About Susan J
Susan J., budget traveler extraordinaire, inherited her Yankee frugality from her mother and it has served her well on trips across the US and the UK. Whether scoping out the nightlife scene or searching for that perfect pair of shoes, Susan loves writing and travel. She has lived outside of Seattle, Washington, and in Boston, Massachusetts and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She recently returned from a trip to Hawaii, where she made full use of her Go Oahu Card!
Blog posts written by Susan J
November 5th, 2007 by susan j
Chicago’s Field Museum
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Last week Chicago’s Field Museum opened a new exhibit called “Maps: Finding Our Place in the World,” which is part of Chicago’s citywide Festival of Maps (click for the full calendar of events).
As the Festival’s points out, maps offer insight into the historical period in which they were created. Chicago’s rapid development in the nineteenth century appears in a series of maps from that period. Other maps portray Chicago’s politically charged history of segregation. More contemporary maps reveal the proposed plans for the 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago. offers more details on this fascinating new exhibit.
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October 31st, 2007 by susan j
A few weeks ago, we blogged about Halloween happenings in the Chicago area (click here if you missed it), but today I’d like to share a few other Halloween-themed items from around the blogosphere:
In case you still need a costume, the shares some inexpensive (but highly original) costume ideas . Matt B. over at recommends , which he calls “an outlandish boutique in the heart of Boystown.”
The homegrown Chicago site offers more suggestions with its “” But if you’d prefer to have a quiet, low-key night (after all, it IS a Wednesday), then listen to Chicago Public Radio’s . Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!
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October 30th, 2007 by susan j
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Right now I’m reading Devil in the White City, which chronicles the architects and other personalities behind the Chicago World’s Fair (highly recommended read, by the way). Back in 1893, visitors flocked to Jackson Park to marvel at the impressive, classically-inspired buildings designed by Daniel Burnham and his team of architects.
Nowadays, visitors go to the Chicago ArchiCenter (also designed by Daniel Burnham) to learn about Chicago’s world-class buildings. The ArchiCenter offers walking tours and also has several notable events coming up, so click here to view their program calendar.
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October 29th, 2007 by susan j
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The drinks just got a bit more interesting at the with the launch of a new beverage initiative at Hilton Hotels in Austin, Chicago, New York, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco.
Tony Abou-Ganim, aka , has created 20 new cocktails inspired by his jet-setting travels across Thailand, Mexico, France, Brazil, and more. Some of Tony’s most famous drinks include the Sao Paolo Samba and Road to Hana, but his signature cocktail is the Cable Car, which he created for the Starlight Room in San Francisco. Now when you’re hitting the hotel bar after a full day of sightseeing, you’ll have more exciting options than a G & T or the house red. Cheers!
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Chicago?
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October 24th, 2007 by susan j
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If you’re a frequent flyer, then you’ve probably encountered your share of cramped or lavatory-adjacent airplane seats. Enter SeatGuru. This super-cool travel site was purchased by TripAdvisor earlier this year and features detailed seating charts and inflight amenities for dozens of airplanes and airplane models so that travelers can make more informed decisions about choosing their flight or seat assignment. Now that’s what I call flying the friendly skies!
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Chicago?
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October 23rd, 2007 by susan j
Brunch at North Pond Restaurant
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If you’re preparing for a busy day of sightseeing, you’ll want a hearty breakfast to give you plenty of energy for the day ahead. Here are some of our picks arranged by neighborhood:
Andersonville: Pauline’s motto is “where quality meets quantity,” and locals flock to this family-owned diner for its generous portions and friendly atmosphere. Start your day off right with a 5 egg omelet (they have over a dozen different variations) or their trifecta of pancakes: one banana, one blueberry, and one strawberry. Then start burning off that breakfast with a short walk to the Swedish American Museum Center.
Lincoln Park: North Pond Restaurant offers a more formal breakfast option with its three course brunch including French toast topped with peaches and cognac, goat cheese frittata, and other mouthwatering menu items. Since the restaurant sits right in Lincoln Park, it’s an easy walk to the Notebaert Nature Museum or the Lincoln Park Zoo afterwards.
The Loop: 312 Chicago offers an upscale brunch option with delicious menu items like the Grilled Ribeye Sandwich or the Brioche French Toast with warm banana and walnut compote. After brunch, set off for a Grayline sightseeing tour or visit the Sears Tower Sky Deck.
Magnificent Mile: Bistro 110 is a Chicago favorite. Begin with a Bistro Bellini, a juicy combination of French white peach purée and champagne, then choose from a delicious selection of frittatas, French toast, and more. Or choose the 30-course prix fixe brunch for $22.95. The Hancock Observatory and the Museum of Contemporary Art are both nearby.
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October 22nd, 2007 by susan j
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Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (pictured above) has some exciting new exhibits coming up. Here’s an overview:
Now through January 6, 2008, MSI presents Star Wars: Where Science, which includes more than 80 movie artifacts, an engineering design lab, and more. Visitors can also watch interviews with filmmakers, scientists, and engineers.
Starting November 16 and running through January 6, 2008, the MSI presents two other exhibits that will be included in museum admission. National Geographic Maps: Tools for Adventure will cover the world of maps and explorers. Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light will include more than 50 dazzling trees decorated by members of Chicago’s ethnic communities!
While in the neighborhood, you might also check out the Frederick C. Robie House.
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Chicago?
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October 19th, 2007 by susan j
Wolfy’s Hot Dog Stand on Peterson Avenue
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As part of their series “America’s Favorite Cities,” Travel + Leisure published a list of where to get the best hot dogs in Chicago. Read it here.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 17th, 2007 by susan j
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Looking for things to do in Chicago this October? Look no further, because here’s a round-up of Halloween-themed activities in and around Chicago.
October 20-21 and 27-28
Brookfield Zoo presents Boo at the Zoo, featuring a costume parade, a haunted house, jack-o-lantern demonstrations, and more!
October 24-31
Navy Pier offers fireworks and other festivities as part of Navy Fear at Navy Pier. Ghostly Gardens features kid-friendly activities like inflatable rides, games, and more.
October 26-28
Millennium Park hosts a free family-friendly program called Spooky Stories Haunt the Park.
October 26-27
Shedd Aquarium hosts Spooky Seas, which includes costume contests, trick-or-treating, and a chance to sleep over at the aquarium!
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Chicago?
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October 15th, 2007 by susan j
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Completed in 2004, Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s newest landmarks. This 24.5 acre stretch of land features an ice skating rink, contemporary sculptures and art, and a 4,000-seat bandstand designed by Frank Gehry. The park is a must-see for those visiting Chicago. If you’d like a low-cost way to see the sites, then you might like to take a free . Through the end of October, Millennium Park greeters offer tours daily at 10 am and 2 pm. Tours meet at the Welcome Center.
Millennium Park also offers free audio tours which you can download to your MP3 player if you prefer to explore at your own pace. While in the area, also check out the Art Institute of Chicago.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
