Tag Archives: exploring

Celebrate The Season With Chicago’s Holiday Events

Posted on December 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

2012_12_1_holiday
[Photo Credit: ejrfoto]

If you haven’t noticed, Chicago is dressed in holiday style. While we love reveling in the city’s seasonal splendor, it’s easy to be distracted by frenzy of shopping, travel, and ugly sweater appearances. Don’t let the most wonderful time of the year come and go without enjoying some of the city’s holiday events.
Read the full  event roundup on Chicagoist.

What are your favorite Chicago holiday traditions?

For Further Exploration
Break the Ice and Skate This Winter – Chicago Ice Rink Schedule
A Winter’s Tale: Chicago City Hall Holiday Concert Series
A Winter’s Tale: Ice Skating in Millennium Park
A Winter’s Tale: Lincoln Park ZooLights

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slightly insulting chicago neighborhood posters

Posted on July 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

“So you’re a hipster?” This is the most common response I receive when asked what Chicago neighborhood I live in. Referred to as a “city of neighborhoods, the distinct personalities of Chicago’s 200 neighborhoods (in 77 community areas) are integral to the city’s DNA. Between cultural and historical heritage, roots in industry and immigration, and contemporary reclamation the span of Chicago’s community associations is as great as the range of residents.

Slightly Insulting Chicago Posters highlights the ‘hood qualities on which we lovingly call our neighbors out. Each poster takes on Chicago stereotypes in stylish satire. More neighborhood posters are in the works, and will soon be available on Etsy, so whether you’re a Roscoe Village stroller-pusher, Lincoln Park frat boy, or Pilsen, you know, Mexican you’ll be able to rep your neighborhood pride in print.

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love letters to cleveland

Posted on May 31, 2012 | 3 Comments

“Would you ever move back to Cleveland?” I’m asked this fairly often by people wearing a half-smirk, half-scoff. Confusion and distrust appear as I always answer, “Absolutely.”

It isn’t always easy to convey the considerable merits of my much-maligned hometown to an outsider; but no matter, we’re not out to convert the masses. Yet, Cleveland native and Iron Chef, Michael Symon’s recently published Love Letter to Cleveland so ardently articulates the feeling so many of us have for the city, I’m moved to share it here.

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Posted in cleveland, events, exploring, impressions, link love

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cleveland summer 2012 events guide

Posted on May 18, 2012 | 1 Comment

What is there to do in Cleveland? I hear this question all the time, and the answer is you don’t have to look too far. Growing up in Cleveland, my parents whisked us to every festival, performance, historic site, powwow, and breathtaking view around – I owe them for my love of exploration.

Summer is an especially vibrant time in Northeastern Ohio, and some would argue it begins the first shorts-wearing day when the lake-effect temps climb above 40°. To kick off an excellent C-town summer, I teamed up with my friend Tracy, an incredible Cleveland-based photographer, to highlight your must-dos in the coming months. Check out our suggestions, featuring photography by Tracy, and have a fantastic summer Cleveland!

Cleveland Indians
Ranked first place in the American League Central Division, it’s time to pay a visit to the Jake and see your Indians in action.  We recommend taking in the Tribe on a Dollar Dog Night for the quintessential ballpark experience.
After all, What If?

 
 

Hessler Street Fair: May 19-20
With drum circles, poetry readings, and all of the “eclectic” art and merchandise you can imagine, the Hessler Street Fair is one of our favorites. Since 1969, the University Circle area fair has raised funds for the preservation of the neighborhood, a designated Cleveland landmark site.

  

Tremont Farmer’s Market: May 1 – Oct. 30
Get a fresh taste of Cleveland in Tremont’s Lincoln Park every Tuesday evening from 4-7 pm for local agriculture, live music, and chef demos.

     

Blossom Time Festival: May 24 – 28
Over 100,000 attendees will visit Chagrin Falls this Memorial Day weekend for the 56th Blossom Time festival. Hosted by the volunteer Chagrin Valley Jaycees, the festival includes a carnival, 5K, pageant, hot air balloon races over the Chagrin Valley, and the Taste of Chagrin, culminating in a parade on Sunday.

 

Tremont Greek Festival: May 25 – 28
Explore Greek cuisine, music, and dancing in Tremont at this annual Hellenic celebration. Toast with Greek beer and baklava as the Annunciation Church celebrates its 100th anniversary.

River Front Irish Festival: June 8 – 10
Everyone is Irish more than one day a year at this free Cuyahoga Falls festival. Stroll along the Cuyahoga River and enjoy an Irish Marketplace, three stages of entertainment, a 5K, and Sunday mass.

