Chicago Like a Local Blog

If you're hungry in Chicago this weekend, you're not doing something right. From a 250+ chef showcase in Millennium Park to an all-you-can-eat meat extravaganza and a vegan's dream expo, there's an unreal amount of food and drink in the city this weekend. Although it might not feel like fall due to a forecast in the 90s, it will also be a great weekend to find autumn foliage, catch new fall exhibits and spend some time near the water. 

Back to school = back to the books, and there's no better place to find a good read than to pay a visit to a local, independent bookstore. Chicago is lucky to have a number of independent booksellers, where good service, a community spirit and great literature go hand in hand. Here are five unique Chicago bookstores where a good book is always easy to find.

When people hear "dinner theater," they may beg to do anything else. But Chicago is home to some hilarious interactive shows that, yes, feature meals—but more importantly, highlight the fun factor. Eye rolls are replaced with gut-busting laughs, and you won’t want the fun to end. Grab a date or a group of friends for a memorable night at these Chicago shows.

Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is a popular destination for tourists, and is also a local hangout. It's an especially nice place to spend time when the weather's nice and you want to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re new to the city or not, we bet that you’ll learn something new about Lincoln Park Zoo from this list.

Much to the delight of theater fans, Chicago Shakespeare Theater has completed construction on quite the new addition: The Yard is the newest theater at Chicago Shakespeare's expansive Navy Pier campus. Chicago Shakespeare now boasts three theater spaces; in addition to the Courtyard Theater and the theater Upstairs, The Yard is the newest venue. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on September 12, and the first production, James Thierrée's The Toad Knew, is set to open on September 19.

Located in a chic new building where State and Rush converge in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood, Maple & Ash continues to receive attention as one of the city’s compelling new steakhouses, with an outside seating area that draws looks from passers-by and a menu curated by Chef Danny Grant that has received thoughtful accolades from all corners.

We are gearing up for an exciting fall season, but first we've got to get our last bits of summer through a number of outdoor activities this weekend — soak it all in with this urban explorer itinerary. Then stop by the many creative (Expo Chicago & Chicago Architecture Biennial top the list) and exciting events (from Riot Fest to Taco Fest) throughout the warm afternoons before topping off the night at one of the fun concerts (Ed Sheerin is in town, plus several world music headliners). Come and join the party! Here are ten things to do in Chicago this weekend.

VeganMania is Chicago's premier celebration of all things vegan and wonderful. From cooking demos to veggie-focused workshops and of course, delicious treats galore, there's something for everyone at this foodie fest Even if you're not vegan, it makes for a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to incorporate more fruits, veggies, and meat-free items into a daily diet. 

Chicago has so many wonderful summer festivals with every weekend in June, July and August packed with a festival for every taste, cuisine and musical genre. Thankfully, the fun doesn't end Labor Day weekend. There are plenty of wonderful, fall festivals planned in neighborhoods across the city. Here are three kid-friendly, fall festivals in Chicago you won't want to miss this autumn. 

What makes a great public transit facility, you ask? I'd say it is a well-lit space to wait for the next train, combined with compelling architecture, public art, and easy access for people with physical handicaps.

Such a station now graces the eastern side of the Loop 'L' trains, as the stunning Washington/Wabash Station opened for use by visitors and Chicagoans on August 31, 2017. It’s the first new station in the Loop since 1997, and rave reviews continue to come in from architectural magazines, transit wonks, and a range of other outlets.