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Chicago Art

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT

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What is the best place to go camping in/around Chicago?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:01:15 GMT

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Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:18 GMT

One of the city's most intriguing museums exhibits the best in Outsider Art.

The Wormhole Coffee: Modern-day coffee meets the past

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:18 GMT

Generation X and Y grew up on Star Wars, Back to the Future and other pop culture gems, but now as adults they can add caffeine to their addictions. Wicker Park is saturated with trendy coffee shops, but Wormhole Coffee is the only one with a full-sized DeLorean in it.

Annie Novotny: An All-Natural Clothing Designer

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:18 GMT

She fashions the most beautiful clothing out of all that is natural. Chicago's Annie Novotny and her Frei Designs shows it's not all about the Big Apple.

Streeterville Chicago: A Land Dispute Leads to Luxury

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:18 GMT

The neighborhood known as Streeterville gets its name from George Streeter, a man who tried to claim 186 acres of the Lake Michigan shoreline back in the late 1800s with his boat. After much debate and protests, Streeter eventually was evicted from the area, but he was so infamous the city decided to name the neighborhood after him.

First Month More Dangerous for Illinois Drivers

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:18 GMT

On Illinois roadways, a newly licensed driver represents danger. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported on October 14 that teens are 50 percent more likely to be involved in an accident during their first month as a licensed driver than they are after their first year on the road. Franklin and Karen Biddle learned the dangers of teen driving firsthand.

Afternoon Tea at the Drake Hotel Palm Court: Imitating English Royalty

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:18 GMT

The English certainly know a thing or two about taking an afternoon tea break. Historic Michigan Avenue's Drake Hotel Palm Court pays homage to it on a daily basis with their afternoon tea service.

Chicago Live Music: Top Rock Venues

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:54:18 GMT

Chicago s home to an array of jazz and blues clubs, but it also maintains a rich pedigree in rock history. From the tiny music room of Hideout to Uptown s massive Riviera theatre, Chicago live music venues have hosted some of the best acts in the world and locally.

Greektown Chicago: Flaming Cheese and a Little Opa

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

Opa! Don't be alarmed by the ball of flame rocketing towards the ceiling, at least not if you're in Greektown Chicago watching Saganaki catch on fire. The dish that was actually invented in Chicago is a square of cheese set ablaze table-size.

Chicagoland Skydive Center: terminal velocity at 12,000 feet

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

Jumping out of a plane and plunging 12,000 feet with only a parachute attached to the body seems like a crazy idea, but to some, it s an adrenaline-fueled adventure of a lifetime. Chicago Skydiving Center makes it possible to overcome fears and turn nascent jumpers into heroic thrill seekers.

Wit Hotel: A Hotel Made for the Trendy Traveler

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

Walking through the theatre district in the Loop, one might notice a chartreuse zig zag running up a skyscraper, which is actually the 27-story looming Wit hotel that opened in 2009. Through harboring everything from restaurants to a spa to a private movie theater, the Wit's become the city s state-of-the-art boutique hotel.

Morseland: Music and great food In Rogers Park

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

Morseland's motto, "Good Eats, Nice Beats" best describes this low-key live music and food venue in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood.

The Matchbox: "Chicago's Most Intimate Bar"

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

Living up to its namesake, The Matchbox is not only Chicago s most intimate bar, but also its narrowest and perhaps smallest. Shaking up potent cocktails for years, it s no wonder why Matchbox is one of the city s most dependable establishments.

Brand BBQ Chicago Market: A New Spin on BBQ

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

Realizing barbecue comes in many different forms and tastes, Logan Square s Brand BBQ Chicago Market has been operating with distinct flavors since 2009. Sometimes classified as gourmet bbq, Brand covers the bases from the behemoth, The Brandeurysm, to vegan items.

Top Five Beaches in Chicago: Spend Your Summertime Lakeside

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

A long time ago, the beaches in Chicago were landfills but eventually 26 miles of Chicagoland lakefront evolved into today s pristine public beaches. With warmer days ahead, it s time to gear up for the Memorial Day-Labor Day summer season which includes sunning on a sandy beach, playing beach volleyball, planning picnics and setting sail on Lake Michigan.

Lois Weisberg: Chicago's Cultural Maven Has Left the Building

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

From placing giant party hats on some of the city's famous sculptures to lighting up Chicago with her rhinestone glasses, it is because of Lois Weisberg that the Windy City finally got some culture.

How Your Local Restaurant Can Grow (On the Web)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:27 GMT

Every city -- and every area within that city -- has its local staples. The best burgers. The best Mexican. The best cocktails. They ve been around forever, with their fan base spreading through word of mouth or write ups. Then there are the new guys that go to the forefront right away because of an X Factor, like a celebrity chef or success in other cities. This article is not for those guys.

Handlebar Bar and Grill: Wheeling drinks and veggie food

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

The Handlebar is a biker bar, but of the cyclist kind, not the rough and tumble motor bike type. Bucktown s neighborhood pit-stop welcomes both the peddling-friendly and non-wheeled set for breakfast, dinner and drinks.

