of family-friendly fun and entertainment. Here’s a glimpse at what to expect if you go (the lighting procession will also be broadcast nationally on ABC):
11 am - 7 pm Lights Festival Lane features booths including the Southwest Airlines Mitten Tree, “Christmas around the World” with The Museum of Science and Industry, and more.
5 pm Live holiday street entertainment along the Avenue
6 pm Lighting procession led by Mickey Mouse
6:55 pm Fireworks display over the Chicago River
.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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