Chicago’s Oak Street, just off the main drag of the Mag Mile, is the city’s premier destination for designer finds. Here’s a quick guide down this glamorous avenue and a few of its neighboring streets. First stop: lunch (and parking). Ditka’s Restaurant You’ll need sustenance for your afternoon shopping expedition, so stop by this outpost […]
This dynamic area on Chicago’s northwest side is the home of some of the best food and shopping in the city. Here are some suggestions if you’re heading to Bucktown and Wicker Park. For breakfast, try… The Bongo Room The creative courses dished up at this pancake house are worth the wait for a […]
When you go on vacation—a real vacation to a destination you’ve dreamed about—you want to enjoy every minute. See the sights. Get a feel what the area is about. So, you plan and plot. Map out what to do each day, each meal. That was our family’s usual mode—Disney World was a four-day marathon with […]
Bonnie and Jim Pritchard of Geneva have grandchildren geographically dispersed across the country. Yet, they have been able to create that sense of connection and intimacy that is rare. For Christmas, each child received a box and inside was a slip of paper with the words, “a trip to Egypt.” As you can imagine, the […]
My daughter Skatie is a fashion design major and aspiring pop star. (As you can see, she’s already perfected the look and the paparazzi pose.)
Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Parent/Teacher Conference Day, Professional Development Day: running out of ideas about what to do with your kids during all those school holidays? Forget the usual suspects—your kids have been there, done that. Why not use the one-day vacay as an excuse to try something new? Interesting adventures, […]
If the Wisconsin Cheese Trail isn’t your slice of cheddar, but you still want to get away for the weekend, check out Lake Geneva’s upcoming fall events. September 1-6: 161st Annual Walworth County Fair: This fair features tons of great activities for the entire family, including a kiddie carnival, pony rides and a petting zoo. […]
Head out west on a warm summer day to catch all the excitement Arlington Heights has to offer. Known for its lush parks and great schools, “Arlington Heights has a great, family-oriented atmosphere,” says restaurant owner Mike Caringella. “We take pride in our community.” Here are some of our suggestions if you’re spending the day […]
The legends are true. Less than three hours north, starting in Madison and meandering in every direction along back-country roads dotted with family farms, cornfields and quaint old dairies, you’ll find the best place in the nation to spend a weekend overindulging on cheese. Old World Emmentalers made in copper-lined Swiss kettles. Impossibly creamy […]
It makes sense to put some spare water in the trunk when you’re setting off on a road trip this August, but it’s important to check your car’s fluid levels as well! Your engine works harder to cool down in the high temperatures, especially when you’re stuck in traffic, so proper coolant level is extremely […]
