The Local Tourist
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2009 Free Days at Chicago Museums
This one's a keeper...
Chicago's home to some of the finest museums in the world, but unfortunately they can be a little pricey. Fortunately, they offer free days throughout the year. While general admission is free on those days, special exhibitions usually require a paid ticket.
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on January 5, 2009 - 1:10pm -
Sugar + Cake = Bliss
Remember that resolution to eat healthier and lose weight? Well, throw that out the window. A new cupcake shop has opened in the Loop.
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on January 5, 2009 - 9:02am -
Shamrock Shuffle Registration Open
Out of all the races that Chicagoans compete in, the Shamrock Shuffle is one of the most popular. (Could it be the beer that awaits at the finish line?) On March 29th there's an 8K run through downtown and a 5K Fitness Walk along the lakeshore and Museum Campus.
Registration is limited to 32,500 and this event sells out every year. Since it's the 30th anniversary it's bound to fill up even faster, so sign up quickly.
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on January 4, 2009 - 5:14pm -
Get Your Picnic Permit
It may be a bit cold to start thinking of picnics, but if you're planning on having a big one once the weather warms up you'll need to get your ducks in a row this weekend. Monday the Cook County Forest Preserve is opening up Picnic Permit registration. There are various rules, regulations and fees depending on the size of your picnic and what kinds of activities you want to offer.Read more
Submitted by The Local Tourist on January 2, 2009 - 2:04pm -
Keep Your Pants...Off?
If you plan on riding the subway on January 10th, don't be surprised if you see a bunch of people without any pants on. You're not imagining things. It's "Improv Everywhere's 8th Annual No Pants! Subway Ride". The same group that brought you the MP3 Experiment is encouraging large people in Chicago, New York, and other major cities to take public transportation in their drawers. Sound like fun?Read more
Submitted by The Local Tourist on December 29, 2008 - 6:16pm -
"Burn Calories, Not Cash"
You might have seen that statement on a billboard around town. That's the slogan for this (meaning next) year's fitness center promotion from the Chicago Park District. Each year they open up their 60 fitness centers for free. From January 2 - 16 you can work on being both physically and fiscally healthy. If you choose to sign up for a membership you'll also get a free Nike bag (while supplies last). Memberships range from $40 - $75 for a three-month period.
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on December 29, 2008 - 11:09am -
Girls Night Out
If someone had told me that I would spend the Saturday before Christmas at a shopping mall, I would have wondered what I did to deserve such a cruel fate. Yet I went, I shopped, and I actually had fun - a lot of fun. How did this miracle happen? Really great company, and a stay at a nearby hotel.
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on December 24, 2008 - 7:51am -
Chef's Table at D.O.C. Wine Bar
When you hear D.O.C. Wine Bar you obviously and accurately would think that it serves wine. You might not also think that it serves great food beyond the requisite cheese and antipasti selection, but oh boy does it ever.
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on December 19, 2008 - 8:57pm -
More than dirty language at Weiner Circle
Straight from the "ewww" department - Weiner Circle was shut down by the health department because there's no hot running water. Apparently the greasy joint's as foul as the language.
The inspectors stopped by the restaurant after a customer complained of seeing rodents. No rats were found, but I've been subject to the employees' trademark rudeness and I found it so offensive I wouldn't be surprised if the complainant was just giving a little back. Unfortunately for Weiner Circle, despite the lack of rodents their establishment didn't pass the test.
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on December 19, 2008 - 5:48pm -
Randolph Wine Cellars Is So Complimentary
Have an oeniphile on your shopping list? Stop by Randolph Wine Cellars tonight or tomorrow and sample what you're giving. They're offering free holiday tastings tonight from 6 to 8pm and tomorrow from 2 to 6pm.
While you're there stop in at the 2nd floor of the Tasting Room and enjoy a great glass of wine and a great view of the Chicago skyline.
Fri, Dec 19, 6 to 8pm
Sat, Dec 20, 2 to 6pm
Randolph Wine Cellars, 1415 W Randolph St, 312.942.1212
Read moreSubmitted by The Local Tourist on December 19, 2008 - 5:07pm