Wade Oval Wednesdays: June 13 – Aug. 29
Check out live jazz, classical, or swing bands amid Cleveland’s University Circle cultural institutions each Wednesday. The performances, food tastings, and beverage gardens run from 6-9 pm and many museums offer extended hours.

  

 

Clifton Arts & Music Fest: June 16
The Clifton Arts and Musicfest highlights art and multicultural music and food in the Cudell/Edgewater neighborhood. Ranging from a juried art competition to featured local pieces and crafts for kids, this fest offers art for any palette.

Larchmere PorchFest: June 23
Bring a chair and a cooler to hang out in someone’s front yard and enjoy local live music. 30 bands perform on 30 porches in the Larchmere neighborhood, allowing you to stroll the area and take in Cleveland’s sights and sounds.

Crocker Bark
Outdoor shopping emporium Crocker Park hosts several events throughout the summer including movies in the park, farmer’s markets, and pet-friendly events.

 
 

Cleveland Pride Festival: June 23
Cleveland Pride has grown larger and prouder in each of its 24 years, and the spectrum will only shine more as Cleveland gears up to host the Gay Games in 2014. Join Cleveland’s LGBT community and allies in a parade, rally, and festival on the lake at Voinovich Bicentennial Park.

Burning River Fest: July 12-22
Out of the flames of the infamous 1969 Cuyahoga River burning rose a renewal of local eco-consciousness, not to mention a hell of a beer. Part educational and part entertainment, Burning River Fest’s proceeds benefit the sustainable future of area waterways. Cleveland celeb, Great Lakes Brewing Company Christmas Ale, also makes a rare summer appearance!

Cuyahoga County Fair: Aug 6 – 12
Since 1893, the Cuyahoga County fair has brought visitors together to socialize, celebrate, and display their wares in Berea. The fair features everything from the classic farm animals, midway rides, and agricultural competitions to a demolition derby, pig racing, and gummy worm eating contests.

 
 

Feast of the Assumption: Aug 15 – 18
The Feast is the festival of festivals of the Cleveland summer scene. This street party highlights the best of Little Italy; and whether or not you make it for the street procession to Holy Rosary Church you won’t leave without sampling some cavatelli or cannoli.

  

MADE IN THE 216: June 15 – 17
A curated shopping event that features Cleveland creatives, MADE IN THE 216 is a fun way to discover local design, art, music, and culinary talent.

 

Cleveland Oktoberfest: August 31 – Sept 3
Cleveland’s massive Oktoberfest, held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, offers everything from the authentically German to the cultural oddity.
Mostly though, it’s about the beer.

  

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Posted in cleveland, events, exploring, holiday

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the wander postcard project: from everywhere and nowhere

Posted on May 6, 2012 | 1 Comment

“Imagine a postcard from everywhere and nowhere at once.” This is what the Wander Postcard Project asked of its favorite illustrators and the result is a stunning series.


 
 

Billed as a “Traveler’s Canon,” the ongoing Wander Postcard Project is a gorgeous way to let your mind meander while exploring from the comfort of your chair. Where will you go next?
[via whorange]

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my four favorite things: ada street

Posted on May 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

With its DMK pedigree and proximity to one of Chicago’s not-so-secret gems, Ada Street has been one of the city’s most buzzed about new spots this spring. The tavern embraces elements that seem to be trending everywhere – think speakeasies, small plates, and post-industrial design – in a thoughtful and intimate manner that invites you in and beckons you back again.

Brick & Vinyl
Who doesn’t go weak in the knees for exposed brick? Ada Street emphatically accents its industrial setting. After entering through a series of doors and a candlelit, wood-lined lobby, you’ll follow the red brick down a lingering wine-cellar wall, its illuminated bottles casting an ambient glow. Before stepping into the bright barroom, stop at the vinyl library and select your mood music for the evening. Cheers to whoever chose Rumours on my visit.

Felonious Monk
Ever since my first gin fizz I’ve been beholden to egg whites. The Felonious features many monk-ish ingredients, including the Yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine lemon that produce the sweet and tangy taste and an abbey-style splash of ale. Even after mixologist Tim Lacey’s amicable departure, the cocktail menu tasted as legendary as the musical references its drink names honor ($10).

Duck Confit
For a saloon supposedly not all about food, Chef Zoe Schor’s menu makes foodie eats accessible. You don’t need to love duck (I do!) to be taken with Ada Street’s duck confit. Mixed with cheesy parmigiano pasta and topped with an oozing poached egg it tastes very haute cuisine meets comfort food ($10).

