A deep breath can be a huge help
Uncharted territory is scary.
I had no improv experience whatsoever – none, nada, nothing – and I was nervous and fearing the unknown.
As my heart started racing, I took a deep breath.
And I felt a little better.
Another one, and my heart stopped racing quite so fast. Not normal, mind you, but let’s not be picky.
When fears associated with the pandemic start to creep in, I find that, once again, taking a deep breath can help, especially when it’s followed by another, and then yet another.
Know what matters
I met Blue Team captain Stacey Smith a few minutes before the start of the show. She’s as hilarious in person as she is on stage, and beautiful, and I’d like to be her when I grow up. Surprisingly, she made the greatest impact on me when she looked me square in the eyes and said, “It doesn’t matter” with a fair amount of seriousness.
It’s all about perspective, and knowing what’s important. Keeping people safe, promoting healthy habits, supporting those in need – those things matter.
I was worried about improv games and making a fool of myself, but she reminded me that it doesn’t matter if you get “out.” Don’t know what to do? It doesn’t matter. Worried about losing? Don’t be! It doesn’t matter! Also, it doesn’t matter if you do something totally silly or even make a complete fool of yourself.
It made me realize that I place a lot of importance on and devote an inordinate amount of mental energy to things that don’t matter.
As parents, it feels like all the things matter, all the times. And there are some big things that really do matter, especially in the teen years when you have to teach them how to drive a car without threatening the safety of the general public. Those things really do deserve our attention and angst.
While we face some significant inconveniences, ask yourself if, when thinking of the broader picture, it really matters. And it’s entirely possible that there are big things involved that matter – the big performance, the amazing spring break trip, the celebration of a major milestone. It’s reasonable to mourn those losses.
But also remember what matters most and think about doing your part to protect those things.
Commit and be all in
At first blush, this appears to be at odds with “it doesn’t matter,” but it turns out that it’s a whole lot easier to give 100% and put yourself out there when it doesn’t matter.
Around three-quarters of the way through the night, I realized that I had not seen one person in the audience on their phone. From my fun perch on the stage, I had a great vantage point. My teen in the front row who loves her some social media? Didn’t touch her phone once. When you are all in, it’s so much easier for others to be all in.
There’s something magical when a family is all in on the same thing. If we are all going to be spending more time at home with our families, figure out what might be fun to be all in on, and go for it. Baking, puzzles, games (plan tournaments to make up for the basketball conference tournaments that were cancelled), writing letters of gratitude to people in the community, find something.
One friend in Seattle said that she felt much better when she shifted her perspective from “this sucks for me” to “I’m doing my part.” Be all in on doing your part.
Storytelling is powerful
I’m afraid I had forgotten how very much I love to tell stories until one of the games at the ComedySportz show had me do just that. I told a story about a day in my life and my team reenacted it as a Broadway musical.
I opted for the time that I locked my two-year-old daughter in the car. Why not share my finest Mother of the Year moment?
I got a lot of positive feedback about the story, something I never could have imagined when I was in the moment. Time really is amazing.
It also reminded me that the stories we tell ourselves are powerful. That’s especially true of the stories we tell ourselves about our parenting.
This crazy time is going to give us some interesting stories to share later.
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If your kids love animals, get tickets for the new Sea Otter Encounter at the Shedd Aquarium
My teen and I are avowed otter fans, so of course we were otterly delighted to learn about the new Extraordinary Experience at the Shedd that gives guests a new way to interact up-close with these adorable animals.
The otters are still adjusting to their new schedule so the program is being rolled out in waves. (Pun intended.) You can find the schedule and get your tickets, which are $109.95 for adults (12+)/$94.95 for children (6-11)/$64.95 for members and includes general admission and express entry to the aquarium, here. (If they’re sold out, fear not! Sign up to be notified as they’re opening more dates on an ongoing basis.)
