Chicago Blog & Travel Guide

Nature & Outdoors

Chicago Festivals in June

Summer is upon us and Chicago is the place to be, here are some popular fests to experience this month…

Green Music Fest

Green City Music Fest is coming on the popular weekend of June 25th.  With well-known acts like The Thermals, Yo La Tengo, and Les Savy Fav, as well as food vendors and a small $5 admission fee, this festival is a good idea for anyone wanting to see the city as well as the hip neighborhood of Wicker Park.

Randolph St. Market Fest

Check out Taste of Randolph St.…why because? Well, this fest focuses on the culinary creations of some of Chicago’s great restaurants surrounding the area.  Good music, good food, and a good neighborhood…June 17th is the kickoff date…900 W. Randolph St.

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Chicago Beaches Revisited

Beach season has finally bestowed itself upon our city once again, take advantage of these great locations…

North Ave Beach

North Ave. Beach is one of the city’s most popular sunny summer spots.  This beach also offers a fair share of lakeside amenities: a restaurant/snack bar, chess, volleyball, as well as the popular Castaways Beach Bar.  Better yet, this beach is within walking distance of our hostel.

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Bike The Drive 2011

Later this month, beautiful Lake Shore Drive is cleared of all cars for your pedaling pleasure…

Bike The Drive 2011 happens May 29 & the drive closes early at 5:30am to traffic, so you’ll be able to catch the sunrise during a 30 mile stretch of open road.  This event is $42 and includes a number, a wristband, a free tee shirt, as well as access to the post ride festival which includes breakfast, live music, and various vendors…sign up now.

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Downtown Chicago Exploration

The weather is getting more pleasant, and there’s always fun to be had in the downtown area…

Navy Pier!  Number one on many travel to-do lists, this is Chicago’s lakefront playground.  The sight alone is worth the trip down there, and at night it shines bright along the Chicago coast.   Navy Pier features restaurants (we recommend Harry Caray’s Tavern),  a giant ferris wheel, an IMAX Theater, Segway tours & a ton of cool boat tours. 

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Bike Rentals at Chicago Getaway Hostel

our rental bikes are ready to ride.

*Bike rental fees:

Half Day (3 hrs or less)- $20.00

Full Day (3 hrs or more)- $30.00

See why our neighborhood is the BEST for bicycling as we are just a 5 minute cruise from the beautiful lakefront path.  An 18 mile naturally aesthetic path spotted with parks, trails, beaches, gardens, and concession stands.  This is a integral part of Chicago you must experience. 

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Spring Events in Chicago

Spring has sprung with some upcoming outdoor events…

Want a taste of Germany?  Mayfest delivers heaping servings of brats and beer and live music, it kicks off June 2nd in beautiful Lincoln Square for FREE.  However, Lakeview’s Mayfest kicks off May 21st and offers food vendors, a pet parade, as well as some local live bands for $10 admission.

**Any of you wine connoisseurs? Chicago’s first annual WINE RIOT is also beginning May 21st and features 250 wines from around the world for your sampling pleasure, and also will boast DJs, food pairings and a photo booth. 

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St. Patrick’s Day 2011 Chicago

Come stay at the Getaway Hostel on March 12th and enjoy the festive weekend of river dyeing, parade celebrations, and bar crawling to bring in 2011′s St. Patrick’s Day.

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Celebrating Winter in Chicago

Coming to our beloved city in the winter season? Don’t mind some cold temps, there is a beautiful side of Chicago to explore this season:

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Hungry and Bored on Thanksgiving? Check this out!

We know that being away from family and friends on holidays can be somewhat depressing (or amazing!).  We gotcha covered- hang on for a fun ride!

Food:

 

  • Horizon Cafe- They’re open from 8a-7p. Four course dinner & breakfast specials! Easy to get to: Walk to Clark Street and take the #36 bus north bound. Get off at Grace and Horizon Cafe is just a few buildings north.
  • Deleece- Open for Thanksgiving from 3Pm To 8Pm.  They will be offering a limited version of their regular menu in addition to a four-course prix fix Thanksgiving feast for $35. Easy to get to: Take the #22 Clark bus north from Arlington and Clark.  Exit at Irving Park and walk one block west to Southport.
  • Kit Kat Lounge- 1/2 price dinner and drinks with a canned good donation!  Open from 53op-2am.  Easy to get to: Walk to Fullerton and Halsted and take the #8 Bus North to Broadway.  Exit @ Waveland and the Kit Kat Lounge is just to your left on the corner. Read more

November Events in Chicago’s Autumn Season

No, that building is not erupting in festive flames, this is just a small part of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.  This event has been going on for over 40 years along the acclaimed Michigan Ave. and once again lights up on Nov. 20th.  The light procession begins at 5:30pm, and the fireworks start at 7pm along North Michigan Ave and the Chicago River.

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