Sure, the supermarket is convenient for picking up piles of summer berries, but nothing beats heading out to the fields for a day to pick your own. Aside from being your own quality control, these fruits are typically richer in taste, and you’re supporting community agriculture and local farms. Remember to call ahead before making […]
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my? Oh, yes. Lincoln Park Zoo, which celebrates its 145th anniversary this year, offers animal excitement along with enough entertainment—rides, rowboats, story time, summer concert series—to keep the tots tantrum-free for hours! And while it costs more than $60,000 per day to feed the animals and operate the zoo, […]
Spring is here—and with it, an urge to shake the cabin fever that’s had you in its grip these last few months. Why not escape to the west side for a few hours? Naperville is just short of an hour’s drive from most northern ‘burbs—and while it boasts more than 142,000 residents, the downtown […]
Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip, or you’re just cruising up to Lake Geneva, make sure your car is in tip-top shape before heading out. Use this checklist to make sure all your bases are covered, so you can enjoy a worry-free trip. Most shops offer free vacation checks, where you can take in […]
There are only a few short weeks before Spring Break hits the North Shore, and airports are packed with everyone in hot pursuit of sun, sand and escape from months of winter’s cold and gloom. No plans yet? Don’t panic! Local travel agents assure us that all hope may not be lost, as long as […]
The Amalfi Coast is a dramatic 28-mile stretch of coastline in southern Italy. Known for its romantic Italian villages, stunning panoramas and sandy coves, the Amalfi Coast is home of la dolce vita. Driving along the coast is not for the faint at heart. Often, the road is so narrow that two cars cannot pass […]
Nestled along the Fox River, McHenry cherishes the past with its treasure trove of antique and vintage shops lining the historic downtown’s three block stretch. Yet McHenry looks to the future with many new retail boutiques, many of them independent, women-owned businesses. So grab the girls and head just 35 miles northwest of Chicago where […]
“Warning,” cautions the diamond-shaped yellow sign, “Bear crossing.” I can see the excitement in my 12-year-old son Charlie’s eyes as we continue our hike. We’re in Alaska, in a state of wonder. Being scenery-starved Chicagoans, we love answering the call of the wild on our vacations. Here are some spots where wildlife is the main […]
A jewel of Lake County, Libertyville is a great example of an all-American town. With a bustling main street lined with independent retailers and terrific restaurants, you’ll fill the day with food and flair. Here are some of our favorites. Libertyville Sports Complex Start by dropping off the kids. At nearly 170,000 square […]
Spring break is fast approaching, and if you’re done with winter and need a beach getaway, there are few places more stunning than the Cayman Islands. Three islands make up the Caymans: Grand, aptly named because it’s the biggest and has the most to do; Cayman Brac, a much smaller island with bluffs, caves and […]