It’s open to guests 6 and older, and children 6-11 must be accompanied by a paying adult and parents/guardians must sign waivers for participants who are 17 or younger.
If your kid is into tech or fashion, head to the MSI to see the new Wired to Wear
exhibit
The Museum of Science and Industry Chicago unveils the first-ever exhibit dedicated to wearable technology on March 21st, Wired to Wear. The 8,000 square-foot exhibit features more than 100 items that illustrate how merging technology into clothing will transform what we wear into devices that will make us healthier, stronger and smarter.
Items include Gravity Industries’ Jet Suit (pictured above) which can travel more than 30 miles per hour and ascend to 12,000 feet, Nike’s self-lacing shoes featured in Back to the Future Part II, and Project Unicorn by teen disability activist Jordan Reeves.
Guests can also take part in Makers United, a design experience where guests will build their own wearable product.
Find more info at msichicago.org.
If your kids love Disney, don’t miss A Whole New World with Alan Menken at the Auditorium Theatre
Want to go the distance and get one jump ahead? Then get out there, seize the day and make plans to see A Whole New World of Alan Menken at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre on March 30th at 7:30 p.m.. Doing so will take you from zero to hero. As you share part of your world with them, your kids will have to admit that mother knows best and they will feel badly for the poor, unfortunate souls who didn’t get to see this beloved songwriter perform.
Did you catch the references to nine different Menken songs in that paragraph? There will be all that and more, including a sneak peek at new music. Get the details and tickets here.
If your tweens and teens love being active, lace up your shoes for the Race to Wrigley 5K
Chicago Cubs Charities hosts the Race to Wrigely 5K for the 14th year in a row on April 27. It’s great event for all ages and a great chance to celebrate the return of baseball season! Participants run through Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and the Wrigley Field concourse, crossing the finish line near the Wrigley Field Marquee.
That experience is reason alone to run but it also benefits a great cause. Proceeds will go to Cubs Charities’ Diamond Project, which aims to expand baseball and softball opportunities for all Chicago children.
To register or get more details, visit www.racetowrigley.com.
21 things I often think to myself as the parent of a teen
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There are a ton of reasons to love Chicago in the summer – the lake, the festivals, and the baseball. I love that Chicago has two teams, and this weekend we headed to Guaranteed Rate Field to see the White Sox take on the A’s. It was 72 degrees and sunny and everyone was in a good mood. It was one of those amazing days that makes you realize why you endure the winters here.
The first reason is, obviously, baseball. And as we approach Independence Day weekend, it’s a great time to watch America’s Pastime. Baseball alone is fun. Watching pro athletes do their things is pretty much always going to be impressive to me. (How Avisail Garcia throws a ball so far really does blow my mind.) But there are lots of other reasons, too, and here are our top 11.
Theme Nights & Special Events
Few people love a theme like I do, but I think the good folks at the White Sox take the cake when it comes to awesome theme nights and special events. When we went on Sat., they joined with other MLB teams across the country in showing the movie The Sandlot on the jumbotron after the game in honor of the film’s 25th anniversary.
There are lots of upcoming theme nights, including Country Music Night on July 27, Christmas in July on July 29 and Elvis Night on August 17.
Southpaw
I rather love the White Sox mascot. Apparently, my teen does, too.
(And while Southpaw deserves his own entry on the list, it’s really the fact that he brings out the fun side in pretty much everyone and a chance to be silly together, which is a treasured moment when you’re the parent of a teen.)
My Instagram-loving kid was tickled by his Instagram handle: @FuzzyGreenDude
Fun Food
I only eat hot dogs at the ballpark. They’re so good. So. Good.
But there are a lot of other taste treats to be found at Guaranteed Rate Field. My husband enjoyed The Change Up – a Johnsonville chipotle Monterey Jack chicken sausage with salsa fresca.
My teen daughter was all about the churro ice cream sandwich but ate it too quickly for me to get a photo. That’s the sign of a tasty treat!
