Dive Lake Michigan

September 2nd, 2010 | Author: Shannon | Topics: , , , , ,

 

 

Lake Michigan: The 3rd  largest of the Great Lakes and the 6th largest fresh water lake in the world. Clocking in at 307 miles at its longest point, 118 miles wide and over 900 at it’s deepest point, this lake really is mammoth. Although it may not be an ocean, from the sheer size of it, it seems to never end.

But Lake Michigan is not all beaches, fresh water and sail boats. Over the years the rough, winter waters in the great lakes have claimed thousands of ships and hundreds of people in its icy waters.

These ship wrecks are now sitting at the bottom of the lake, most of them within 70 ft or less of water. Take for example, the wreck of the Flora M Hill. This 130 foot iron steamer sank on March 11th, 1912. The rudder, propeller and other pieces are still intact. Also, salamanders have moved into the wreckage claiming it as their own. The Iowa is a ship taken by the icy February waters in 1915. This 202 ft wooden steamer sits in just 35 ft of water. Another ship is the  130 ft wooden Wings of Wind which collided with the H.P. Baldwin and sank on May 12th, 1866. This wreckage is sitting straight up in 49 ft of water.

But did you know that you can get up close and personal with these relics?!  Unlike the ocean’s saltwater, Lake Michigan is a supply of cold, freshwater that creates the perfect conditions for shipwreck preservation, with many wrecks found in pristine condition two centuries after sinking. Captain Bob Schak runs Dive Chicago which provides scuba instructions, sightseeing tours, and wreck dives, sailing out of Burnham Harbor. You can get PADI certified through Dive Chicago or if you already have your certification, you can set sail with them. Sightseeing tours are also available for Pleasure or Firework Cruises.

For more information, visit their website.

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Last Minute Labor Day Getaways

August 31st, 2010 | Author: Magen |

I’m sure many of you have had a lovely summer.  You did all the things you wanted to, and got to enjoy a nice leisurely vacation….right?  OR, maybe you spent the entire summer wishing you had the time and money to get away, but for various reasons spent the summer toiling away at work and enjoying what Chicagoland had to offer on evenings and weekends.  But now the end of summer is drawing to a close… and you want to GET AWAY.  Just a chance to escape the city for a moment.  The catch?  You really don’t have the time off available to you, and your budget is a wee bit tight.

Never fear my friends.  My Chicago Concierge is here to help.  We present to you a list of getaways that are all less than 3 hours’ drive from Chicago.  We’ll hope to hear from a more relaxed, refeshed version of you the Tuesday after Labor Day.

For the Wine Connoissuer:

Lynfred Winery in Roselle, IL is an award winning winery, with an incredibly charming Bed & Breakfast.   The service is top notch- and abviously the food and wine are part of the experience.  However, the B & B is small, only 4 rooms, and the price fairly high.  There are plenty of other lodging options in Roselle and nearby Naperville that you can simply make a stop by Lynfred Winery part of your trip!

For the Urbanite:

Beautiful Milwaukee, WI is only a 90 minute drive… depending on traffic.  This neighbor to the North has so much to offer. There are always great deals on hotels:  The Pfister and Ambassador are 2 lovely places where we have found great rates through travel sites like Bing Travel in the past.  There are great museums like the Milwaukee Public Museum.  Restaurants like the Safe House are fun— because you need a password to get in. For those who are fans of drinking- try a brewery or distillery tour!  Our favorites are Lakefront Brewery and Great Lakes Distillery. (Sorry, Miller- but everyone knows what your beers taste like.)  Of course, no road trip to or from Milwaukee is complete without a stop at Mars Cheese Castle.

Like Door County, just closer:

Port Washington, WI is this gem of a lakefront town a half hour north of Milwaukee.  It kind of feels like Door County, but mostly it feels like a New England Fishing Village.  Some charming housing options include the Port Hotel, and the Port Washington Inn.  This is a perfect option if small-town living, quaint B & B’s and an ability to walk everywhere appeals.

For the Golf and Spa Enthusiasts:

Kohler, WI isn’t just the home of some pretty bathroom fixture company.  They also house the American Club and Resort, two great golf courses, and a fabulous Spa.  It’s a worthwhile destination if sport and relaxation are high on your list.

For the Lake Lover:

Lake Geneva, WI is great if a family beach getaway is your goal.  This is probably why Chicagoans have been flocking there every summer for years. You have plenty of options, but Grand Geneva Resort is always a popular one.  Wherever you stay- bring your swimsuit and sunscreen!

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Robie House 100: Celebrating Modern Living.

August 25th, 2010 | Author: Magen |

 

 Today’s post comes from Jim Schiefelbein, Chairman of the Board of Directors –Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust.  Robie House is one of the architectural gems of Chicago.  It also is a personal favorite… the tour is wonderful, and I look forward to the events this fall!  Thanks, Jim!