Del Seoul Korean Street BBQ: Korean Tacos Meet the Midwest

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

Last year, Korean BBQ street food exploded across the U.S, especially in Los Angeles. A few months later, the family-owned Del Seoul opened in Lincoln Park, taking the food truck trend indoors.

Chicago Riverwalk: Meandering Through Chicago's Second Shoreline

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

Beneath the crowded downtown streets lies the Chicago Riverwalk, an isolated promenade structured around the flowing Chicago River. The mile-long walkway allows pedestrians the chance to sit and ruminate, dine outside, jog, walk their dogs, bike and visit monuments, all the while escaping the cacophony above.

Six Essential Chicago Record Stores

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

The music industry isn t what it used to be, but people still go to record stores and purchase vinyl records and CDs. To celebrate how vital Chicago record stores still are, every April, record stores around the country hold Record Store Day, which entails in-store performances, discounts and new songs being released. Here are a few hanger-on record stores that continue to make Chicago a musically influential city.

Five Delicious Chicago Food Tours

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

In the past few years, Chicago has really grown as a food mecca, as witnessed with this year s first ever Michelin star ratings. But some things in Chicago never change, like being known for hot dogs, deep dish pizza and diverse neighborhoods offering every kind of food under the sun. Chicago food tours enable tourists and locals to immerse themselves in Chicago s food culture in a short span of time and also allow people to learn the history of the foods and neighborhoods.

Revival of Chicago's The Dil Pickle Club

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

No, this club has nothing to do with the crunchy cuke found on a stick or submerged in a jar. Rather, it echos the historic Chicago salon bringing to life once again the notion of discussion. Whether it be on Fear/Flight, Love/Death, The Dil Pickle Club (death by pickle spear?)adds flavor to life.

Find Long or Short-Term Puppy Love in Dog-Friendly Chicago

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

Chicago has some amazing rescue organizations, most of which offer both adoption and foster programs. Many people are unaware of the foster option, which involves temporarily providing a stable, loving environment for a dog until a permanent situation is found.

Chicago Chinatown: The Far East Meets the Near South

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:54:32 GMT

A great Chinatown enhances a city and Chicago Chinatown definitely qualifies. Many stores and restaurants are open late if not 24 hours a day, so there's always an energy and commotion in the streets full of locals and tourists alike.

Logan Square: A Boulevard of Intersecting Tastes

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

The confluence of Milwaukee Avenue, Logan Boulevard and Kedzie Boulevard forms the lush Logan Square boulevard, but if visitors aren t familiar with navigating the complicated traffic circle, a seemingly simple task can erupt into confusion and frustration.

Five Chicago Pools to Take a Dip In

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

Summer s rapidly approaching in Chicago and that means over three months (June-Labor Day) of fun in the sun. One of the best things about the city is Chicago Park District manages free access to 26 indoor and 51 outdoor pools, some of which are open year-round. With so many pools, there s at least one close enough to most communities for kids and adults to cool off in Chicago pools during the summer heat.

Healthy Food in Chicago: Organic Grocery Stores and Markets

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

If you're looking for a place to shop for healthy food in Chicago, there are many organic grocery stores and markets to choose from. Many independent businesses in town are now selling organic products. Here are five of the best places to buy healthy food in Chicago.

Benjyehuda: Middle Eastern Street Food in Chicago

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

Touted for offering urban street food, the owners of Loop lunch spot Benjyehuda integrate Middle Eastern street food in a quick serve restaurant.

University Students Cry Out: This Blows! Chicago And They're Not Whistling Dixie

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

Ripe for every pun imaginable, a lively Northwestern University student forms This Blows! Chicago A tongue-in-cheek name for his 18-member a cappella whistling group. Not your average puckering sounds, this clever ensemble employs humming and beat box, too.

Best Chicago Blogs

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

With so many great blogs reporting on the quirks of the Windy City, this list of the best Chicago blogs pulls a varied assortment, each with something different to offer.

Be Social to Be Social: A Quick Guide To Social Media Week in Chicago

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

The Windy City is host to a wide variety of events this week dedicated to helping small business owners and social media addicts hone their skills. There will be a bevy of guest speakers, unique cross-over events (Improvised Innovation hosted at Second City anyone?), and oddly enough, chances to actually socialize in person (but who would want to do that?)

Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art: Exploring Eastern Europe's Artistic Side

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, located in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, is dedicated to the Eastern European experience and to giving foreign artists a chance to state their artistic autonomy.

Top Chicago Pizza and PBR Deals

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:35 GMT

In the past couple of years, increasingly, PBR (cheap Milwaukee beer) and Chicago pizza combinations have been popping up in bars throughout the city. With a shaky economy, it's the perfect way to imbibe and have dinner without breaking the bank. PBR tastes fine on its own, but mixing it with a hearty slice makes it even better.