Shedd the Straw
The Sox are the first MLB team to serve drinks during games without an accompanying plastic straw. Single use plastic is a huge environmental concern and it’s awesome to see the Sox step up as environmental leaders. It sparked a great conversation as a family about small changes making a big difference, and what it means to be a leader.
Family Sundays
Unless your family has recently won the lottery (Congrats! And can you adopt me?) chances are you don’t have unlimited disposable income. I appreciate that Family Sundays are specially priced with $5 tickets for the upper level and some as cheap as $15 in the lower level. Also, parking is only $10, which always delights my husband. It’s the little things.
Fireworks
Going to the game is an event in and of itself, but it feels even more special on Friday nights when there are fireworks.
Rookie Corner
Your first game is a big deal, so if it is someone in your party’s first game, visit the Rookie Corner behind Section 154 where they can get their free ‘First Game’ certificate and button. It’s a great souvenir and makes little ones (or big ones) feel like an MVP. And who doesn’t love a free souvenir?
Xfinity Kids Zone
Sitting still is tough for little ones, but at the Xfinity Kids Zone on the third level of the ballpark, they are encouraged to move. Young fans can participate in a whiffle ball game and batting practice. They can also check out the new “How Do You Measure Up?” wall graphic and join in base-running competitions to demonstrate their speed and get out some extra energy.
Matt Davidson
He’s a great player, fun to watch and, well, I’ll be honest, the fact that he’s easy on the eyes doesn’t hurt.
The Shower
That’s not what you were expecting to see on this list, is it? But on hot days, guests can cool off with a visit to Section 161 where you’ll find the Shower from Old Comiskey Park.
Safer Extended Netting
This may be the most “mom” item ever and I know it will elicit eye rolls, but I was really pleased to see* the extended netting that goes all the way to the end of the dugouts now. There are still some foul balls in the stands for excitement, don’t worry, but there’s plenty of time to spot them.
*You can see the netting if you’re looking for it but when I pointed it out to my husband, he hadn’t even noticed. It doesn’t interfere with the view of the game at all.
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Do check the weather forecast — and don’t give up hope if it’s raining
We planned to go on a Saturday and when we woke up to a steady downpour, disappointment set in. I checked the weather forecast, however, and it said that we weren’t socked in and that it would clear in a few hours. The showers moved out and so did we. It turned out to be a warm, sunny afternoon. The rain seemed to scare a lot of people away as the crowds were light.
A corollary to this is do check the water park’s social media accounts to make sure that they’re open.
It’s also wise to know the park’s policy in the event of inclement weather. For example, at Raging Waves has a weather guarantee, meaning if the park closes during your visit, you will get a ticket to return for another day.
Don’t miss out on a chance to bond with your tweens and teens
While you should give your kids a chance to be on their own, you should be sure to have fun with them, too. We met up with my daughter and her friend to go on a few different rides that allowed for four people in a raft.
Does someone over 40 belong on a ride called the Wonambi that generates “high speed, near-vertical, zero gravity moments”? Probably not. But I did it anyway, and was glad I did. (Also, there were a ton of families together, which was fun to see.)
We are excited to return a bit later in the summer when we can race each other on the Wild Wallabies, the newest slides in the park that weren’t yet open when we were there. If you have little ones, definitely take time to enjoy the interactive play features with them. They’ll delight in seeing you stand under a large octopus that spouts water like the one in the new Quokka-Nut Island at Raging waves, which is for kids ages 2-5 and their grown-ups.
Do give your kids some freedom
A water park is a great place let your kids explore and have fun on their own. At 58 acres, Raging Waves is big, and they love feeling like they have control over where they go. It’s also well-staffed, the lifeguards are very on top of things and the park itself is contained, so parents have peace of mind, too. It’s a win-win. Do have a set meeting place and time, and use that same place in case of an emergency.
Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for the lazy river
While your kids are off doing their thing, enjoy the adult time! My husband and I had the best time chilling out on the lazy river. The one at Raging Waves is a quarter-mile long, so it gives you plenty of time to really relax. There’s nothing like a good float down a lazy river to make me feel like I’m living my best summer life.
My only regret was that we saved this for last and while one trip around was great, two times around would have been better.
Do remind kids to follow the rules
This sounds basic but a quick refresher in the car of the kind of behavior you expect isn’t a bad thing, and following the rules and heeding the directives of lifeguards is really important at the water park. They’re there for a reason! Put in a plug for being kind to the younger kids while you’re at it.
Don’t forget sunscreen, and don’t forget to keep applying it.
Even on cloudy days, sunscreen is important. Tweens and teens aren’t likely to remember to reapply, so a gentle reminder can be helpful.
Do leave valuables at home or in the car
You don’t want to have to worry about keeping track of valuables and making sure that they stay dry. If you can leave items like wallets and phones in your car, do so. While lockers are available, they’re small and not using them is a way to save money.
Along the same lines, consider leaving jewelry at home. It didn’t happen on this trip, but I’ve been a member of a search party for a wedding ring on more than one water park trip before, and trust me, you don’t want to be in the position.
Don’t forget to hydrate
Kids are all about the slides and the waves, and while they’re immersed in water, they likely aren’t drinking much water. Encourage kids to hydrate, especially when it’s hot out.
Water parks have varying rules about bringing in beverages, but Raging Waves permits factory-sealed bottled water and allows empty water bottles that you can fill up at drinking fountains once you’re in the park.
Do enjoy a frozen treat
I was a bit surprised that the teens sat and enjoyed an ice cream cone with us at the water park. They were happy to have a treat (and had worked up a pretty good appetite after a few hours.) Just be careful and don’t plan a crazy slide or ride right after you eat.
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The Chicago River
The view of the city from the Chicago River can’t be beat. And remember, reversing it was an engineering marvel. There are lots of ways to explore by river, including lots of kayaking opportunities, water taxis or a walk along the new river walk, but my favorite way is aboard an architecture cruise. They last between 75 – 90 minutes and are full of information about the city’s history, construction and architectural marvels while you glide down the river on a boat like the one in the photo below.
The city’s West Side doesn’t get a lot of tourist traffic, but that just means fewer crowds at the Garfield Park Conservatory. I would call it a hidden gem, but as one of the nation’s largest conservatories, though, it’s not exactly hidden. It truly is an urban oasis. You can feel like you’ve traveled to prehistoric time, to the desert and to the rain forest in about 15 minutes. On weekends, it’s fun to see wedding parties taking photos. Don’t forget to go outside and see this gorgeous lily pad!
This building takes my breath away every time I enter. There’s not one but two gorgeous stained-glass domes. (One is the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome.) The building was completed in 1897 as home to the Chicago Public Library and evidence of its time as a literary landmark throughout the building delights me. It’s fun just to wander just to appreciate the building itself but there are also exhibits and special events, which turn this into a cultural palace.
This is conveniently located right across the street from the Cultural Center. When I first moved to Chicago, Millennium Park didn’t exist. Open since July 2004, it’s now hard to imagine the city without it. The Bean is a can’t miss sight, to be sure, but be sure to wander around the whole park to discover hidden nooks in the Lurie Garden, art exhibits and the Pritzker Pavilion. It’s fun no matter the time of year.
If you keep going east of Millennium Park, you’ll come to Maggie Daley Park. You don’t have to go far to discover this playground for all ages that’s unlike any playground you’ve seen before. Kids have a ball here but this place also blows the mind of adults just with its size and scale. There are fun places to explore and wander, and kids love it. The view from one of the play structures below proves that Chicago really does love kids. There’s rock wall climbing and a skating ribbon that hosts rollerblading in the summer, ice skating in the winter. Rinks are so yesterday, you know.