By Jim Schiefelbein, Chairman of the Board of Directors

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust

The Robie House on the campus of the University of Chicago — (5757 S. Woodlawn Avenue) — is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture.  Renowned for its amazing contemporary spaces, sweeping horizontal lines, dramatic overhangs, stretches of art glass windows and open floor plan, the Robie House set the standard for a new way of living that continues to influence modern design today.

Created in 1908 by Frank Lloyd Wright in his Oak Park Home and Studio for his client Frederick C. Robie, a forward-thinking businessman — construction on the building was completed in 1910.  The Robie House is considered by critics to be both a singular masterpiece of the Prairie style and renowned as a forerunner of modernism in architecture.

This year, this icon of modern architecture, is enjoying its centennial anniversary, and to celebrate the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is introducing an expanded selection of guest experiences to encourage a more personal connection with the museum.

Tours of the site offer both a first-hand experience of its amazingly contemporary spaces and the current meticulous restoration work that is underway to return the home to Wright’s original vision.

 

Public tours are available Thursday – Monday.  The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.  Advance tickets are highly recommended.  Purchase tickets here or call 1-800-514-ETIX (3849).

 

About The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust: 

The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust engages the public in educational and aesthetic experiences to foster an appreciation of architecture, design and the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright. In the Chicagoland area, the Preservation Trust presents two Wright structures as public historic architecture museums — his remarkable Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois, and his Prairie style masterpiece, the Robie House in Chicago.  The Preservation Trust is responsible for restoring and preserving these sites, including the current multimillion-dollar restoration of Wright’s Robie House. More information on the many restoration, preservation and education programs of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust can be found at GoWright.org

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Lou Piniella Steps Down

August 23rd, 2010 | Author: Shannon | Topics: , , ,

After Sunday’s game vs. the Atlanta Braves, the lights dimmed on Wrigley Field and on their manager for the last 4 seasons. Lou Piniella told the public on July 20th that he would be retiring and 2010 would be his last season with his Chicago Cubs. As the health of his 90 year old mother Margret deteriorates, Piniella found himself splitting duties between his “boys in blue” in Chicago and his mother in Tampa. Lou was expected to play out the rest of the season, but he made the announcement yesterday before the 1:20pm day game, that Sunday, August 22th, would be his last.

The city of Chicago had high hopes in 2008 with their sweet victory verse their rivals- Midwest powerhouse, the St. Louis Cardinals, to claim the Division Championship, only to then get defeated in the playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The same thing happened to their fellow Chicago ball club, the Chicago White Sox, losing out to Tampa in the first round that year as well.

Piniella was the first manager in the past 100 years of the ball club to lead them to the play offs in back to back seasons.  Lou ended his 23 season career with an impressive 1,835 wins.

Third-base coach Mike Quade will take over as interim manager for the remainder of the season. We wish Lou the best in his retirement and our thoughts are with him and his family. As for his Cubbies- “There’s always next year”.

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Tall Ships Take Chicago!

August 18th, 2010 | Author: Shannon | Topics: , , ,

Ever seen the ship out in the harbor that made you look twice? Pirates- in Lake Michigan, can it be? Well, the ship you saw was Chicago’s own Tall Ship Windy. But if you thought one tall ship was a treat, just you wait! August 24th starts the Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2010!

For 5 days, over 20 Tall Ships will grace our shores with their sky high sails and beautiful ease. Ships from the U.S., Canada and Europe will live at Navy Pier and can be viewed all week long.

On Tuesday, August 24th is the Parade of Sails. At 4pm the Tall Ships will parade down the lakefront for two miles followed by the opening ceremonies at 5pm. Tickets for this event, boarding the boats, tours, and sailing tickets can be purchased on their website.

So, head out to Navy Pier  August 24th- 29th and take the family for this wonderful, breathtaking chance to be taken back in time to when pirate ships sailed the high seas. It promises to be an event you and yours won’t soon forget!

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Ravinia

August 16th, 2010 | Author: Shannon | Topics: , , ,

As the summer draws to a close, we hope you’ve remembered to visit Chicagoland’s own Ravinia. This outdoor amphitheatre has been part of Chicago’s history since 1904. Thousands of locals and tourists alike flock to this warm weather destination to take in the sights and sounds of summer. The most popular way to have the “Ravinia Experience” is a seat on their famous lawn. Droves of people come early, bringing blankets, picnic baskets and coolers and settle in with friends to take in music for the night.

This year the Ravinia Pavilion has hosted acts such acts as Sting, The B-52s, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill. Still to come this season are Nelly Furtado and Train. After your busy weekend last week with the Air and Water Show in town, this would be the perfect chance to chill out with a bottle of wine under the stars. This weekend’s upcoming acts are the Counting Crows on August 21st and Crosby, Stills and Nash on August 22nd.

Access to Ravinia is easy- Just take the Metra. The Union Pacific Line opens The Ravinia Park stop during the summer concert season. Tickets are still available for shows running through September 7th, 2010.

