5 Ways To Experience Chicago Right Now

Yes, it's cold and winter-y outside, but there's still a bunch of things you can do in Chicago—with your family, social bubble, or quarantine pod in tow. Here's my latest published story with a few ideas, published in Forbes.

2020 Editors’ Choice Awards: TripSavvy

I'm super proud to have worked on TripSavvy's 2020 Editors' Choice Awards, which are more important this year than ever. We've highlighted businesses and organizations that have made big moves to support first responders, fight racial inequality, and aid in efforts to get out the vote. For the Innovators category, I wrote about leaders that have creatively pivoted to thrive during the pandemic: The Art Institute of Chicago, Badlands National Park, Lookingglass Theatre Company, and Music Box Theatre. For the Community Leaders section, I wrote about Oriole and The Ranch at Rock Creek.

What It’s Like To Visit Chicago Right Now

When will this all be over and when will travel be safe again? These are questions that are top of mind for many of us as we navigate a new normal, which includes ever-changing quarantine and health guidelines for work and play. International borders continue to be closed and the pandemic has made traveling problematic, however, one thing is for certain: Americans are still traveling; we’re just doing it within our own orbit, hopefully adhering to safety protocols. And, if you’re from the Midwest, chances are, you’ll want to journey to Chicago, home of deep dish pizza, multiple parks, an expansive lake front, and impressive architecture. (Published in Forbes.)

Largest Outdoor Aerial Adventure Park Breathes Life Into The Chicago Suburbs

Not far from Chicago sits the largest, and arguably the most extreme, aerial adventure course in North America: The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a 300-acre thrill-seeker haven made for a range of ages, abilities, and interests (published in Forbes.)

Six Great Hikes Near Chicago

The Windy City offers much more than deep dish pizza, architecture, and professional sports. Chicago is close to several great hikes—linear as well as loop—featuring river and glacier-carved canyons and bluffs, prairies with tall grasses, booming waterfalls, rolling sandy dunes, muddy marshes and bogs, lakes, and dense forests. (Published in Forbes.)

Chicago Guide: Planning Your Trip

Check out my big ole Chicago guide, with trip planning advice, published in TripSavvy.

Chicago Cycling: Routes, Tips, Safety, Shops

Silver lining: There's a biking boom, which can only lead to more bike friendly cities. Here's how to bike in Chicago, with rules of the road, safety tips, and where you can find resources for your next ride, published in Forbes.

The Magic of Date Night at Home

The confirmation e-mail read, “You've been in pajamas for months now. Make a night of it. Cocktail attire is recommended.” Due to the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home recommendations for health and safety, it’s true for most Americans: pajamas and comfort wear have been the norm. All too eager to add some pizazz to my living room, my husband and I dressed up and treated the evening as a proper date night, which was long over due. With cocktails in hand, a deck of cards, and an internet connection, we joined the virtual performance of Dennis Watkins’ The Magic Parlour at Home. My story, published in Forbes.

The Top 10 Restaurants in Wicker Park, Chicago

Wicker Park has long been known as a cultural hub for artists and performers. No matter what time of day or night it is, you’ll likely see folks walking around and in and out of shops, bars, art galleries, and restaurants. A good way to get a sense of this eclectic neighborhood’s vibe is to eat your way through it. Here’s my story, published in TripSavvy.

Black Art Matters To This Prominent Museum

African American artists have long been creating important and influential works inside as well as outside of the mainstream canon, from the Civil War era to the Harlem Renaissance period to contemporary works. In an effort to highlight some of the important and indelible works created by black Americans, I reached out to two art curators from the Art Institute of Chicago for this story, published in Forbes.

How to Travel from Boston to Chicago by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Here's how to travel from Boston to Chicago, plus a few things to do once you're in the Windy City, published in TripSavvy.

Chicago Midway International Airport Guide

From now and until 2021, Midway Airport is revitalizing concessions and the terminal garage and expanding the security checkpoints as part of their Midway Modernization Program. These improvements are thought to help the flow of traffic as well as offer more amenities and better overall security for passengers. (Published in TripSavvy.)

11 Of Chicago’s Most Impressive Buildings

Chicago is one of the most architecturally significant cites on the planet, featuring prominent structures designed in a variety of styles by distinguished architects. While it’s difficult to list only 11, here are some of Chicago’s most impressive buildings, published in Forbes.

How to Travel From Chicago to Las Vegas by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Have you visited the Neon Museum or Fremont Street in Vegas? Here's how to travel to Sin City from the Windy City, published in TripSavvy.

