This tower was NOT supposed to be built with taxpayer money. After it sat uncompleted for several…read moreyears, the taxpayers of Naperville bailed it out. Then, just 15 years later, this tower is crumbling. And no one is responsible? Really? Naperville has decided to spend 2 to 3 million dollars to repair it. (I bet it ends up costing more.) And no one is responsible for this thing falling apart after just 15 years? When it was supposed to last 100 years? By the way, it's ugly.

I was enjoying a summer day in downtown Naperville when I heard the carillon concert in full swing…read more What a treat! People gathered on the lawn to enjoy the soothing sounds of the bells in the air. The concerts are free, which is a plus! Because the performer is high up in the carillon, they broadcast a live feed of him/her performing, as well. A fun discovery!

Edgewater is one of the 77 community areas within Chicago, and the newest of them; it was created…read morein 1980 when Uptown was divided and Edgewater established. As the name suggests, it is a neighborhood that borders Lake Michigan. It's home to one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, Andersonville--the Swedish neighborhood home to lots of eyewear shops, restaurants, and so on. It was once one of the most desired neighborhoods in the city; there were many a mansion that lined the lake in this city. Hillary Rodham Clinton was born in Edgewater at Edgewater Hospital, and their family lived here for a few years of her childhood before moving to the suburbs. The notorious John Wayne Gary was also born at Edgewater Hospital. The hospital itself was a sordid history; due to medicare fraud, it was closed essentially overnight in the 1990s and sat empty for decades--it was only demolished about 10 years ago, when condos were built on the site. I saw some photos from urban spelunkers who broke in and explored the building, and it was honestly quite eerie. The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is very active, and there are lots of activities and events that are planned throughout the year. Those include Midsommerfest, trick or treating along Clark, the Andersonville Farmer's Market, and other events. The Swedish Museum hosts a celebration for Santa Lucia day every year. Lakewood Balmoral Neighborhood Association hosts a yard sale every year that is huge, with at over 40 homes participating when I went last year. It's a nice neighborhood with a good deal of diversity.

It was a nice sunny day, so I thought I'd check out the Edgewater neighborhood. My goal is to…read morebecome more familiar with more of this great city's neighborhoods. Edgewater is very easy to get to; you can take LSD or the Red Line which I did. Like many neighborhoods, it liked parking is at a premium so take public transportation. From my relaxing stroll on Bryn Mawr, Broadway and some of the side streets, I noticed a variety of restaurants from the small mom & pop restaurants to very upscale restaurants such as Francesca's. I wish I had more time in the area but I will return to check more of this 'hood out.

As a new resident, I contacted Republic Services--the provider contracted by the City of…read moreElmhurst--on the day I moved in to confirm how to dispose of moving boxes and packing materials. I was explicitly instructed to place the items at the curb for pickup during the next scheduled trash collection. I followed those instructions exactly. The items were not collected. I called again the following day, explained the situation, and was told a truck would be sent out that same day. No one came. I then contacted the City for assistance. I was told the issue would be handled. Instead, within 30 minutes, a code enforcement officer arrived at my home and issued a violation for the very items I had been directed--by their contracted service provider--to leave at the curb. This experience reflects a breakdown in coordination between the City and its contractor, and a lack of accountability when their guidance leads directly to a resident being penalized. As a new resident trying to follow the rules, it's frustrating to receive conflicting direction and then be cited for complying with it.

OMG I love Elmhurst lived there for 7 year and I still miss it. Everything is walking distance…read more I would always walk to the Movies and walk to the Museums just over all Elmhurst has it all and free parking for everything. I wish I ACN go back to live in Elmhurst it is so close to the expressways and to Chicago. They have the most exciting shops banks Doctors and dermatologist all in the same block. Not to mention all the best Italian restaurants are in Elmhurst

Pilsen Fest was such an amazing experience! The energy was incredible from start to finish. There…read morewas great music, tons of delicious food vendors, and so many talented local artists and small businesses to check out. It really felt like the whole neighborhood came together to celebrate culture, community, and creativity. The atmosphere was super welcoming and lively, with colorful art, dancing, and people of all ages just having a great time. I loved walking around, trying different foods, and discovering new artists and vendors. If you're looking for a fun festival with great vibes and an authentic community feel, Pilsen Fest is definitely worth checking out. Can't wait to go again next year!

Wonderful community with many restaurants and local grocery stores and shopping…read more The traffic is a little confusing getting off the Stevenson expressway and there is a maximum security prison down the block from this fabulous entrance. So, map your route before arriving. Great piece of culture!