Brioche Donuts
No room to spare? Make some. The brioche donuts are like bite-size, sugar-sprinkled clouds. The spectacular port wine caramel dipping sauce – well I’d like to do unspeakable things with it ($10).

Ada Street
1664 N Ada St.
Chicago, Illinois 60642

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Posted in 4 favorite things, chicago, drinking, eating, exploring, noble square

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paddle beyond the boat tour with kayak chicago

Posted on April 24, 2012 | Leave a comment

Spring is in full swing, and already your summer sched is filling with incoming visitors. While the various boat tours traversing Lake Michigan and the Chicago River are a reliable go-to for out-of-town guests, how many times can you hear “Mies van der Rohe” before you’re snooze cruising in the sun? For an active take on the waterway tour try seeing Chicago by kayak.

There are several companies that guide kayak tours in the city, but I’d recommend Kayak Chicago. Offering tours by day, night, architectural sites, or sunset Kayak Chicago has any vantage covered. The Fireworks Paddle tour ($65) is a gorgeous way to watch the sun dim on the skyline and city lights reflect luminously on the river.

No kayaking experience is required, but I’d think twice about bringing the athletically averse on this tour. I’d also advise against the two-person kayak, despite how effective you deem your couple’s communication. Unless you regularly work the core kayaking muscle groups, you’re going to feel the burn a little. At first, I gazed longingly toward the passing booze cruises, but I found my paddling stride and enjoyed taking an active role in sight-seeing.

Just as different sights capture my attention whether I’m running, driving, or walking, it’s interesting to admire the city gliding at water level. I somewhat expected the Chicago River to look like the cave in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, ghostly souls glaring up from beneath the surface. Fortunately, the worst I saw was the expected bit of trash. While the eye is naturally drawn to the skyscraper preening above, kayaking allows you to admire the gulls nesting amid ancient driftwood.

Fireworks tours take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Unfortunately, a violent storm chose to roll into town the evening of my tour so instead of a reprieve with a majestic view, my tired arms had to paddle double-time back upriver before it hit. Kayak Chicago was kind enough to offer everyone in the group a complimentary tour as compensation. Before turning back we plunged through the water arc at  Melas Centennial Fountain, an exhilarating way to anoint yourself in the Chicago River experience.

The next time you wave down to kayakers on the river, take a moment to notice what they’re seeing from below. To kayak the Chicago River, you must become aware of its movement, patterns, and passing watercraft – you must connect with the living artery of the city.

Kayak Chicago
1501 N. Magnolia Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

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romance is in bloom at bhldn chicago

Posted on April 10, 2012 | 1 Comment

Don’t worry gents, I’m still on the market. Yet you don’t need to be a bride to blush at BHLDN, the dreamy new bridal boutique from the Anthropologie family. BHLDN recently celebrated its one-year anniversary by opening its second retail location, and Chicago was treated to a romantic reception.

The stunning 3,600 square-foot townhouse is a treasure trove of glamorous adornment. Between their place cards and pumps, garters and gowns, BHLDN’s attire and trimmings offer a multi-dimensional special occasion. The pastel swathed showroom of the first floor is bursting with lace, tulle, and chiffon that bridesmaids will be begging to re-wear. Glass cases display vintage-looking accessories with a curatorial air. It’s almost as if earrings and gloves were plucked from a flea market and showcased in a museum, begging to be bought.
 
 

Atop the winding staircase, angel wings hover over the whimsy of the second floor. Gorgeous headpieces, shoes, dresses, and baubles command attention, while the lingerie room lures you astray. Another nook allows brides to pull the perfect pinwheels and candlesticks to personalize their decor.
  
 
 

And then there are the gowns. About 45 luxe looks strike a pose in the bridal salon ranging from understated, to sweet, to seriously chic.
 
 
 

Over 300 guests attended BHLDN’s launch, which featured guest hostess Darcy Miller Nussbaum of Martha Stewart Weddings. Judging by Chicago’s response it’s a match made in happily ever after.
 

For Further Exploration
An Anthropologie Anniversary
Design*Sponge Book Signing in Chicago

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Posted in chicago, events, exploring, gold coast, impressions, south loop

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exploring underground chicago with waxwing puzzle co.

Posted on March 6, 2012 | 1 Comment

Deep beneath the city a group of strangers huddles uncovering a clue, unraveling a mystery, traversing the innards of a metropolis without stepping outside. It may be the plot of a blockbuster or post-apocalyptic novel, but this particular Saturday it’s an adventure tourism treasure hunt with Waxwing Puzzle Co.

