Chicago Like a Local Blog

Each week, we feature one Instagram photographer who will get to feature their photos and videos on Choose Chicago's Instagram account all week long, part of our new #TakingOverChooseChicago series. This week, we chose Nicole Regan. Enjoy!

"A park is only as strong as the people that surround the park."

Sometimes people forget about the important relationships parks play within a community. Rilan Betts (left) is one of the youngest park supervisors in Chicago, and he is on mission to add some flavor within the traditional park model starting with the historical Jackie Robinson Park. But where does this drive come from? It boils down to one key word: help.

Classical opera and kids don't usually go hand in hand. But a new opera adventure created especially for kids ages 5 to 10, aims to introduce the younger set to the joys of live opera with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Magic Victrola, on Saturday, January 17 at 3 p.m., at the Civic Opera House in downtown Chicago, is Lyric Unlimited's third annual performance especially designed for youngsters and their families.

Christmas is upon us, and with all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to forget the true reason for the season. Take a break from Mag Mile shopping and head to the Loyola University Museum of Art, located just across from the historic Water Tower. The current exhibit, Art and Faith of the Crèche: The Collection of James and Emilia Govan. showcases crèches from around the world, each reflecting a unique, artistic perspective on the Nativity. Another new exhibit, Swaddled in Stone: Shona Sculptures of the Holy Family, shares six beautiful sculptures of the Holy Family created by Shona sculptors from Zimbabwe.

Ask Andrew W.K. what his yearly New Year's resolution is and he'll answer, "try to be the best person I can be." Now that's a guy we want to ring in 2015 with. 

Luckily, we can and you can too. The front man and professional partier brings his full band to Thalia Hall on December 31. Not familiar with Andrew or need more reasons to believe this show is your best bet for New Year's Eve? He hopped on the phone with us to do some more convincing. 

It's almost that time of year; Chicago Restaurant Week is coming up fast, taking place January 30 through February 12. You'd best save up an appetite now, because the best of the best in Chicago restaurants are slated to participate in this can't-miss lineup of dining supremacy. Of course, the surfeit of superb dining options can be a tad overwhelming, so to help you navigate the sea of deliciousness, here are some keys to a great Restaurant Week. Feel free to print it out, frame it, and hang it above your desk. Or whatever.

Each week, we feature one Instagram photographer who will get to feature their photos and videos on Choose Chicago's Instagram account all week long, part of our new #TakingOverChooseChicago series. This week, we chose Ryan Meyers. Enjoy!

Chicago has many holiday traditions around this time of year. There are newer traditions, like the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza or the Santa on the CTA El trains. Here are a few historic holiday traditions that Chicagoans of any age can appreciate. 

As merry as the holiday season is, let's face it: it hurts our wallets. Shopping may be a brutal endeavor, but dining out for Christmas doesn't have to be. Check out some spots around Chicago offering budget-friendly holiday eats and drinks.

With a growing hub of entrepreneurs, creatives, and plenty of influencers in Chicago here a few that really make Chicago a destination city. Whenever you're in Chicago you have to check them out.