Chicago History Museum Brings Chicago’s Past to Life

At the Chicago History Museum, the student becomes the teacher. I have a tendency to pull my daughter’s leg when I can. Like any other Chicago-area elementary school student, she’s learned all about the city’s rich history. And she jumped at the chance to prove to me that Fort Dearborn wasn’t our nation’s first waterpark, […]

Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life Worth a Trip to the MSI

Body Worlds is back—and it should make your spring or summer bucket list. With three kids in tow, I braved the spring break crowds to visit the Museum of Science and Industry’s newest exhibit, “Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life,” which runs through Sept. 5. It’s the second go-round at MSI with Dr. Gunther […]

Spring Break Chicago-Area Fun

So it’s the last week of March, and your children are on spring break, which means your house is trashed with arts and craft supplies, and your eldest is hogging the television playing video games. If you’re tired of being in the house cooped up with rowdy children, here are some of our best suggestions […]

Destination Spas: When You Need More than a Massage

For most of us, the spa getaway doesn’t happen all that often. So when you finally get the time, money and motivation, you want to pick the perfect spa. Sometimes, that’s spa treatments, a beautiful pool and enough staff so that you’re not lifting a finger—unless it’s to call for another skinny-tini. But if you […]

Your Guide to Renting in Michigan

Color yourself happy this summer with a rental in your ideal Michigan town. If you’re new to renting, where do you start? With a location, of course. We’ve picked a few prime spots within three hours of Chicago. Whether you like to spend your summer sunning, surfing, golfing or shopping – we’ve got you covered. […]

Insider’s Guide To Blackhawks and Bulls

Before the bats start swinging, we’re enjoying the “cozy confines” of our indoor winter sports. The Bulls and Blackhawks are two of the hottest games in town and we’ve got the insider tips for your next jaunt to the United Center. Chicago Blackhawks Insider: Jay Blunk, Executive Vice President of Business Operations 1. Come Early […]

Backyard Ice Rinks: A Hockey Fan’s Dream Come True

Wilmette resident Kevin Smale always wanted a backyard ice rink. A self-described hockey fanatic, Smale spent much of his youth playing outdoor hockey with his brother and friends in Ontario, Canada.  His stepfather, Bruce Hood, was a NHL referee who was the first ref in NHL history to officiate 1000 games. Smale acquired his backyard […]

Waterpark Ratings from a Mom’s Point of View

Mega snow and mega cold means one thing: warm water (if not weather) getaway.   You know your kids will love any waterpark, but which resort has amenities to keep the grown-ups happy, too? Here’s my list of likely contenders from nearest to farthest. Key Lime Cove, Gurnee Less than an hour away, Key Lime […]

Visiting Vietnam By Way of Argyle Street

Chicago is home to a wide variety of ethnic neighborhoods and touring them can be a wonderful introduction to other cultures and other foods.   Tet, the huge Vietnamese celebration of the lunar New Year, is coming up on February 3. Why don’t you use that as an excuse to explore Argyle Street and introduce […]

Tweet These Gals to Dallas

Two North Shore moms are on their way to Dallas for the Super Bowl, but not by plane or train—by tweet! Jennie Marshall and Meredith Sinclair are contestants in the Mercedes Benz Tweet Race. The team—hashtag #MBteamGL—will be driving in an actual Mercedes Benz SUV. They leave Chicago on Wednesday, February 2 headed toward Dallas […]