How to Travel From Chicago to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Here's everything you need to know, published in my story for TripSavvy, about getting from Chicago to Denver via train, bus, car or plane.

How to Travel from Chicago to Detroit by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

If you've been inspired to visit Detroit after watching Ford v Ferrari, here's how you can get there from Chicago. My story, published in TripSavvy.

How to Travel From Chicago to Milwaukee by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

In addition to being centrally located in our country, making it easy to navigate to destinations around the globe, Chicago is in close proximity to other major cities—like Milwaukee, creating a super simple road trip experience. Midwest may very well be best when it comes to traveling. Read my story, published in TripSavvy.

The Top 7 Restaurants in Chicago's Little Italy

Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, with a unique culture that derives from its melting pot history. Italians migrated to the Windy City in the mid-1800s in search of work and many stayed and created communities. While those Italian populations have moved around as the city developed, the restaurants of Little Italy have stood strong. Dine at one of the top restaurants in the neighborhood, located between Halsted Street and Ashland Avenue on Chicago’s Near West Side, and experience for yourself what makes this area so distinctive. Read my story, published in TripSavvy.

The Top 7 Restaurants in River North, Chicago

The real heart of Chicago beats in the neighborhoods, and River North, on the Windy City’s north side, is a food lovers mecca. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or you want a restaurant the whole family can enjoy, this region north of the Chicago River has you covered. Here are my top picks for the best restaurants in this urban community, published in TripSavvy.

Nightlife in Chicago: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

Known for its house music and unique style of jazz, it's no secret that Chicago has an electric live-music scene. Comedy clubs are also popular here; you can see a late-night show at venues where famous comedians like Bill Murray, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Stephen Colbert have performed. Housing 2.7 million residents and welcoming 58 million tourists each year, it's a sure bet that the nightlife in the windy city caters to various curiosities and clientele.

From dance clubs and live-music venues to sports-centric bars and comedy clubs, Chicago has something for every budget and taste. Here’s everything you need to know about late-night partying in the city of big shoulders, published in TripSavvy.

The Top 9 Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter

The city of Chicago lights up during the winter months. Even though visiting during this season requires dressing appropriately with warm layers and accessories, you’ll find that touring the museums, neighborhoods, zoos, and parks is well worth the bundling.

An Insider’s Guide to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Chicago lights up around the holidays with festivals, parades, and deals on dining and hotel stays. Check out my latest for Red Tricycle.

The 7 Best Spas in Chicago

Chicago is well known for its architecture and design and as an added bonus many buildings are home to some of the best spa retreats in the Midwest. From signature treatments that are sure you help you relax to innovative experiences that make your skin feel rejuvenated, luxury hotels in Chicago curate their spa menus to tend to every need. Here are the 7 best places to go in the city to indulge in quality downtime, published in TripSavvy.

Editor’s Choice Awards: Best in Chicago

I'm wildly proud of being a part of this year's Editor's Choice Awards, where I contributed to the best in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Here's the Best (of everything) in Chicago, published in TripSavvy.

Chicago's Most Impressive Architecture

Chicago’s skyline reflects diverse architectural design, resourcefulness, and innovation. Most of the buildings downtown were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871—a notable exception being the still-standing Water Tower—which then set off a construction race to rebuild the city using the world’s best architects. Chicago quickly became the birthplace of the skyscraper with the completion of the Home Insurance Building in 1885. Read more in my recently published article for TripSavvy.

The Top Romantic Things to Do in Chicago

Colossus of the Midwest, Chicago has all the urban pleasures a couple could want. Here are the top romantic things to do in Chicago, published in TripSavvy.

The Big Chicago 10: Top Pet-Friendly Hotels

These are the top Chicago hotels that cater to dogs and their owners, published in TripSavvy.

Chicago’s Top 15 Coffee Shops

Chicagoans love their coffee culture not only for a quick hit of caffeine on their way to work or school, but also for long leisurely hang out sessions on weekends with friends or family. Plus, when inclement weather forces folks inside, there’s nothing like finding a comfy space to sip a hot cup of Joe, dry off, or come in from the wind. You decide how you take your Java — pour-over, drip, espresso, or added to froth — and I’ll tell you where to go. Hint: it’s all about the neighborhoods. (TripSavvy)

The Top 10 Breweries in Chicago

Nothing will make you want to drink your way through Chicago like writing an article on the top breweries (published in TripSavvy).

