Once we were seated, we ordered the homemade guacamole. The guacamole is “smashed” right at the table. This was the coolest part of our night. They came to our table and let us pick from six different ingredients and you tell them how much you want of it put into your guacamole.

They have been noted as having the 10 best hamburgers in the world listed in National Geographic Passport to the best “The 10 Best of Everything”. Other local magazines have rated it high as well. I highly encourage one to go to Jury’s if in the area.

They are celebrating their 31st Ocktoberfest on October 17th and 18th with the Phenix Band and The Perlen Band. They are offering a special Oktoberfest menu and Oktoberfest beers, dinner and dancing.

This outdoor exhibit takes you from New York to California with model trains representing America’s landmarks. Of course, there is a miniature Wrigley Field. The trains are continually running and a delight for the young ones.

In addition to the outside farm animals to visit there is a small museum inside to check out. The kids can milk a replica cow, gather eggs, sweep hay and lift it up.

They also have hand painted furniture, shoes, baby shower gifts, toys, burp cloths that have that homemade special touch with beautiful fabric sewn on. The prices are high, but quality shows.

Before music was digitized online and mega stores decided to only sell “mainstream” artists, there used to be a record store in every part of every city and town. One block west of Chicago in the Village of Norridge sits a unique music store that caters to all kinds of tastes.

Being a 13 year old boy growing up in the north suburbs of Chicago, nothing was more sacred to me than the possibility of playing at Thillens Stadium. Young boys and girls have been playing at the stadium for over 65 years. Thillens is the Mecca of all little league baseball fields.

To all the pizza fanatics in Chicago who like thin pizza its time to check out Barnaby’s Family Inn. My family and I love pizza, both thick and thin. Barnaby’s has that something special.

There is so much to do at the Brookfield Zoo. Plan your day by checking out their website first and deciding what’s most important to you and your family. My son wanted to see the giraffe’s, so that’s where we went first.

Cut-Rate Toys on Devon is a familiar sight that has been in business for over 50 years. My mother used to tell me tales of watching frantic mothers literally fighting each other to get a Cabbage Patch Doll during Christmas time in 1984.

In the trendy neighborhood of Lincoln Square, there’s a quant, little children’s boutique helping parents make better decisions for themselves, their families and the planet. As individuals turn to “greener” alternatives and eco-friendly choices, the Little Green Baby is providing……

Meat, especially red meat, tends to get a bad rap these days. Those detractors have obviously never tried Paulina Meat Market because one taste is all it takes to be converted. I have been to Paulina Meat Market many times and have never had a bad experience or a disappointing cut of meat.

From groups who just finished last call at the bars and local clubs to CTA workers on the graveyard shift, TBK (as it is affectionately known) is serving anyone and everyone.

Donny’s Skybox is tucked away on the top floor of the Piper’s Alley Complex at 1608 North Wells Street in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. The charming, little cozy theater really makes audience members feel like they are part of the performance.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the urban Roger’s Park neighborhood sits a wonderful summer oasis for families of all ages.

Sizzling summer days call for a cool treat. Just west of downtown Evanston and The Shops of Main Street lies a hidden gem of ice cream creations. There is something waiting for every pallet at Hartigan’s Ice Cream Shoppe.