Giddings Plaza is the center of Lincoln Square. It's an easy meeting place, and often functions as…read morea stage or entertainment hub for one of the festivals that take place in Lincoln Square. During the holiday season, Lincoln Square's Christmas tree is here and the tree lighting ceremony takes place in the plaza. I like that there are several benches around the perimeter so folks can actually gather here.

Summer concert!!!!! In 2018, it's on Thursdays, June 7-August 30, 6:30-9pm. There are sooooo many…read morepeople, it's dog and family friendly, oh, and of course that includes strollers! Here's what you need to do- ditch the stroller and bring a blanket. Go to the Farmer's Market on Lincoln & Leland first, less than a block away, order a pan of pizza, get some beer and wine, come back to the plaza (or have your family save your space), sit on your blanket and enjoy some pizza while listening to some live music. The music changes weekly and is a variety of live bands. There was a huge crowds of people- ages from infant months to 70s(?). There were many toddlers with working parents, whom seemed to come after getting off from work. If you're around, go visit!

Spectacular architecture and stunningly maintained.... Very little known about it by the locals …read more I have lived in Chicago for 26 years and always wondered what this beautiful building was but finally went on not so busy Friday afternoon literally 30 mid before closing . Would love to bring the family back.

Stunning! A bit of history I didn't even realize we had here in Chicago. Free to visit (there's a…read moredonation box at the front) and the staff was very sweet. Someone was giving brief tours with more information, but you're able to walk around and explore on your own.

The Edgewater Historical Society, in addition to displaying the history of Edgewater and its…read moreenvirons, hosts on occasion events to welcome people from the neighborhood and beyond. During summer they have their Summer Nights in Edgwater program, which is when they host a band in their (incredibly lovely!) garden. I went last night with my daughter to hear a jazz-ish band and it was nice. There were quite a few more people there than I expected; though some folks were seated within the garden itself, most of us were sitting along the sidewalk and walkways. Many people brought their own chairs, but the EHS also pulled out some chairs for folks. Others, like me, chose to stand. There was ample seating at this event. You might not be able to see the band over the garden, because they're growing a beautiful native garden at this building so the coneflowers and other plants are tall--but it's a concert and what's important is hearing the music! The museum was open during the concert, so folks could wander through. There's no fee for the museum, and at this particular event they took tips but it went toward the musicians, not the historical society. They also have quite a few events happening over the coming weeks and months, from walking tours of the neighborhood, a book club discussion at the Edgewater Branch of CPL, to a walking tour of Rosehill Cemetery. They offer a membership for $5 for the first year I think they said. They currently have an exhibit about the indigenous history of Edgewater, so when I head back here for another of their summer concerts I'll hopefully be able to wander in and take a look.

Celebrating the coolness and historical audacity that is Andersonville/Edgewater/Edgewater Beach…read more We like it here, by the lake. FREE admission!

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago had long been on my bucket list ever since taking an art…read morehistory class in high school, so it was a dream come true to finally see it in person. I booked my tickets in advance on the morning of my visit and walked over from River North in the afternoon. Upon entering the galleries, I went up the central staircase and immediately found myself in a room with my favorite Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Seurat, Caillebotte, Van Gogh, and Matisse...just to name a few. I wandered through the other galleries and continued to spot my favorite paintings from other art periods. I even found a mummy! The museum layout was a little confusing, but the galleries were well-labeled, and the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable in helping me find my way. Thinking that I would only spend about an hour in the museum, I ended up staying almost until closing. Before leaving, I stopped in at the gift shop to pick up some postcards to commemorate my visit. I highly recommend the Art Institute of Chicago to anyone visiting the city, and I would definitely consider coming back when I have more time on my next visit.

One of the best and biggest art museums I've ever been to…read more I brought my 11-year-old son with me on a Monday morning in August. The only downsides were just how insanely packed it was, and the price of admission - $32 for adults (but free for my son at least). But it's worth it to fork over the cash and brave the crowds. The collections are stunning and expansive and truly breathtaking. The paintings are well spaced out with ample descriptions and information. Like most museums of this size and prestige, the building and the people watching are just as interesting as the art. Definitely hope to return someday as I've barely scratched the surface!