Waxwing offers Chicago a different take on tourism. “There are a lot of tour companies that allow you to see sights and learn information,” says Waxwing founder, Andy Patton. “The idea behind adventure tourism is that it’s playful. By adding a bit of story the experience becomes immersive and ends up being like a self-guided tour.”

Patton first began organizing treasure hunts while attending the University of Missouri, and brought the concept to Chicago last year. “Chicago is great place for these activities because you’re able to draw on the city’s amazing history and cultural richness, allowing people to experience it in a new way.”

Waxwing offers several games, but the one that’s taken me on a subterranean tour of Chicago is Labyrinth. Oh you didn’t know about Chicago’s five-mile network of underground tunnels? Welcome to the Pedway. Continually under development since the 1950’s, the Pedway shelters those who live and work in and around the Loop¹. Until the last few years the Pedway has been, and continues to be, a secretive and puzzling subject for Chicagoans. This mystique makes it a perfect destination for Labyrinth.

Dashing around underground, hours pass while my team competes against three others in Waxwing’s Labyrinth game, but the passage of time is unintelligible. The multi-faceted affair keeps us busy with puzzles of all kinds while navigating the ever-altering Pedway. In some areas it’s an underground village containing every shop you’d need to survive below. Other places it’s a dim passageway that would have me looking over my shoulder were I not wrapped up in the mystery afoot. There’s a captivating air of the unexpected owing to Labyrinth’s setting – some corridors are locked, entrances unmarked, and at least one bystander is alarmed as we dive under his public bench for a clue. In my team’s case, the game isn’t quite over when we cross the finish line first and some quick thinking secures us the win.

The ways one can traverse Chicago’s downtown without seeing daylight are incredible, and Waxwing has a way of taking the landmarks you walk by every day and making them part of your own story. They have several new game concepts in development, including a Prohibition-era role play, a spy-themed tracking pursuit, and an urban cat-and-mouse game of Fugitive (Harrison not included). Until my next adventure with Waxwing, I don’t think I’ll be able to pass the unassuming Pedway logo again without thinking about all of the unseen links which connect Chicago.
 

Photos courtesy of Waxwing Puzzle Co.
1. “Best Of Home.” Chicago Pedway Guide. CBS Chicago.

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Posted in chicago, exploring, pedway, playing

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dose market serves up food and fashion in chicago

Posted on February 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

If your Sunday routine includes sipping and shopping it’s likely you’ve heard of Dose Market. The monthly food and fashion market has been buzzed about since last summer and returns in its first 2012 iteration this Sunday.

Billed as “Chicago’s most dynamic gathering of innovative fashion, artisan food and high design¹,” Dose assembles local artisans in the grand atrium of the River East Arts Center.
 

I attended the October Dose and was delighted with the vendor offering. It’s clear that each vendor is carefully selected for their unique, local, and well-made wares giving the event a curatorial air. Being used to mega-fairs and markets with many more booths, I made several quick laps before slowing down to visit each vendor. Although each Dose is busy, the intimate atmosphere and small selection encourages you to sample each stand, chatting with the “Dosers” and unraveling the story behind their brand, storefront, and wares. I discovered that Alaskan Salmon’s proprietor spends many months up north personally fishing for his offering, got home herb advice from the ladies at Sprout Home, and found Laura Lombardi to be as lovely in person as her jewelry line that I continuously crave.
 

Since there is an admission charge for each Dose Market ($8 pre-order, $10 at the door) you should be prepared to make a day of it. Come hungry, come ready to shop, and come with cash. I had planned on just browsing, but since the market is small you feel compelled to buy something to make it worth the trip. That being said, many of the chic eats and outfits offered are quite pricey, so don’t expect to see a bargain booth. Also, as with most markets, not everyone at Dose accepts credit so a cash stash will streamline your experience. The only sourness in the Dose is that I was unable to find the booze booth, and arriving mid-way through the event I found several vendors had already shipped out.

  

Dose Market is a great Sunday destination for exploring Chicago vendors and sampling with your ladies. Fashion bloggers and arty elitists are abundant (someone please tell me where they find their adorably-dressed boyfriends), so prep your outfits accordingly. While there are returning guests, each month’s vendor lineup is different so the serving is always fresh. Ultimately, I can’t quite afford to indulge every month but look forward to a seasonal Dose.

Dose Market at the River East Arts Center 
435 East Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60611

1. “Market Info.” Dose Market.

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Posted in arts, chicago, eating, events, exploring, river north, shopping

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