In addition to composing captivating articles about overlooked/disappearing Chicago history, the…read moresavvy twenty-somethings running the Forgotten Chicago Web site have also recently begun hosting tours of the city. I have attended the last two FC tours, both of which were only a $5 "donation." The tours typically cover areas that aren't given much attention by other Chicago tour groups. The first tour I attended followed the trail of old Ogden Ave, and the second tour wove a meandering path on the south side from Chinatown to the ITT campus. These tours are quite different from those given by the Architecture Foundation. FC tours aren't as polished as the AF tours, but it doesn't matter because FC takes you places that you would have never otherwise known existed. On the south side tour, for example, we explored the vacant Michael Reece Hospital grounds, which was eerie at times. And how else would I have found the tiny memorial commemorating the first softball game (yes, it is located in the middle of a nearly deserted hospital campus - strange). The tours cover a lot of ground, so be prepared to do some walking. The south side tour covered about 4 miles, but every place we stopped was well worth the trek. This is not your grandma's walking tour. FC's tours are also growing in popularity. It is a great way to meet others with similar interests, and the guides always welcome input from the group. Large groups can make it difficult to hear, so make sure to get close to the guides at each stop. Once you try it, you'll want to go to every one.

What, you wanted a Frank Lloyd Wright architecture tour? Or, you were hoping to hear some juicy…read moregossip about Al Capone? Try a different tour group. These guys are neighborhood historians, and have their own nerdy, niche interests in Chicago history. You will find out a lot about the history of retail and industry in a particular area. In addition to the standard neighborhood history overview, they'll point out some interesting ghost sign, or an abandoned train entrance that tells a forgotten tale about the city. That being said, maybe not the best choice for an out-of-towner--you know--someone who doesn't know that a Mike Bilandic plaque is worth a chuckle.

My organization has rented out their main space for a holiday party for families/kids for the past…read moretwo years and have had really good experiences with both. Parking is easy with their own lot. The space is beautiful and spacious. We were able to use several 6-foot long tables and chairs. You practically feel like you get the whole place to yourself, too. They also have cool birthday themes that you can check out if you're looking to host a birthday party. Such as an Animal Party whcih includes rubber stamps to make a take home project or "Space Out" to make your own model comet. There is so much here that I don't know if I can cover from summer camps to community gardening to Critter Care that you can volunteer for. Best of all, the Evanston Farmers Market goes indoors from December to April and is hosted here in the Ecology Center.

A great place for any large event. I was here for a wedding ceremony and they did an amazing job…read more You have to have your own coordinator but for the price it is totally unbeatable. Nice grounds with trees for wedding photos and plenty of space for up to 150 people. A friend had their kid's 16th bday here and said it is a great option even for dancing. Bring everything yourself or cater but save lots that way. A parking lot across the street as well, plus plenty of street parking around.

This is a great place to volunteer as a docent, someone who guides visitors through the Museum…read morelocated in Chicago's oldest house, the Noble/Seymour-Crippen House (1833). Wine and beer tastings with appetizers, live music, raffles and a silent auction are $60 on September 23rd on the grounds at 5624 N. Newark Avenue, Chicago.

You can learn alot about Norwood Park and it's history from a visit here. Learn about the role it…read morehas played in Chicago's history. The Society is only open on Saturdays from noon-4PM.

I enjoy biking by here. This place is relatively quiet and you can enjoy the occasional breeze…read more There are prairie plants here as well, which reminds you of the native plants of the city.

My first real makeout spot! Oh, I don't normally miss high school, but right now all I want to do…read moreis spend three hours sitting on top of the waterfall waiting for the best time to make a grab for a boob. Pretty nice waterfall that served as the backdrop to a lot of great kissing in my younger days. In the fall, when they shut the water off, I used to love rollerblading in here. That was before they built the police station across the street. More recently, my time at the waterfall has been spent perched on top with a book, or a friend having some very "serious" discussion. Ok, so we were high again and reading Kierkegaard. There are worse ways to spend an evening.

More surprisingly than not people have weddings here because of the backdrop. It's not just the…read morefountain but beyond that on the other side of the land of the street is a land of the lost! Or...just a pretty forresty area that is really cute for pictures and relaxing. The only thing honestly that kills the waterfall is that there's a bench with Honest Abe chillin right in front of the waterfall facing the street now, and that there is a STREET right there. Though it's great while passing by and during the winter they dress it up really nicely with lights, if you're passing by you may think to yourself "why the hell would anyone have their wedding photos here? Or why would they hang out here in the first place?!" But give it a go. If someone creepy walks by there's a monster police station across the street. And a bus stop next to a big empty lot.

Probably one of my favorite communities on the North Shore. At least 3-4 times a week my hubby and…read moreI take a drive up the lakeshore and end up in Lake Bluff as our northern most destination point. The town is quaint and small, and when passing through the neighborhoods, everyone waves. Some of the homes have a lovely farmhouse vibe, and I especially adore the pink-ish one on the main road heading in and out of town. At the eastern most point of the community you'll end up at the top of the hill overlooking Lake Michigan. It's sooooo pretty. There is a super cute downtown, and my favorite apple fritter in the whole world (ginormous and sugary) can be purchased at Hansa Coffee Roasters. I might add that the coffee is outstanding! They serve a fantastic smooth brew mixed with friendly and excellent service. (Link to Hansa Coffee review: https://bit.ly/ASHansaCoffee) You'll see in the attached photos that the village has done a great job offering outdoor patio dining by the town square for those who want to safely gather with friends and family. Town secret: There is a house that has an outdoor model train in their yard that runs year-round around a mini elevated track. We stop by every single time to watch it loop around. I'd love to know the story behind it. *Worth the trip up north.

Lake Bluff is a pleasant little town. It's too far to really be a suburb; maybe "exurb" is proper…read more On the one hand, Lake Bluff has some aspects of a typical Illinois farm town, where everyone pretty much knows everyone else. On the other hand, it's a haven for the super-rich, a Lake Forest without the ostentatious pretension. There's a very pretty town square with a good summertime farmer's market, an interesting mix of good restaurants, small shops and a lot of banking services (no surprise there). I've never felt uneasy walking through town after dark, as crime appears to be very low.

I always enjoy visiting the Willis Tower. There are so many things to do and see, and I discover…read moresomething new every time I visit. The views from the top are amazing, and the atmosphere makes each trip exciting and memorable.

The tour was epic!! So much history and details in the architect of this Old Sears Tower now known…read moreas The Willis Tower. Definitely a staple attraction to visit.

Sadly overlooked burial ground for those sadly overlooked in life. Yet you can see signs of tender…read morecare on a solemn walk among the grasshoppers and crickets. A few small statues of Mary are left here, and simple bouquets. Just enough to keep you from total grief. I should bring something myself next time. I do wish they had trees or brush along all the fences, to obscure the view of alleys and loading docks.

It is an incredibly beautiful place, more people should come and check it out. I think the care has…read moreslipped over the years, I went earlier this week and everything was overgrown and quite itchy. It is however incredibly historic and peaceful. It would be nice to see it better kept.