The Chicago Tribune Building
The limestone exterior of the Chicago Tribune Building features pieces of rock from other famous buildings around the world, from the Great Wall of China to the Parthenon to the Taj Mahal. There are also artifacts from all 50 states. If the sidewalk isn’t completely mobbed, I love to stop and look – I always discover a new one.
Belugas, penguins and dolphins, oh my! The Shedd is full of fantastic fish and also one of the best places to get a view of the stunning Chicago skyline. And the beautiful Beaux Arts building alone is worth exploring. You can read more about our most recent visit here.
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What I loved: Location
This hotel is perfectly situated for access to all of our favorite places in Chicago. The location is fantastic. Just blocks off Michigan Ave., we were able to walk to shopping, tons of restaurants (Do Rite Donuts was around the corner!), and Navy Pier. On the night we saw Hamilton, it was a little late, so we grabbed a cab back and it was quick and cheap, under $10.
What my teen loved: The Room
We had a King Suite, and that meant that there were two separate areas – the bedroom and a living area with a sleeper sofa couch, as well as two separate televisions. The teen was so happy to have a bit of her own space. There wasn’t a door between the two spaces, so she didn’t have total privacy, but it was enough to make her happy.
What pleased her even more was the discovery that she had access to Netflix on her television. (And my husband was pretty happy that he had ESPN, too.) Please don’t think that all we did was watch TV. She watched for maybe 20 minutes, but just knowing it was there brought her a lot of glee. It was a good way to unwind from all the fun and sensory stimulation of the city.
My teen loves trendy, so she was a fan of the decor in the room, as were my husband and I. It’s very sleek and modern. I loved that the floors felt like wood and weren’t carpeted.
The whole hotel felt very sleek and stylish.
What my husband liked: Breakfast
My husband appreciates value and the free breakfast that was included was both tasty and good for the budget. They offered hot options like eggs and sausage, in addition to cereal, fruit, yogurt, and other cold options. The morning we were there was busy – there were a lot of football fans in for the Bears game – and a guest had left their water running on the floor above, resulting in a leak into the breakfast room. (Note to self: Always double-check that you’ve turned off the water!)
The staff handled it beautifully, making sure that guests had the food they needed and apologizing for the rather minor inconvenience. I confirmed today that the minor damage has been fixed and everything is back to normal.
We all loved: The Shedd Aquarium Package
The Shedd Aquarium has been a family-favorite for more than a decade – it’s always fun to visit the dolphins and our other favorites there. It’s our happy place. So, we were thrilled that the Fairfield Inn offered a package that included VIP tickets to the Shedd Aquarium, as well as a Shedd stuffed animal. Our turtle was adorable and made for a fun companion throughout our weekend.
Even better: The package includes valet parking and you don’t have be out until 5 p.m. the day you leave. We checked out of the hotel, left our bags with the helpful folks at the front desk, had a great day with the fish and friends, and returned late afternoon to get the car and head home. It was so much easier than having to move and park the car, especially with a Bears game that day.
We all loved: Free Wifi
It was fast, too! That’s a hotel unicorn!
If you go
Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago
Location: 216 East Ontario Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611
Check-in and Check-out: 3 p.m. and 12 p.m.
Parking: Valet parking available for $58 with in and out privileges. Off-site parking is also available for $42.
We received a free stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago. All opinions are our own.
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1. There is so much going on here.
SafeHouse is a feast for the eyes, and all the senses, really. There’s zero chance of getting bored. I get overwhelmed or end up with sensory overload pretty easily, but I was fine here. My teen was more than fine, she was pretty delighted. It wasn’t just her. One girl walked past our table and said, “This place is SO COOL.” It’s a lot, in a good and fun way.
2. There’s a scavenger hunt.
I love a good scavenger hunt, so I was delighted when we sat down and saw the “Recon Duty” sheet. It was fun to have something to do (and that gave us a legitimate reason to explore the space) together. Also, should you want more action, there’s a SafeHouse App you can download with additional clues for more hunting.
