About Jamie A
In addition to writing and taking photos during her trips, Jamie loves to find hidden gems, cheap eats, and kitschy Americana attractions. She hails from Oil City, Pennsylvania, went to college in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, studied abroad in Norwich, England, and moved to Boston in May of 2007. She also enjoys writing poetry and lyric essays, reading lots of books, being a foodie, listening to girl group tunes from the 1960s, crafting, and dinner parties with her friends.
Blog posts written by Jamie A
January 29th, 2008 by jamie a
Ice Sculpture in Chicago Photo uploaded by
For the entire month of February, to brighten up the winter. A fellow blogger over at Chicago Hot Blog posted about the event, which is part of Millennium Park’s Winter Festival.
The sculpture will be completed by Canadian artist Gordon Halloran and is part of his “Paintings Below Zero” series. He will also embed an abstract painting onto the park’s ice skating rink, making for an awesome skating experience.
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January 25th, 2008 by jamie a
‘The Three Graces’ at the Garfield Park Conservatory Photo uploaded by
Here’s a recent reader question we received:
I am visiting Chicago between April 17-20th. 2008. What local eateries and/or shopping do you recommend? I am also looking for second hand stores…what should I wear? What do I need to see and what is a tourist trap?
Thanks, Jenn
Since we love those who read and comment on our blog, here’s a bunch of places that are sure to make your trip memorable, Jenn!
For the best in second-hand, check out in Wicker Park. It’s well-organized and has everything from racks of delightful clothing to knick-knacks and housewares of an era long gone. They’re open to bargaining, so get your game face on! There’s also , right on the same street as Brown Elephant Resale! Known for their friendly staff and an “edited mix of truly wearable pieces,” you should certainly check it out.
Last, but definitely not least, is in Ravenswood. They’ve got a crazy selection of funky accessories and scores of brands like Banana Republic, Lux (a la Urban Outfitters), and Diane von Furstenburg. Other thrifting options include and for edgier fashion and works from avant-garde designers.
After all that shopping, you’re bound to be hungry, so check out , a true Chicago institution. Since 1948, it’s been serving up the best ‘Chicago-style dawgs’ you’ll ever find. is another favorite, creating delicious desserts since 1911. You can even check out !
For unconventional stops on your trip, locals love escaping to the to step into a majestic rainforest full of botanical wonders. End your evening with some great laughs at , where stars like Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and Mike Myers got their start.
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Chicago?
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January 24th, 2008 by jamie a
Through January 27
Check out the final days of at the Field Museum.
Thursday, January 24 (8:15 pm)
at the Gene Siskel Film Center. A screening will also take place on Sunday, January 27 at 5:30 pm.
Friday, January 25- Saturday, January 26
The Jazz Institute of Chicago presents complete with live music on Friday and cinema jazz on Saturday at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Tuesday, January 29 (7 pm)
Head over to the Border’s on North Michigan Avenue to meet , host of NPR’s This American Life. He’ll be discussing the radio and television versions of the show, along with a DVD signing.
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Chicago?
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January 21st, 2008 by jamie a
Chicago Transit Cards Photo uploaded by
If you’re up for a bit of exploration on a road less-traveled in the Windy City, pick up the “Small Snack” map series from artist Ryan Maconochie.
The maps were created to send adventurers on a more eclectic path around the city, encouraging visits to Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village, and the East Village. The map includes the best things “to eat, drink, and do” for those who are up for changing their routines.
In addition to the “Small Snack” series, there’s also a map of the Marina City & Environs, where Ryan has plotted out 8 bars to visit, making for a fabulous pub crawl.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
January 18th, 2008 by jamie a
Gene Siskel Center Photo uploaded by Michael L.
From January 4 through the 28th, the Gene Siskel Center presents Iconoclassics!: Cult Comedy Stars of the 1930s with ten films featuring everyone from Harpo Marx to Mae West.
From vaudeville to Broadway and finally the big screen, these stars worked their way into the hearts of audiences everywhere. You can enjoy films like Animal Crackers, The Bank Dick, Monkey Business, and I’m No Angel.
Plus, general admission tickets at only $7, so have a grand time at the movies!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
January 17th, 2008 by jamie a
January 11- February 29
The Critical Mass Art Show features Pro-Bike and Anti-Car art from local Chicago artists. Held at the Mercury Cafe, the event is free and promotes eco-friendly transportation by bicycle to slow down the damage that’s being done to our planet.
January 15- February 24
Join Chicago’s Caffeine Theatre at the Chicago Cultural Center for the world premiere of Like the Moon Behind the Clouds, an adaptation of an Italian memoir by Carla Vasio, chronicling her journey from Rome to Tokyo.
