As a classic movie nerd who allows a local history of this park was a blast to visit on a really…read morenice summer day. Definitely go check out the different statues and tributes to all things Oz!

Oz Park is seriously so cute. It feels like a little hidden fairytale right in the city. The Wizard…read moreof Oz statues are adorable and instantly make you smile -- it's impossible not to stop for photos. The park is clean, peaceful, and has such a cozy neighborhood vibe. Whether you're walking around, sitting on a bench, or just enjoying the greenery, it's the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the moment. A charming little escape that feels playful and relaxing at the same time.

Well having checked in now about 75 times, I think I can finally write a 5-star review for the Ray…read moreMeyer! I started going to the Ray 5 months ago on the recommendation of a colleague and I have not been disappointed. The staff at the front desk are very friendly - and with your membership you get a free locker and towel. The locker rooms are in good condition and the showers are well kept and gives you plenty of room. The pool is really nice - and there are quite a few classes you can join. I use their personal training services with Kizzie Mailander and she has truly changed my life! She's a great trainer, but she is funny, direct and pushes you in the most positive way. I couldn't recommend her enough. The most important thing about the Ray is that they have a great selection of equipment and the place is kept in great shape. My membership may cost more than some of the chain gyms - but I feel it's a great value for the money. Highly recommended!

For the love of god, please play better music. Nothing worse than unbearable radio pop blaring…read morethroughout the facility. The last thing I want to hear is "Honey, I'm Good" by Andy Grammer blasting my ears off at 96 decibels while I'm trying to workout. Other than that, the Ray is the best.

El Paseo Community Garden is one of those things that defines the greatness of Chicago. Humble…read morebeginnings of vacated land made way for the sunlight and brought neighbors together. Plants, specifically edible varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs are the focus, but there are beautiful flowers and indigenous prairie species in abundance as well. Translated to English, El Paseo means the way. The name speaks to this green spaces role as a path connecting two streets, as well as an approach to life in the city that generally speaking is the way for us all to stay sane and even happy living together in the vast urban jungle of Chicago. Growing things together.

Wicker Park may not be as impressive to see in the winter, but it is still a nice park to hangout…read morein. There's plenty of places to sit and relax, a basketball court, a lovely fountain, and even a playground for the kiddos. It's also located in a central location that is very walkable with lots of shops and restaurants nearby to go to.

I was in Chicago for 4 days, and did 15 food review videos. I was spent. Exhausted. While I chose…read moreto do all this myself and it's a suffering of my own choosing, I began to spiral. Am I living life or is life living me at this point? Just as I was sitting in my homies apartment editing a video, going deep down into this negative feedback loop when he said "Hey Johnny - want to go to the park and be all time QB? My buddy and I have cleats and want to run some routes." It spoke to my soul. I was in desperate need of some pure, childlike joy. I put on my newly acquired $45 two-toned Caleb Williams Bears jersey from a Mexican street vendor, and began to warm up the arm. We were out in Wicker Park, on a picturesque 60 degree fall day in Chicago, just having the time of our lives. Fun for fun's sake, no ulterior motive. It took me back to a simpler time. Drawing up plays on the back of a football, running to celebrate with the receiver after a clutch TD, and yelling "OMAHA! OMAHA!" at the line of scrimmage had me feeling like a little kid again. This was the most fun I've had in months. My soul needed it. It took me from the event horizon of a crash out to "life is amazing" within an hour. It connected me with a childlike joy that I lose sight of sometimes in this great big world. Sometimes, all you need is to toss the pigskin around with your homies. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo

We love this park! It has a little bit of everything. Lots of grassy areas like baseball and soccer…read morefields, a rubber track, and a large playground for the kiddos. The park is great for picnics, people-watching, or walking the track. We typically come here to play on the swings though! They have baby swings which is perfect for my 9-month old. The playground is large with activities great for children of all ages that I know my baby will grow into along the way. On the weekends it can be busy, but adults and kids have always been respectful when playing. It's a great park, and we are so happy/lucky to live close by!