West Rogers Park, Chicago: An Extension of Rogers Park

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:42 GMT

Known in years past as the Golden Ghetto, West Rogers Park, Chicago continues to be a rich ethnic region springing from adjacent Rogers Park. There remains a large Hasidic community, as well as other Jewish, Irish American, German-American, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Assyrian, Russian, and Korean immigrant communities.

Summer Festival Season in Chicago - Gone to the Dogs?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:42 GMT

It's officially summer festival season in Chicago, and those of us with dogs might be wondering if it's a good idea to allow your canine companion to accompany your festival-going. And the answer is...maybe.

Big Star: Tasty tacos from the border and beyond

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:42 GMT

Named after the Lone Star state of Texas and not the band Big Star, the honky tonk taqueria and whiskey bar brings affordable gourmet tacos to the denizens of Wicker Park. An extensive list of tequilas and American whiskeys presents itself along with daily $3 shots.

National Museum of Mexican Art

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:42 GMT

The only accredited museum dedicated to Mexican, Latino and Chicano art, the National Museum of Mexican Art is one of Chicago's cultural touchstones.

Chicago's Legal Cafe: Coffee and legal services all at once

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:42 GMT

At one point or another, everyone deals with legalities, whether it s drafting a will or combating personal injury; but instead of meeting with an attorney in a stiff and earnest law firm, commiserate over a cup of joe in a low-key place. Chicago s Legal Caf caffeinates and resolves litigious problems with one stone.

Garfield Park Conservatory: A Planet of Plants Under Glass

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:54:39 GMT

Built over a 100 years ago in the Garfield Park area of Chicago resides the idyllic Garfield Park Conservatory bursting with plants as old as 300 years old. The botanic gardens grow an array of plants and flowers in some of the most natural landscapes under glass.

Boystown Chicago: Showing Its Rainbow Colors

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:54:39 GMT

In Chicago s Boystown neighborhood, boys will be boys and also homosexual. Boystown Chicago was supposedly the first recognized gay village in the U.S., and with over 290,000 LGBT residents, it s built a diverse community for both permanent denizens and visitors. Within Lakeview and close to Wrigleyville, the borders of the neighborhood are Grace Street to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Diversey Parkway to the south and Clark Street to the west.

Lovely: A Bake Shop: Everything from coffee to aprons

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:54:39 GMT

Noble Square s Lovely: A Bake Shop was started by two school friends who had a passion for baking, coffee and vintage kitchenware. Divided into a bakery and a coffee shop, stop in for gourmet cupcakes, seasonal pies and an internet fix.

Bistro Bordeaux: Authentic French cuisine

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:54:39 GMT

From the butcher papered tables to Chef Frank Mnuk's interpretations, Bistro Bordeaux has earned the title as one of Chicago's top new restaurants. Even though it's in Evanston.

Clarke House Museum

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:54:40 GMT

One of Chicago's most recognized landmarks, Clarke House Museum is the oldest surviving residential home in Chi-Town and annually draws thousands of visitors

Chicago Consumers: Yelp Loud, Yelp Proud!

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:54:40 GMT

With recent technological advances, Yelp is more than ever an important way to inform local consumers on the merits or demerits of local businesses. Chicago Yelp users can login and review their favorite businesses, or tell the world about a negative consumer experience.

Grant Park, Chicago: The City's Front Yard

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:54:40 GMT

Grant Park, Chicago is known as Chicago's front yard, and what a yard it is. During the summer there's something going on practically every day, so there's almost no need to ever leave, especially when the weather cooperates.

Black Dog Gelato: Eat ice cream the Italian way

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:54:40 GMT

Even though summer s over, it doesn t mean the yummy treats have to stop. After cutting her teeth as a pastry chef in Chicago, Jessica Oloroso decided to open her own specialty gelato shop featuring gelato, sorbet, and whiskey pops in the Ukrainian Village.

The Brown Sack, Chicago: This Ain t Your Ordinary Brown Sack Lunch

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:54:40 GMT

The term brown sacking it has always symbolized packing foods one enjoys to take to school or work in a little brown bag. The Logan Square neighborhood joint The Brown Sack, Chicago recognizes those joys and cooks up comfort soups, salads and sandwiches and also whips up delectable shakes.

Portage Park, Chicago: Historical Movie Palaces and Swimming Pools

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:54:41 GMT

Portage Park s once-thriving 6 Corners Shopping District and the Portage Theater aren t what they used to be, but stunning parks and a never-give-up attitude keep the Portage Park, Chicago neighborhood alive.

Essential Logan Square and Wicker Park Cafes

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:54:41 GMT

Eschewing the banality of corporate coffee shops, the bohemian Logan Square and Wicker Park cafes brim with artistic independence.

Chicago Mixology: Five Places in the City to Get a Custom Cocktail

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:54:41 GMT

Mixologists, or cocktails experts, concoct handcrafted cocktails made from fresh ingredients, resulting in an intricate yet delicious drink. Here are five Chicago mixology bars where you can get a custom cocktail.