Heat Up Memorial Day Weekend with International Mr. Leather

Posted on May 25, 2012 by

The weather forecast for the Memorial Day weekend calls for heat and humidity, but if you’re looking for an even steamier weekend, head over to the Hyatt Regency Hotel (131 E. Wacker Drive) for the GLBT International Mr. Leather, the global event tailored to the leather lovers everywhere. Events include parties, auctions, and support groups. A full schedule can be viewed here. While most events will take place downtown in the Loop, some will be held in the northern neighborhood of Rogers Park. Continue reading →

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The Randolph Street Market “Garden Party” Season Opener

Posted on May 23, 2012 by

In Chicago, Memorial Day weekend not only marks the unofficial start of Summer, but also the season opener of one of the longest running markets in the city! Continue reading →

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Chicago’s Kids and Kites Festival

Posted on May 17, 2012 by

Every spring, kids in Chicago step out into the sunshine and embrace the wind at the Kids & Kites festival, an annual tradition established by our former mayor and kite enthusiast, Richard M. Daley. This year’s festival will take on a more international flavor: as part of the public activities to mark the NATO Chicago Summit, NATO is partnering with the City of Chicago to present the 14th Annual Kids & Kites Festival on Saturday, May 19 at Cricket Hill in Lincoln Park, from 10am – 4pm.

Arrive early, as NATO will be providing 5,000 kite kits for the first 5,000 children. Kids will be able to decorate their kites with some international flair: flags from around the world and international facts and figures will be on display for inspiration. Families with older kids will want to check out the onsite workshop on the history and tradition of Afghan fighter kites.

There is so much to see and do at this fun outdoor fest: Chicago Kite, Chicago based kite specialists, will demonstrate their professional kite-flying skills and also offer a large range of kites for sale. The Brookfield Zoo will show off it’s traveling bug exhibit and the Kohl’s Children Museum with be parking its StoryBus. Get your face painted, pilot a giant kite, or just lie down on a blanket and watch all the colorful kites dance in the sky above.

The 14th annual Kids & Kites festival will run from 10 am to 4 pm on Cricket Hill, near the intersection of Lake Shore Drive and Montrose Ave on May 19th, from 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is free!

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The Willis Tower Skydeck: A Don’t Miss Chicago Experience

Posted on May 16, 2012 by

The Willis Tower is a Chicago icon.  I’ll always think of the Willis by its original name – the Sears Tower; as a toddler, my son always referred to it as the “Serious Tower”. Whatever you want to call it, the Willis Tower makes our skyline stand out from afar.

Over 100 stories up the Willis Tower lies Skydeck Chicago – an absolute don’t miss Chicago experience.  Open daily, it offers spectacular views – you can see up to four states on a clear day – interactive exhibits and…drumroll, please….The Ledge, a glass box that let’s you step four feet outside the walls of the building.

Step onto The Ledge, and you’ll be able to see directly down to the streets below you, where people seem the size of ants and cars are matchbox-sized. It’s simply thrilling to overlook the city from this helicopter’s-eye view.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the theater presentation, Reaching for the Sky, which tells the story of how our city built its dazzling skyline.

A view from The Ledge, looking downwards


The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, at 233 S. Wacker Drive (enter Skydeck on Jackson Blvd., the south side of the building) and is open 365 days a year. Pre-order your tickets at http://www.theskydeck.com/get-tickets, and you’ll save time during your visit. For more information, visit http://www.theskydeck.com/

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America’s Best Gymnasts Coming To Chicago

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

At the end of May, the best female gymnasts in the country will be in Chicago for the Secret U.S. Classic at the UIC Pavilion.

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Beat the Heat at Hydrate

Posted on May 8, 2012 by

As summer descends upon Chicago, hop on over to Hydrate, one of Boystown’s premier clubs located on Halsted St. On humid hot days, misters keep the waiting boys cool. Rotating resident D.J.s spin house and techno to the masses.

Hydrate offers plenty of special nights including dollar drinks, wrestling, drag performances and more. It’s one of the 4am bars (5am on Saturdays) in Boystown. When the clock strikes 2, the line is known to snake its way south on Halsted. Patience is a must if you want to get in the door. A full calendar is available online. The club is located at 3458 N. Halsted St.

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Step off Michigan Avenue for Lunch

Posted on May 4, 2012 by

When I need a sit-down lunch option, I seldom need to stray far from North Michigan Avenue to do it. The Mag Mile is dotted with restaurants that appeal to both tourists and locals alike.

GT Fish & Oyster | Photo courtesy of Tammy Green

Lobster Sandwich from GT Fish & Oyster

When I’m in the mood for seafood, I make plans to visit GT Fish & Oyster (531 N Wells Street). With a delectable selection of oysters, salads, and hot dishes, what really draws me for lunch is the Lobster Roll. It’s piled with just the right amount of lobster salad, and the bread is perfectly sized so you can actually take a bite and not squish half the contents down your shirt. It’s one of the few sandwiches I can eat and remain elegant. I also love the tuna poke at GT, and if you have room, a cup of clam chowder is not to be missed. Reservations strongly recommended.

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