Nice courts in a friendly park setting…read more I found the court and hitting partners on joinplaytennis.com/chicago

I second what the previous reviewer said about the water being in an uncovered filthy trough. See…read morephoto. After bringing up the matter to the garden managers, there were no changes, only an offer to scrub the sides of the trough. We tried to bring our own water to garden, but ultimately that was a ridiculous endeavor, since we paid to have access to fresh water to water our garden. Never grew a thing because who wants to bring their own water to a community garden, after paying a fee to garden? Like the other reviewer said, we paid for a box of dirt. The woman who started this project left Chicago long ago and I don't know who is at the helm at the moment.

This review is about their two day annual edible plant sale held on May 15 & 16, 2021…read moreat: Chicago Market Grocery Co-op Building 4620 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60640 What an amazing experience...this was their 9th annual edible plant sale for warm weather crops. All of the tables were set up in squares so people could walk around and view all of the amazing offerings. What a colossal variety of offerings. I purchased a Brandywine Tomato plant to grow on my balcony. It was $5.99 for a 4 inch healthy and hearty plant! Already a week later it continues to thrive and grow taller with more leaves! I could not be happier. The seedling offerings included: Tomatoes - Amish Paste, Black from Tula, Black Krim, Brandywine, Yellow Brandywine, Sweet Red Cherry, Black Cherry, Chocolate Cherry, Cherokee Purple, German Johnson, Green Zebra, Mortgage Lifter, Paul Robeson, Rutgers, San Marzano, Sungold, Taxi, Yellow Pear, and Tomatillos Peppers - Sweet Banana, California Wonder, Orange Bell, Purple Bell, Red Bell, Yellow Bell, Anaheim hot, Cayenne hot, Habanero hot, Jalapeno hot, Pepperoncini hot, Poblano Ancho hot, Serrano hot Eggplant - Black Beauty, Rosa Bianca, White Cucumber - Adam Gherkin, Diva, Marketmore, Mexican Sour Gherkin, Pickling, Straight 8 Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower Cabbage, Collards, Kale (green, red, Dino) Greens - Arugula (regular, Wasabi), Lettuce (Butter, Gourmet Mix, Romaine), Mesclun Mix (regular, spicy), Sorrel, Spinach Squash - Butternut, Delicata, Gold Rush compact yellow summer, Spacemiser compact zucchini, Peter Pan (patty pan), Pie Pumpkin Edible Flowers - Calendula, Echinacea, English Daisy, assorted Nasturtiums including Alaska, Empress India, Fordhook, Gleam, Jewel Herbs - Basil (many types), Chamomile, Chives (regular, garlic), Cilantro, Dill, Fennel, assorted Lavender, Lemon Grass, Marjoram, assorted Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, assorted Sage, Summer Savory, Tarragon, assorted Thyme, also some unique herbs such as Mexican Pepper Plant (Root Beer Plant), East and West Indian Lemongrass, Rue, and Tea Tree An Overview of the Peterson Garden Project- "Founder LaManda Joy, inspired by her own parent's involvement in WW2, discovered that the empty lot at Peterson and Campbell had once been a Victory Garden. With the hope of doing something positive on this historic piece of empty city land and "teaching 20 people how to grow their own food" our project was born." Source: https://www.petersongarden.org/ FYI- The Victory Gardens were established to help sustain the fruit and vegetable supply by encouraging and creating local gardens during the World War II effort to provide individuals and families across the United States with access to food. Victory Gardens in Chicago: "During World War II, Chicago led the nation in urban food production with its Victory Gardens program of 1,500 community gardens and more than 250,000 home gardens. The city's North Park neighborhood was also home to the largest Victory Garden in the United States." Source: https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-5196 Learn More about the Chicago Victory Garden Movement and the founder of the Peterson Garden Project LaManda Joy by clicking the link below: https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-5196

I had a wonderful dinner with JD and Mike and they are wonderful chef's and it was soooo hospitable…read moreand the house is beautiful. Worth checking out

Chicago Bell Garden was a much needed, unique experience for me and my partner recently. The…read morelocation is a relaxing atmosphere tucked away in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. The owners were able to accommodate dietary restrictions as you watch them make the meals from scratch with most ingredients pulled fresh from the surrounding garden. I recommend asking the owners for one of their specialty cocktails that they can easily pair with your meal. And at the end of the meal, we rang the bells to celebrate our evening. It was such a fun extra touch. Highest recommendation!!!