I would definitely describe The Arts Club of Chicago as hidden in plain sight, located off the…read morebustle of Michigan Avenue, on the corner of Ontario Street. It was only yesterday that I had the opportunity to venture here to attend a CPL library breakfast that was held on the second floor. The service was impeccable and the food (fresh fruit, mini pastries, and a frittata dish) was delicious although, puzzlingly, I could not discern any knives on the breakfast setup. Most importantly, caffeinated beverages (coffee and hot tea) were self-serve and plentiful for that early hour of the morning. The room itself was elegant, with pieces of art placed at tasteful intervals. The first floor gallery space is free and open to the public on selected days of the week. Visitors can also make private appointments to tour the collection. The space is manageable to wander around, so I would probably not opt for the tour, unless I happened to be coming in with a group. Looking at the website, it seems like there are a various events/lectures that are free and open to all, as well as a rotating slate of exhibitions. I am keen on attending these types of events, so I will be checking back on the website, and have signed up for the mailing list.

Designed by John Vinci in 1997, this two-story arts center holds the famous reconstructed steel…read morestaircase designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It was in the original Arts Club building formerly at 109 East Ontario but demolished in 1995. It was a big deal to preservationists when the original was about to be torn down. The modern stair is the centerpiece of the new interior space, and it is hard to keep your eyes off of it while you are attempting to view the art on display here.

This is a unique Chicago landmark worth visiting. There is a concrete bench facing the lake that…read moregets divided up into sections every year and each section is repainted by anyone who pays the nominal fee, about $15. Each year there is a theme, and prizes are rewarded during the Artists of the Wall festival in June. The murals remain for a year for all to enjoy. This is being written in July of '05; the theme for this year is Chicago's sister cities. There are about 75 sections, so you get to stroll and view 75 works of art as you enjoy the lakefront, the sky, people watching, and all the attendant good stuff. The quality varies widely from professional to kids spattering paint, but that is part of its charm. The liberal values of the neighborhood always get expressed in the paintings, along with regular quotes from Meher Baba, the Budda, etc. It always feels like a revisit to the '60s when I take the stroll and dig the art. People tend to be super friendly and of course the summertime ambiance is best, but this can also be a very uplifting place to visit when the weather is fierce. Go check it out.

You have to love the annual Artists of the Wall event. Great weather, kites flying anf artists…read morepainting in Rogers Park. Take a walk on the beach and check it out.

This one-year-old museum uses storytelling to convey experiences related to living in public…read morehousing, providing affordable housing, and advocating for people's needs. It gives a great sense of history as well as current issues. I hear the apartment tours are wonderful and start very promptly. The exhibits alone engaged us for almost 2 hours. Helpful staff. Fun record room.

Highly recommended. This is a must come see museum in Chicago to visit. General admission to the…read moreNational Public Housing Museum is free and open to everyone. The Historic Apartment Tour is $25.00 which was worth it. it was so much history and informative information that was giving on this tour. Our tour guide Gentry (Gen) was AWESOME!!! She walked us through every detail of each family that lived in the housing apartments. Through her voice telling the history of the families living there felt so real. This museum was well put together and the items displayed brought back memories from my childhood. I'm still in awe by the tour guide and the use of today's technology to bring history back to life. I could go on and on about my experience through my review. It is worth the visit even if you don't want to go on the tour.

Such a pleasant surprise when we ended up at the art fair while in search of the Ikebana walk at…read moreSouthport Corridor. Love the exhibits of local Illinois artisans from Chicagoland and elsewhere, great talent , affordable prices and good vibes . Will certainly try come back next year . It's not overly crowded and quick moving traffic . I fell in love with a couple of pieces of art and ended up getting some paintings

Nicely laid out Fest. Wide enough area to walk. Nice mix of art, jewelry, decor, and clothes…read more Perfect summer outing. Great shops & restaurants nearby.