North Avenue Beach: The Complete Guide

Lincoln Park's North Avenue Beach is fun for all ages and is an excellent example of why Chicago is called the Third Coast (this Midwestern city has 26 beaches in total). Swim in Lake Michigan, and soak in the sun at one of Chicago’s most popular beaches. Here's my guide, published in TripSavvy, for more info.

Have a Bug Encounter, Plus 13 Other Reasons to Visit The Field Museum

We love Chicago not only for its deep-dish pizza, sports teams, charming neighborhoods and lake views but also for its world-class museums—namely, The Field Museum. Where else can your kids see gems and diamonds from around the world, human and animal mummies, animal dioramas, SUE, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil ever discovered, and a cast of the largest dinosaur found to date? Read on, in my published story for Red Tricycle, to hear about their newest creepy-crawly exhibit and programs that inspire curiosity about our world, past and present.

Chicago Jazz Festival: The Complete Guide

Chicagoans love live music, and what’s more, they love their festivals. The Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the most popular music shindigs in the city. Learn a brief history of the event and what to expect from the 2019 festival in my published story for TripSavvy.

Should You Join One of Chicago’s Most Sought-After Members-Only Clubs?

Thinking of joining one of Chicago’s many exclusive members-only clubs? Whether for business or pleasure, most offer a plethora of benefits. For help deciding which elite club is right for you, read my Make it Better magazine story.

9 Great Chicago Boutique Gyms Guaranteed to Make You Sweat

I feel like I still have a winter layer of warmth attached to my belly, so working on this story about boutique gyms in Chicago, published in TripSavvy, has really inspired me to get moving.

Outdoor Movies & More the Midwest’s Most Visited Attraction

A whopping 13 million people visit Chicago’s 25-acre Millennium Park every year, which makes it the most-visited attraction in the Midwest, surpassing Navy Pier. This area, once controlled by the Illinois Central Railroad and littered with railroad tracks and parking lots, has been for 15 years now a hotspot for tourists and locals alike who want to enjoy its green spaces, pavilions, fountains and, of course, The Bean. Read on (in Red Tricycle) to learn more about Millennium Park, the wonderful programs that are held there throughout the year, and why you should visit now. . . and later.

Summer Brain Games with the Museum of Science and Industry

Visiting the largest science museum in the western hemisphere isn’t as formidable as it sounds, and their current Summer Brain Games program extends the learning right on into your home. Although Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) has over 400,000 square-feet of exhibit space, you’ll find that the halls are organized well, and many docents are around to assist. Plus, there’s indoor parking attached to the museum, leading you right into the Entry Hall to start your adventure. Here's my story, published in Red Tricycle.

The Ultimate Chicago Guide for 'Hamilton' Fans

For those visiting Chicago to catch a performance of Hamilton, here's a guide I worked on for TripSavvy that is full of additional attractions to check out in the city—including the all-new Hamilton: The Exhibition, which just opened. Highlights are restaurants, landmarks and even other venerable theaters.

Date Night: Bringing Sexy Back Through the Five Senses

When you have family and/or work obligations, getting time away, alone with your partner, is like eyeballing a four-leaf clover. When you do finally have a coveted free night penned in your calendar, you know that you need to make the most of it. From special dinner menus to romantic packages at a Chicago hotel, here’s how to stoke up the flames in your relationship and keep the fire red-hot. (My story in Make it Better magazine.)

Rooms With a View: Gorgeous Chicago Event Venues

If you want to really “wow” your guests at your next big event, consider a venue that shows off our beautiful city in all its grandeur. Just think: You won’t have to spend loads of money on excessive decorations, flowers or table toppers — the lights and beauty of Chicago and the lake are bright and spirited enough. Sweet Home Chicago. Here’s my story for Make it Better magazine.

10 Amazing Adventures You Can Only Find in Wisconsin Dells

I'm proud of this Branded Content I wrote for Wisconsin Dells: 10 Amazing Adventures You Can Only Find in Wisconsin Dells. It's fun to shake it up and work on something with a clear objective—it's almost like an elaborate Jenga-style word puzzle, where you have to fit in specific highlights and inclusions in an accessible way.

6 Ski Resorts 3 Hours or Less From Chicago

A ski slope in your own backyard? Total pipe dream. A mountain within driving distance? Start packing up the car — each of these five wintry wonderlands is within three short hours of Chicago. (Published in Make it Better magazine.)