I have always liked the McKinley Park Neighborhood (see "Tips" for neighborhood borders). I think…read moreit would be a very convenient place to live. Archer Avenue, which runs on an angle through this neighborhood is a street that has always made transportation downtown very easy by car, bike or bus. Since the 1990's, transportation is even quicker with two Orange Line stops in this neighborhood: Ashland just north of Archer and 35th St./Archer/Leavitt. And then there is the I-55, which also happens to be the north border of this neighborhood. Yes, getting downtown - - and even traveling southwest - - is pretty convenient from this neighborhood. THE Park & other parks in the area The Chicago Park District's McKinley Park is a large, beautiful park located between Damen (east) & Western (west) and 37th Street /Archer (north) & Pershing Road (south). *Fieldhouse: 2210 W. Pershing Road *See Yelp business page titled "McKinley Park" for reviews of the park *The neighborhood gets it's name from this park. *In recent years, there has been a Farmers Market in the summer--the nw corner of the park. The Other Parks *Mulberry Playlot Park at 3150 S. Robinson Street *Hoyne Park at 3417 S Hamilton Avenue *Kucinski-Murphy Park at 1635 W. 33rd Place This neighborhood also boasts a lovely library- Mckinley Park Library at 1915 W. 35th Street. CHURCHES *Blessed Sacrament is a newer Catholic Parish that combines three older churches/parishes: Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Maurice and Sts. Peter and Paul *St. Andrew Lutheran Church *Bethany Baptist Church *The Truth That Sets You Free *Pentecostal Church SCHOOLS CPS: *Everett Elementary *Nathaniel Greene Elementary *Thomas Early Childhood Center Charter: *Namaste *Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park SHOPPING Mostly found along Archer Avenue, 35th Street, and Ashland Avenue *At Ashland and Archer is the Riverside Square & River's Edge Shopping area that includes an Ace Hardware, Mariano's, Pet Supplies Plus, GNC, T-mobile, Burger King and other businesses. Party City, Dollar Tree, and White Castle are on the south end of this shopping area. *Huck Finn (24 hours) and New Archvuew (Breakfast /Lunch Only) Restaurants are on Archer west of Damen Avenue. *Target is just south of the I-55 and east of Damen Avenue. HOUSING Although this is a convenient neighborhood, most of the homes are older--like really old. This area used to be a swamp area and there are houses that were built on stilts. Some housing sections are not particularly pleasant-looking IMO. Other sections are rather nice. History These websites give the history of McKinley Park : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKinley_Park,_Chicago http:/www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/802.html https://chicagoganghistory.com/neighborhood/mckinley-park/ https://mckinleypark.news/neighborhood The last website listed is from the McKinley Park News. This online newspaper will keep you up-to-date about things going on in the neighborhood. There are prettier and probably safer neighborhoods in Chicago, but I feel the McKinley Park Neighborhood still has a lot to offer along with it's history, kind of old-fashioned charm (I think you can have charm even though you might not be all that pretty!) and very convenient location. Chicago Neighborhood-Review #3 McKinley Park Neighborhood - Review #7

I had the pleasure of hanging out with my family at the Oaktoberfest. We walked around and enjoyed…read morebeautiful weather, food and live music. Located in the downtown of Oak Park on Marion Street. There were activities for the kids and giveaways. There was a live music lineup where different bands came out and performed. Lots of people dancing and enjoying the music. A seating area with tables and chairs. Local restaurants and liquor stores to purchase beer and wine. A nice end of the summer festival to enjoy with your family and friends. Or just come out to mingle and have a good time.

