Ghirardelli Chocolate

As winter is quickly approaching I am on the hunt for the BEST hot chocolate in Chicago.  I must say I was quite disappointed as I inquired where I could get a hot chocolate the most common answer was Starbucks.  Please don't get me wrong, I like Starbucks for my coffee but I am looking for a hot chocolate that really speaks to me.   I am happy to tell you that I have found at least one - the hot chocolate at Ghirardelli's is outstanding.  Of course it is made with their chocolate but the best part is that it is drizzled with sea salt and caramel.  Simply delicious and worth the trip.

Ghirardelli Chocolate
830 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
312-337-9330

Money Museum

 

If you have not had the chance to visit the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago- Go Now!   This is an fascinating museum that both old and young will enjoy.  You will learn how the Federal Reserve System operates and view some interesting currencies --- like the Watermelon Bill!
Not only is this a FREE Museum but it also gives you a gift for visiting.

Money Museum
230 S. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL
Open Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Bank Holidays

312-322-2400

Sheffield Garden Walk

July 19th - 20th

Sheffield & Webster Streets

This is one of my favorite events in the summer.  Stroll through the tree lined streets of Lincoln Park and view over 80 beautiful gardens, listen to some music, eat and drink.  There is also a place for the kids to have fun with pony rides, a kiddie ferris wheel and more.

While you are out and about in the neighborhood check out some of the cool stores on Armitage Avenue.  I highly suggest Art Effect, it has some unique fun items and this weekend they will be having a SALE.

Come out and enjoy one of Chicago's hip neighborhood!

ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL

"A cool, refreshing, clear place of trees and stones and running water."

  Alfred Caldwell

This is truly a hidden treasure in the city of Chicago.  If you want a place to get away and find some peace visit the Lily Pool.  You will hear the sounds of chirping birds and cool refreshing waterfalls.

This site was originally a Victorian Garden in 1889 filled with tropical plants and lily ponds.  When  Victorian Gardens were no longer the "in thing" the garden lost it's magic.  In 1936 Alfred Caldwell designed this area to represent a river going through a Midwestern prairie.

The neat part is that it is located 1 block from the beach and next to the Lincoln Park Zoo.  A place to end your day at the beach and zoo!

During mid May through October you can join a free tour on Friday's - Sunday's.  Click Here for details.

If you are a resident of Chicago and have not yet discovered this gem...do so soon!
Visitors take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and come and relax!

Located:  Fullerton Parkway between Stockton & Cannon Drive
Hours:     7:30 AM to dusk from mid April to mid November

PARIS STREET; RAINY DAY

Gustave Caillebotte - An Impressionist

It is well worth a visit to The Art Institute to see the restored painting Paris Street; Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte.

This famous painting went under a 6 month restoration by Faye Wrubel.  It started out just a routine cleaning of the painting but as she started the process found that there was a layer of varnish that covered the painting making it look one dimensional and yellow in color.

The process revealed that Gustave was truly an Impressionist and the painting now reflects this style.

Here is a great link to see how the process took place --  The Restoration Process

The Art Institute
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
312-443-3600.

Remember Free Thursdays at the Art Institute for Illinois Residents 5-8 PM

TASTE OF CHICAGO PREVIEW

 TASTEofCHICAGO.us

Yes, the 34th annual Taste of Chicago is coming July 9-13th in Grant Park.  For those that live here we know that this event draws ALOT of folks to the city to enjoy great food and entertainment.
Check out the link above to see everyone that will be sharing their delicious dishes!

But if you would like a sample of the Taste come out this Wednesday, June 25th to the Daley Plaza between 11 - 2.

A few of the food vendors will be there for you to get a TASTE!

Robinson's No. 1 Ribs
Lawrence's Fisheries
Chicago Dog House
Mamma Mia
Mariano's
The Smoke Daddy

Just to name a few!  So come out and get ahead of the crowds.

Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington Street
11- 2 PM
Wednesday - June 25th

MICHIGAN AVENUE ART

WrigleyField100.com

Wrigley Field turned 100 years old this April!  And to celebrate, 50 pairs of decorated ballpark seats are on display on Michigan Avenue.

Cubs Charities teamed up with 47 local nonprofits, artists and celebrity fans to paint the seats focusing on the past 100 years of Wrigley Field.  The seats will be auctioned off at the end of the summer and all proceeds going to Cubs Charities and the organization that helped designed them.

If you are interested in bidding on these unique pieces of art go to MLB Auction.

Each year there is always something interesting to see on Michigan Avenue one year was the cows....the neat part of this exhibit is that you are encouraged to sit in these chairs and people watch on Michigan Avenue,  it doesn't get much better than this.  And you can post your photos using #WrigleyField100 and #CentennialSeats.

Located on Michigan Avenue between Chicago Avenue and the River.