Traverse a Brick Safari (& More) at Brookfield Zoo

See a whoop of gorillas, a huddle of penguins, a flamboyance of flamingoes, a romp of otters, an army of frogs, and an ambush of tigers (oh my!) at Brookfield Zoo, which has been a mecca for animal-kingdom hoopla since 1934. Besides the obvious wild fun with the furry to the slithering, their newest temporary exhibit, Brick Safari, will have you walking along a menagerie of LEGO brick animals located along a winding, wooded path. Slip into your comfy walking shoes, bring a sense of adventure, and plan a family date at Brookfield Zoo.

My story, published in Red Tricycle:

Chicago’s Best Museums for Curious Kids

Chicago has some of the best children’s museums in the world where interactive play, with a focus on engaging youth development, is the modus operandi. We’ve rounded up the GOAT (greatest of all time) museums for kids, all with special family programming and events, that are fitting for various ages and interests. Check out my story for Red Tricycle on Chicago's best family-friendly museums.

Chicago’s Hottest Wine Bars

I know craft beers and strong cocktail programs are everyone's jam lately but what about vino? Did your favorite Chicago wine bar make my list of The Big Chicago 9: Hottest Wine Bars, published in TripSavvy? What would you add?

The Best Swimming Pools, Indoor and Outdoor, in Chicago

Because I love a good urban pool, here are the top indoor and outdoor (yea!) swimming hangs in Chicago, published in TripSavvy.

Chicago Comedy

Chicago has many monikers and "home of improv" fits this city like a glove—a really funny glove. Many famous actors trained and performed here: Joan Rivers, Alan Alda, John Candy, Steve Carrell, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Stephen Colbert—to name a few. This comedy town is a deep well for talent, one that seems to replenish Saturday Night Live with new cast members on a regular basis.

From heavy hitter venues like the Second City, Zanies, and iO to mainstays like Annoyance Theatre and The Revival, here is my list of the best places to go in Chicago to have a gut-ripping laugh: The 11 Best Comedy Clubs in Chicago, published in TripSavvy.

West Loop

In the past, the West Loop was somewhat of a gritty and industrial area, full of large factories and warehouses, but it has since been transformed into a shopping, dining, and nightlife mecca. You can find pretty much any type of food you’re hankering for along the fast-growing Randolph Street, or “Restaurant Row”, and at nearby Fulton Market. From sushi to bar grub to bakeries to traditional fare—it’s all here and it’s all good. Check out my latest story for TripSavvy on the best Chicago restaurants in the West Loop.

Morton Arboretum

Swap screen time for the wide open spaces at The Morton Arboretum. Kids can explore the gigantic tree house, build rock and stick dams in the creek or run through mazes, while also gaining an educational experience. Read my story, published in Red Tricycle, to hear how this mega park helps develop a passion for nature and fills those long summer days with low-key exercise and enormous smiles. Bonus cherry-on-top: A day well-spent at The Arboretum almost always ends in a solid nap time.

Logan Square

Logan Square is full of: bungalow homes, park-like historic boulevards, grungy bars, hipster shops, historic churches, gourmet coffee, and cheap eats. This is a diverse community, yet one that is gentrifying and rapidly changing — construction and reimagined storefronts seem to be happening on the regular. Here are my top things to do in this Chicago neighborhood, published in TripSavvy.

Chicago’s Parks and Green Spaces

Chicago has a lot of monikers and "City in a Garden" is one that describes my city quite well—there are 570 parks within the city. Here's my list of Chicago's eight best green spaces, published in TripSasvvy.

The Adler Planetarium

Which planet is the hottest in our solar system? Is there a planet made out of diamonds? What’s the difference between a meteorite and an asteroid? Is space silent? These questions, and more, can be answered by visiting the Adler Planetarium, the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.

I feel so fortunate to live in a city that has such great museums. Check out my story on The Adler Planetarium, published in Red Tricycle.

The Best Restaurants in Chicago

Are these 12 restaurants among the best in Chicago? What did I miss? What did I get right? What's your go-to? Check out my dining article, published in TripSavvy.

The Museum of Science and Industry

Visiting the largest science museum in the western hemisphere isn’t as formidable as it sounds. Check out my story on Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, published in Red Tricycle.

Work it Out: The Best Hotel Gyms in the City

Travelers who are on the road, yet still want to maintain their workout routines, will love these hotels—all with world-class gyms, programs or special fitness happenings—TripSavvy.