3. There are secrets and surprises.
I can’t reveal too much; surprises and secrets are best kept. (And it might get me killed by an international spy ring and well, we wouldn’t want that.) Suffice it to say that there are unexpected twists and turns that will be part of your dining experience.
4. We are still talking and laughing about a few weeks later.
SafeHouse Chicago was new and novel and interesting and unlike any place we had been before.
There is something really fantastic about experiencing something brand new with your kids. When that something produces a lot of laughs and some inside jokes, it’s even better. Our trip to SafeHouse Chicago has stuck with us, in the very best of ways.
5. Fun food!
The original SafeHouse is in Milwaukee and as a nod to its roots in Wisconsin, SafeHouse kept cheese curds on its Chicago menu. They are delicious. In addition, there are fun cocktails for adults.
I enjoyed my burger, my husband said his meal was good and my teen really liked her Caesar salad. A well-fed teen is a whole lot easier to get along with, am I right? While the food is solid, the theming steals the show here.
If you’re visiting SafeHouse, definitely check out their website ahead of time, or better yet, have your kids do it and ask them to get you the address. (There are a few fun ways to do it on their site, including using coordinates for latitude and longitude.)
Plan on heading there for lunch or early dinner. After 8 p.m. on weeknights, it becomes a spot for only adults.
Disclosure: We received a free meal at SafeHouse but were not compensated for this post. All opinions are mine and that of my fellow spies. I mean family.
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I feel a little silly admitting this, but I was surprised by just how much fun we had as a family last Sunday watching the Sox. I knew it would be a good time, but we had a ball. (And it’s not just me, both my husband and teen said the same.) It was one of those perfect carefree, sunny summer Sunday afternoon. It was the kind you dream about, especially when the snow is flying.
In hopes of helping you capture that same kind of warm weather magic, here are a few ways to enjoy summer family fun with the Chicago White Sox.
Family Sundays
You, your kids and your wallet can love baseball with Family Sundays presented by Coca-Cola. They include kid-friendly activities such as children’s running the bases postgame (weather permitting), face painters, balloon artists and a caricature artist. Family-friendly pricing includes tickets as low as $5 in the Upper Level and $15 in the Lower Level. The $10 parking (half of what it usually is) makes me happy. Kids ages 10 and under eat free off the kid’s menu at ChiSox Bar & Grill on Family Sundays. Additional information is available at whitesox.com/Sundays.
Children’s autograph sessions
Offered on select games with the next one this weekend on Sunday, July 2, kids can receive autographs from current White Sox players. The first 100 kids (ages 13 and under) to enter the ballpark through the Chicago Sports Depot entrance (located near parking Lot B and Gate 5) when gates open will be given a wristband and directed to a special area for the autograph session. A regular game ticket is required to participate. More information and future dates are available at whitesox.com/Autographs.
Kids Club
Sox fans ages 13 and under can become Kids Club members and get the chance to receive complimentary game tickets, official Sox gear and access to special events. More information about the two memberships options (one is free) is available at whitesox.com/KidsClub.
Fun Theme Nights
There are also some really fun theme nights and giveaways ahead, including:
- MLB Play Ball Bat & Ball Set giveaway on Sunday, July 2
- Christmas in July on Friday, July 28
- Rock N’Roll Night & Topps baseball card giveaway on Friday, August 11. All fans will receive a pack of baseball cards upon entry to the ballpark that evening.
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]]>Yesterday, one of my good friends packed up her family and jumped on a plane, headed for an amazing adventure in Italy. That’s not in the cards for us this summer, so I did the next best thing. I packed up my family and hopped in the car as we headed for an adventure at Eataly Chicago.
I love the idea of traveling with your taste buds, and this was a great way for us to explore Italy and enjoy some fun time together without needing passports or suitcases.