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Mama Wendy’s Take On Chicago

August 11th, 2010 | Author: wendy | Topics:

Greetings Chicago!

http://www.chicago.hu/gallery/chicago_history_museum.jpgif you want to get to know a town, start with the past.

Monday’s adventure brings us to the Chicago History Museum.  Mondays are free & the current exhibits are fascinating & enjoyable.  Exploring Chicago’s history has been enlightening and nostalgic.

The first floor has the featured exhibition- Facing Freedom.  There I learned about some courageous folks. We marched for women’s suffrage 

then rode our bikes

 to catch the train. 

 

 I continued to make new friends

… some folks had just stepped in off the boat! 

 Wow.  Everyone is so enthusiastic.

We went straight out to  Comiskey Park, to watch the Chicago White Stockings play.  It  was a VERY exciting game. 

I waited for quite some time to get a photo opportunity with Shoeless Joe Jackson .

A trip to Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park for gluten free pizza crust gave way to a beautiful view of the river and an unexpected sighting of a blue domestic parakeet!

Whew!  Chicago has certainly been an exciting and important part of the rights, responsibilities, and diversity of the folks of America!  Thanks Chicago for persevering into the 21st century!

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Free Admission to Hancock Observatory Friday 8/13!

August 10th, 2010 | Author: Magen |

Hello, all!  Just wanted to share a little news from our good friends at the John Hancock Observatory.  Free admission to the Observatory is RARE, and a chance to do so during the Air & Water Show is a can’t miss!  So make sure you let everyone know!  It’s certainly where we’ll be on Friday!

John Hancock Observatory voted One of the Most Visually-Inspiring Sites in the U.S.

Have we mentioned the amazing views we have up at John Hancock Observatory before? Well it turns out we’re not the only ones who think so! To celebrate the launch of Biotrue™ multi-purpose contact lens solution, Bausch + Lomb will provide FREE admission to the first 6,000 visitors to the John Hancock Center to help consumers celebrate visual inspiration on August 13, 2010. That’s also the day that the Chicago Air & Water Show pilots will be practicing for their big weekend – double bonus!

The John Hancock Center is ranked as a top visually inspiring site in the U.S. in a recent online survey from Bausch + Lomb and Bert Sperling. From 1,000 feet up at JHO you can see Lake Michigan, landmarks of the city and a huge panorama of four states.

Visitors are invited to enter the “Inspiration in Your Eyes” contest on-site and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/biotrue. for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip for two to one of the top ten inspirational sites in the US. On-site, visitors can pose for a green screen photo op in front of a visually inspiring site, including the John Hancock Center, and receive a coupon for a FREE bottle of Biotrue™.

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Hamburger Heaven

August 9th, 2010 | Author: Shannon | Topics: , , ,

Chicago is known for Deep Dish Pizza and Chicago Style Hot Dogs BUT who knew we were a burger city too? With cheeseburgers stacked high with everything imaginable, here’s a list of places to try on your search for the ultimate burger experience:

Timothy O’Toole’s- Can you handle “Big Timmy”?! Head on down to 622 N Fairbanks and try your hand at the “Big Timmy Challenge”. Timothy O’Toole’s prize burger features TWO half pound patties, four kinds of cheese and all the fixin’s. If you can clean your plate (which is also piled high with fries AND onion rings), they will give you a free t-shirt as a trophy!

Rockit Bar and Grill- A list of the best burgers in town wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Rockit Bar and Grill which has “Good Morning America’s” pick for one of the “Best Burgers in the Nation”. Their Rockit Burger is made with kobe beef, melted brie, fried shallots and medjool date aioli. Their original River North location at 22 W Hubbard now has a sister bar in Wrigleyville as well.

Billy Goat Tavern- “Cheezborger! Cheezborger!”. Enough said. This Chicago staple has been on the lower level of 430 N Michigan Ave since 1934. Billy Goat’s was made famous after John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray immortalized the restaurant on Saturday Night Live.  Belushi and Murray frequented the restaurant during their days at Second City and then brought their love of the famous “Cheezborger” to the masses on the show in 1978. Just remember- “No Pepsi- COKE”!

So, whether you like just ketchup and mustard or everything but the kitchen sink, Chicago has plenty of places to find the perfect patty. Let us know which is YOUR favorite!

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One Man Chicago

August 3rd, 2010 | Author: Magen |

Please check out this event happening in Chicago!

One Man Chicago is a totally unique event selecting the best man to represent this diverse city from the perspectives of community involvement, intelligence, personality, and fitness.  Join hosts Ginger Zee and Kelli Zink and a panel of 16 celebrity judges at the Harris Theatre on Thursday, September 2 as they find One Man Chicago by putting 20 finalists to the test. 

To learn about the One Man Chicago finalists and their charities, go to www.onemanchicago.com.  You can vote for the man and the charity you think best represents Chicago!

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