Uptown, Chicago

The roaring twenties history continues to influence Uptown, Chicago, which has remained a hub for nightlife and abundant entertainment. Here, you’ll find great beaches — for dogs and people, jazz music, a timeworn cemetery, burlesque shows, and Pan-Asian dining and shopping. Discover the top seven things to do in this vibrant enclave with the aid of my guide, published in TripSavvy. Plus, my sweet pup, Six, made an appearance in this story.

Sips with a View

If there’s one thing Chicagoans will come out in droves for, it’s sips and noshes with a fabulous view. Enter: rooftop bars. From an urban backdrop with a glitzy wow-factor to a comfy intimate oasis with romantic lighting and delicious cocktails, I've got you covered. Here is my list of Chicago’s best elevated al fresco hotspots — big and small, extravagant and casual — throughout the city, published in TripSavvy.

Ukrainian Village, Chicago

Any Chicagoan will tell you that the lifeblood of the city exists in our neighborhoods. Enter: Ukrainian Village, the place to wander for beautiful churches and cathedrals, laid back brunch spots, art galleries and museums, cultural centers and live music. Here is my list, published in TripSavvy, on the top things to do while exploring this robust, yet compact, village.

5 Chicago Staycations for Families

Check out my travel story, published in Red Tricycle, on five fabulous area hotels, perfect for a little staycation romp in the city. Plus, you can see cute photos of my brood in this article.

Bridgeport, Chicago

Bridgeport is full of fun surprises like art centers, helicopter rides and even a Buddhist temple. Here are the top eight things to do in this vibrant south-side Chicago neighborhood, chosen by yours truly for TripSavvy.

Free or Super Cheap Things to Do with Kids in Chicago

What are your plans this weekend? Here are some inexpensive ideas, published in Red Tricycle.

Restaurants Near Museum Campus

Heading to Chicago's museum campus? Here are some restaurants to try, published in TripSavvy.

Chicago’s Best Sports Bars

Calling all sports fans, here's a list of where to go to watch a game (plus an original photo of mine), published in TripSavvy.

Chicago Dishes to Try

How many of these 12 restaurants in Chicago have you been to? Check out my latest for TripSavvy on popular dishes to try around the city.

24-Hours in Chicago

Lollapalooza in Chicago, a Festival City

A Chicago itinerary, written by yours truly. No matter what you do, or where you go, you’ll appreciate the city’s midwestern allure, with a bit of urban edginess. Read my article, published in TripSavvy.

Free Admission! (& 13 Other Reasons to Visit Field Museum)

I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say that Chicago's Field Museum is one of the best in the world, but read this anyway if you're convinced otherwise, published in Red Tricycle.

Chicago Mom Bloggers

City Views via Chicago Helicopter Experience

It's been a beat since I asked my social community to share insights on Chicago mom bloggers—many of you were connected to, or knew of, fabulous women in the space—and now, I'm happy to report that my article has been published. Thank you to everyone that helped me source this beautiful behemoth, published in Red Tricycle.

Gift Guide: Travel

If there’s a greater gift than a brand-new adventure, I don’t know what it is. Whether you treat yourself, your partner, or the whole family, each of these trips holds the promise of an unforgettable time. (Published in Make it Better magazine.)

Elvis Costello Rocks and Reads at the Chicago Humanities Festival

Every fall since 1989, the Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) has made it their mission to extend the joys of the humanities — through access to cultural, artistic and educational opportunities — to everyone, regardless of age or income. Tickets to various programs are affordable, if not free (many programs are free for students and teachers), and CHF brings bright thinkers, artists, musicians, novelists, historians, playwrights, theologians and policymakers from around the globe to Chicago to celebrate ideas in the context of civic life. This year’s theme was “Citizens” and included Elvis Costello, the legendary musician, singer-songwriter, record producer and now author. Read more in my story for Make it Better magazine.

Jewish Moms Find Their Tribe

The challenges of parenthood are made easier when we belong to a community of like-minded folks. We can share in the joys of milestones, the pain of separation, the happiness of friendships and what’s more, we can learn from each other and grow. We are not alone. Read more in my story for Make it Better magazine.

Go Ahead, Wear White After Labor Day: Light the Night White Party

Local fundraising and grant-making nonprofit DIFFA/Chicago (The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Auxiliary Board hosted their premiere Light the Night White Party on Sept. 9 at Sterling Bay in Chicago to applaud advancements in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to raise funds and awareness. Read more in my story for Make it Better magazine.

Practical Intel

Chicago’s Weather and Climate, published in TripSavvy

The Best Time to Visit

Driving in Chicago