Good food, good people, good times…read more This event was HUGE. Literally 100 times more lively than I would have expected, which is great for the township of Oak Park. Lots of neighborhood businesses selling their wares, several beer vendors, and a massive crowd of people enjoying a beautiful weekend in late September. $20 got you three booze tickets and a 22oz refillable Oaktoberfest mug, which came out to about $7 / beer. Not bad, especially considering that a few choices were IPAs and darker, hoppier lagers that could fudge up your vision in a hurry. Hundreds of tables and chairs were set out for fest-goers, most of which were facing the stage just east of Marion Street. The two bands that played during the time we were there had decent sounding stuff. The first one had more of a rock/alternative edge to them which I loved to hear, but the following act was more folksy rock and did absolutely nothing for me. It would've been nice to have heard some more recognizable tunes (covers of Bon Jovi, Mumford & Sons, anything really) instead of the indie nonsense that was played. After a few high ABV% beers, I decided that eating something sustainable would be a good idea. I got a rice and beef shish kabob plate from Jerusalem Cafe for something like $6.50, which absolutely hit the spot. Tasty and a great portion size for the money. Other places sold pizza, bratwurst, meatball subs, pad thai and popcorn, a reasonably good selection overall. Bread = 4.5 Circuses = 4 I didn't check-in or even take photos, as I didn't think this event page even existed on Yelp, but I guarantee next time around I definitely will. However I did leave the festival with my commemorative beer cup and.....well, something else. Can't say what exactly, but it's roughly 10' x 2' and hanging in my apartment. #stickyfingers #kleptomania A fun town event that attracted a giant crowd of locals. Would highly recommend and will return in 2017!

Project Windows is an annual contest hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine in Chicago which partners…read morewith the Chicago Community, Chicago Shops, Local Restaurants, Hotels, and other Local Businesses to promote the current LARGE curated Exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago. It is a voluntary option for all of these entities to participate by using the thematic artist that is showcased in their Store Front Windows. Individuals can log onto the Project Windows Web Site and vote for their favorite Shop Window Exhibit that is an interpretation of the current artist and art exhibit on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. This Year-2020 the Exhibition was dedicated to Andy Warhol-Pop Art King in his "Retrospective" Exhibit Entitled: ANDY WARHOL-FROM A TO B AND BACK AGAIN My favorite Window Front Exhibits by local businesses were- 1. TeaGschwendner 1160 N State St Chicago, IL 60610 b/t Division St & Elm Streets Their window front featured Andy Warhol, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth of England and others sipping tea-each in their own Pop Art colorfully modern canvas while featuring a signature banana print at the base of the window front which had tea pots, tea cups, and other tea related accessories juxtaposed in a variety of bright colors and modern styles. (See Attached Pictures) 2. The Acme Hotel 15 E Ohio St Chicago, IL 60611 b/t Wabash Ave & State Streets Their Hotel Window featured a Christmas Tree with Andy Warhol's black glasses stuck into a Silver Christmas Tree and hanging images of famous celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Warhol himself. Under the Christmas Tree were gifts wrapped in Andy Warhol colorful celebrity prints and cans of Campbell's Tomato Soup! (See Attached Pictures) How are the Winners Chosen?- "An esteemed panel of judges is assembled to professionally judge all the entries and the public is invited to vote online for their favorite display design. The entry receiving the most votes is awarded the People's Choice Award, and themed awards are given out in relation to the exhibition." Source: https://michiganavemag.com/Project-Windows-2019 2020 Winner Announcement Date and Link- This Year's Winner will be announced on January 24, 2020. See this link for the final results: https://michiganavemag.com/Project-Windows-2019 FYI-Individuals are Welcome to "Join the Conversation"Via- @michiganavemag @oakstreetdesign @artinstitutechi #ProjectWindows

State Street is arguably less popular than Michigan Avenue, which has greater name recognition at…read morethe very least. But State does play an important function in that the intersection of State and Madison is the zero point for the Chicago Grid--that wonderful innovation that makes it so easy to fin you away around the city. The density and character of this street changes drastically as you drive it. In the Loop, it's full of lots of trendy restaurants and shops, hotels, and so on. The Chicago Theatre is right here amongst a bunch of other theaters on surrounding streets. I love wandering along State during the holiday season to see the holiday windows at Macy's. I haven't ever taken in the Thanksgiving parade, but I may just have to do that whilst I still live in Chicago.

North South through the loop! State Street is like the…read moresecond street in the Second City. It's kinda outdone by Michigan Ave, but State Street is a pretty impressive address too. It goes all the way through downtown, and there's plenty of history and shopping along this street. All addresses in the City of Chicago are measured from the intersection of State Street and Madison. That intersection is like the 0 mile marker for the city. It started off as a trail for cowboys and horses back in the day. Y'ah! Mayor Daley did a famous revitalization project back in the day which made this place a lot easier to navigate and really opened the street up. Walgreens has a flagship store on this street. Michael Jordan opened up his restaurant on this street! Sinatra sang about it- this street is legendary. There's lots of shopping, restaurants, and things to see and do along here. Every detail has been fretted over around here, as real estate is at a real premium along this famous street. Good luck finding any parking through here. Yea right.