Eataly
Founded in Torino in 207, Eataly is the largest artisanal Italian marketplace in the world. There are now more than 35 locations in countries all across the globe. Eataly Chicago is the largest location in the U.S. with more than 60,000 square feet on two floors, including 5 full-service restaurants.
Sounds fantastic, right? Even better, it’s family-friendly. And if you love pasta, wine, cheese, or anything related to Italy, you’re in the right place.
Pizza via Eataly Loves Kids
The store has recently launched Eataly Loves Kids, which is focused on what kids love: pizza.
In La Pizza & La Pasta, the most popular and largest restaurant, kids can get a $9 Neapolitan-style pizza in their choice of fun shapes: hearts, butterflies, fish, or bunnies. Children choose their shape and ingredients by coloring an interactive menu, which is also a great way to learn some Italian. (And my teens and the good friend she brought with us were surprisingly charmed by the shaped pizzas.)
It is available during regular restaurant hours Sunday through Thursday. The hours are Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.and Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The pizza is large, and the kids gobbled it up. The fact that it won’t completely break the bank shows some love to parents, too.
It’s possible that when we went the adults were as mesmerized watching the expert pizzaiolo, or pizza maker, craft the pizzas and slide them in and out of the ovens.
My husband and I both had pasta, which they serve al dente, just like they do it in Italy. I had the Ravioli di Prosciutto con Piselli. My husband really enjoyed the Rigatoni all’ Arrabbiata, which had enough kick to make him happy. Perhaps because of that, he also tried out Mole Cola, the Italian version of Coca Cola.
Everyone Loves Gelato
When we were done with our meal, we headed downstairs and grabbed gelato. The tiramisu gelato is fantastic. And my daughter loved her combo of berry and lemon sorbets.
None of us was brave enough to try the caprese gelato combo, but perhaps next time! The combo is pomodoro sorbet plus basil-flavored gelato plus sweet milk gelato, with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt sprinkled on top.
When I asked my daughter what her favorite part of our visit to Italy was, she replied, “My pizza was really good. The gelato was really good, too!” Kid may not have the largest vocabulary, but she knows what she likes.
If you can’t visit in Chicago, there are two locations in New York and one in Boston, with stores planned for Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Toronto.
Eataly Chicago is located at 43 E. Ohio Street.
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]]>From the Art Institute to the Sears Tower to Lake Shore Drive to the Cubs/Blackhawks/Bears/Sox to the Auditorium Theatre, there is a lot to love about the City of Chicago. I lived there for ten years and still get to take advantage of all it has to offer now that I’m living in a suburb. In honor of the city’s birthday, here’s some trivia about Chicago.
* The world’s first skyscraper was completed in Chicago in 1885. At 10 stories tall, the Home Insurance Building was considered huge in its day. It did not stand the test of time, however, and in 1931 it was demolished.
* The longest street in the City of Chicago is Western Ave. It is 23 ½ miles long, running from Howard Street to 119th Street.
* Wrigley Field is a Chicago landmark that was first built in 1914, and the bleachers and the scoreboard were added in 1937, the same year that they planted the iconic ivy.
* Chicago’s O’Hare Airport uses the abbreviation ORD, which stands for Orchard Field, the first name of the airfield. The City of Chicago renamed it O’Hare International Airport in 1949 to honor Edward “Butch” O’Hare, a Navy aviator who saved the aircraft carrier USS Lexington during World War II. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1942. He died when his aircraft was shot down a year later.
* 820 lights illuminate the iconic Buckingham Fountain. Kate Buckingham imagined a fountain with the effect of “soft moonlight” and worked with technicians to get just the effect she imagined.
* Mark Twain said, “It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago. She outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them.” Twain said that in 1883, just 46 years after the city was incorporated.
Sources: The Guinness Book of World Records, FlyChicago.com, The Chicago Park District, WBEZ, Ballparks.com, Chicago History
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