Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse sits on the northwest corner of Block 1. The restaurant opened in 1987, but the story of this location is much, much older. The first time you see the building at the southeast corner of Kinzie and Dearborn, you’ll do a double-take. Then a triple. You’ll realize you’re staring. “There’s a …
Chicago’s Symbol of Hope: the Historic Water Tower
The historic Water Tower stands tall above Michigan Avenue. Learn the story behind this Living Landmark. In a city of symbols, the one that most emphatically says “Chicago” is the historic Water Tower. One of the few buildings to remain standing after the great Chicago fire, the tower and pumping station are portrayed as representatives of …
Driehaus Museum: The Story Behind the $100,000,000 Mansion
Learn the story behind the Driehaus Museum, one of Chicago’s most impressive – and expensive – landmarks. When Samuel and Matilda Nickerson decided to build their new home in 1879 they did not mess around. They chose the hottest neighborhood, the best architect, and the safest and most expensive materials they could find. The Nickersons …
Driehaus Museum: The Story Behind the $100,000,000 MansionRead More
Palmer House Hilton: Myths & Romance in Chicago’s Oldest Hotel
The Palmer House is opulence defined. Its chandeliers and sculptures weigh a ton, literally. Entering the lobby through the travertine double staircase is like being smacked on one cheek with history and on the other with affluence. To state the obvious, it’s gorgeous, and it is the most historic and luxurious hotel lobby in Chicago. …
Palmer House Hilton: Myths & Romance in Chicago’s Oldest HotelRead More
Fine Arts Building: a Vertical Arts Colony and Madhouse of Creativity
Learn the story behind Chicago’s vibrant crucible of artists, dreamers, and doers.
Fine Arts Building: a Vertical Arts Colony and Madhouse of CreativityRead More
Grant Park: the Making of Chicago’s Front Yard
Find out why it took over a century and several lawsuits to create this Chicago centerpiece.
Hotel Julian Chicago: From Demolition-danger to Luxurious Lodgings
How an abandoned building designed by one of Chicago’s preeminent architects found new life.
Hotel Julian Chicago: From Demolition-danger to Luxurious LodgingsRead More
Fortitude and Grit: the Story of Clarke House Museum, Chicago’s Oldest House
The Clarke House Museum tells a remarkable story.
Fortitude and Grit: the Story of Clarke House Museum, Chicago’s Oldest HouseRead More
Beer Under Glass is a Beautiful Kick-off to Illinois Craft Beer Week
Beer Under Glass is annual event at Garfield Park Conservatory, and is the annual kickoff for Illinois Craft Beer Week, one of the “hoppiest” celebrations of the year.
Beer Under Glass is a Beautiful Kick-off to Illinois Craft Beer WeekRead More
Spa-cation at Eaglewood Resort and Spa
The Draft Room: Not Your Momma’s Bowling Alley Food
The Draft Room at Kings Dining & Entertainment in Rosemont defies bowling alley food stereotypes.
The Draft Room: Not Your Momma’s Bowling Alley FoodRead More
Best Places to Propose in Chicago
Perfect places when you’ve found “the one” and want to make it official.