Saturday, January 19 (7:30 pm)
Sunday, January 20 ( 3 pm)
Head over to the Auditorium Theatre for Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah and hear Handel like you never heard him before! The Chicago Tribune calls this annual hit “hotter than hot!”
Monday, January 21 (12:30 - 3:30 pm)
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the Art Institute of Chicago as they present stories of peace and justice, read by Gwen Hilary and musical accompaniment by Enoch Williamson. There will also be a craft workshop where guests can create a “peace pinwheel.”
Tuesday, January 22 (8 pm)
Elevation, a U2 tribute band, plays a free concert at Navy Pier. Be one of the first 250 people to visit the Navy Pier Box Office beginning at 6 pm on the 22nd for free admission to the U2 3D premiere following the concert.
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Chicago?
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January 15th, 2008 by jamie a
Chicago’s Navy Pier
Photo uploaded by David G
The newest offering from the Navy Pier IMAX theater in Chicago is U23D, which brings the story of U2 to the big screen. It’s the world’s first ever live action 3D concert film, giving theater-goers an amazing musical experience.
Premiering on January 22, the film has been called “transcendent” by Esquire magazine and requires viewers to wear polarized 3-D glasses to view the film. You can read more about the film’s amazing production on the National Geographic site, the distributor of the film.
According to the buzz surrounding the film and its production, it is being called “the future of concert films” by the Toronto Star.
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Chicago?
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January 14th, 2008 by jamie a
The Chicago Theatre
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The Chicago Theatre is a genuine landmark of the Windy City’s downtown. Opened on October 26, 1921 and built specifically for showing the great silent films of the era, it was known as “the Wonder Theatre of the World!”
Built in a French Baroque style, the theatre was the first lavish movie palace in America and inspired many more theatres to be built in its style. Taking inspiration for its own construction from the Paris Opera House and the Royal Chapel of Versailles, the theatre calls to mind the opulent style of French architecture.
After playing 40 years of incredible shows, the theatre was a victim of the lagging economy and could no longer afford to stay open. It closed in September of 1989.
Luckily for us, the Chicago Theatre Restoration Associates decided to undertake a complete remodeling of the theatre in 1986, culminating in a nine-month multi-million dollar project. It reopened in September of 1986 with a performance by Frank Sinatra.
To experience the architecture and rich history of the Chicago Theatre, Direct from their website, here’s the tour schedule:
April 1 - September 30: Weekly tours take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 12pm
October 1 - March 31: Weekly tours take place every Tuesday at 12pm
Saturday tours are currently scheduled for: January 20 and February 16
Saturday tours occur on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 11am and 12pm. Tours will begin promptly on the hour. When possible, Saturday tours will feature a demonstration on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
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Chicago?
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January 11th, 2008 by jamie a
Chicago’s Chinatown
Photo uploaded by
While you’re in the Windy City this February, be sure and check out all the amazing events in town celebrating the Chinese New Year.
began developing in the late 1870s, but the real surge of people came in the 1950s and 1960s due to the communist revolution in China. Chicago currently holds the title of third largest Chinatown in the United States.
This February 10th at 1 pm, the kicks off the celebration with the Lunar New Year Parade. There will be floats, marching bands, lion teams, the newly crowned Miss Chinatown and Miss Friendship Ambassador, as well as a 100 ft mystical dragon.
This guide to has more details, including information on a Lunar Celebration Luncheon entitled “Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Asian American Women in Science & Technology in Illinois.” This is a great tradition in the community, usually attracting over 300 attendants from local influential businessmen to community leaders.
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Chicago?
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January 10th, 2008 by jamie a
Friday, January 11 (2- 2:30 pm)
Take a closer look at at the Art Institute of Chicago. Learn the history behind the painting, including its impact on the Chicago neighborhood of Bronzeville.
Through Sunday, January 13
Be sure and check out the final days of the for some big time laughs with friends.
Friday, January 11 (7 pm)
Border’s Books & Music hosts the Pulitzer-Prize winning author , the editor of a new book of love stories, My Mistress’s Sparrow is Dead. Compiled from authors such as Miranda July and Vladimir Nabokov, this collection is sure to be amazing.
Friday, January 11 (9:30 pm)
The famed House of Blues presents , who plays a mix of rock, blues, and jazz tunes. Southwest Blues magazine says, “…Albert Cummings is the major new talent in pop-oriented blues-rock…meaningful lyrics, catchy and untraditional rhythms, plus the right amount of crankin’ and screechin’ electric guitar.”
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
