Fun ‘Til the Cows Come (Go!) Home: The Wisconsin State Fair

Craving a cheesy good time? On a stick? Look no further than a 90-minute drive north, and the Wisconsin State Fair, open August 2 – 12. Full disclosure, here—I am a former Wisconsinite and therefore partial to this fair over its cousin here in Illinois. But if you’ve never been, you simply must go. Here […]

2011 Holiday Go Guide

Is your house home base for the family over the holidays? We’ve got the goods on where to go—for everyone in your family:   Arts & Music For kids of all ages: Try Dr. Suess & The Art of Invention at the Museum of Science and Industry. 40-somethings will enjoy the trip back in time […]

A Conversation with Joan Cusack

Evanston native and Chicago resident Joan Cusack is not only a prolific and often hilarious actress, but also a mother of two who is always giving back. Cusack has acted in movies and TV shows for more than 30 years. Daughter of actor and filmmaker Richard Cusack, she trained at Evanston’s Piven Theatre Workshop, with […]

Know Before You Go: Waterparks

Chicago’s North Shore offers plenty of water play alternatives to a trip to the beach.   If you’re looking for a local waterpark, you’re sure to find one on this list that’s close to you. Before you go, consider: 1. Your kids’ ages: It’s worth the effort to do a little research before you fork […]

Venue Spotlight: Pitchfork Music Festival

Union Park, Chicago July 15-17   A mini-Lollapalooza featuring lesser-known, up-and-coming bands, Pitchfork Music Festival is just as fun. Whether your kids are begging you to let them go, or you yourself want to go, here are some fest tips that bridge the gap. Get your tickets soon. Three-day passes are already sold out. But […]

2011 Children's Fairs and Festivals

Kid fests mean summer fun!   The months of June and July mean more than just hot weather; kid festivals in these months are the perfect opportunity to entertain your kids and have some quality family fun!  While all have amusing events and games for kids, most fests also have entertainment for adults, so the […]

Moms and Margaritas Rule

Sure—for many, Mother’s Day is best spent hanging out with the family. So why not squeeze in a little girlfriend get-together earlier in the week?   If you need to give the husband and kids an excuse, here’s one: Cinco De Mayo. That’s right, it’s time to celebrate the Battle of Puebla—really! If you and […]

A Curious Patchwork of Evanston Treasures

Ever felt the urge to send an email or letter to your favorite celebrity?   Between 1931 and 1958, Evanstonian Ethel Sampson sent dozens of letters to famous politicians, authors, musicians and movie stars of the time, and in return she received priceless autographs, memorabilia, and clothes. Sampson then masterfully combined artifacts from Amelia Earhart, […]

Make your Celebration Sing with The Right Music

Used to be, if you wanted to book a band or DJ for a party, you’d have to attend a live gig. Today, finding the right music for an event is literally a few clicks away, thanks to digital technology. It’s even easier to find the perfect soundtrack for your event if you live here […]