Chicago Beaches: Enjoy Them Today!
Let’s cool off. We love Chicago summers but sometimes the sun gets a little too fierce. Here are some spots to enjoy the lakefront…
North Ave. Beach
Next Stop: Wrigleyville, Chicago
Looking for a Chicago landmark and an awesome experience? Look no further than historic Wrigley Field. Looking for diverse and entertaining nightlife? Look no further than the bar & club sprawling neighborhood of Wrigleyville. Whether you’re in the mood for a Cubs game, a cold drink, or a memorable picture, this neighborhood delivers in a myriad of different ways. Recently, a couple staff members attended a ballgame, here are some pictures they took….
Delightful Dive Bars Near Our Hostel
If clubbing the night away or screaming loudly in sport’s bars just ain’t your thing, check out some local dive bars that just might have you addicted to a dimly-lit setting & sipping cheap booze with the regulars….
Rose's Lounge
Oh Rose’s, thank you for existing so close to our hostel. You are a remaining relic in an increasingly modern neighborhood. We love your old sofas, cheap drinks, and pool table. In fact, we even love the way you smell at night. Check this place out.
Lollapalooza 2010 is Coming.
And its coming sooner than we think.
Our rooms are selling super fast, so if you need accomodations…make them quick. We are just a quick trip from the music. We had a crazy weekend for Lollapalooza ’09 and we expect a wild time for 2010 as well. The 2010 lineup is ridiculously fueled with awesome talent.
Experience an epic concert hostel style.
Small Music Venues in Chicago That Deliver Big Sounds
The Empty Bottle
The Empty Bottle is a cozy little venue that offers an intimate experience for any music lover. Don’t expect Lady Gaga, but do anticipate a diversity of cool stuff from this place including: Farmer’s Market events, indie rock, DJs, and Windy City Soul Night. Read more
Stimulate Your Fashion: Check out Chicago’s Hippest Shops
We will let you in on a few tips when it comes to shopping hip. Conveniently, these spots are located on the northside of our beautiful city, and most are close to our hostel. Bring a few bucks and you’ll be looking as chic as a Wicker Park hipster…
Strange Cargo in Wrigleyville
This place is cool. It sells an average of 1500 t-shirts a week. They have a myriad of designs for customizable tees, with categories such as: bands, authors, sports, vintage, sex, and even poop. They also have the largest selection of Converse All-Stars in the city. Check out Strange Cargo and how to get there from our hostel.
Another spot you guys & gals have to check out is the Belmont Army, and its within walking distance from our hostel. They’ve got 4 floors of neat stuff ranging from vintage apparel to cool & colorful shoes. This place has potential to be pricey, but they always some good sales that make them worth checking out.
Belmont Army
I was just let in on a semi-hidden gem. I think you should check this place out too, Clothes Optional really delivers when it comes to price and selection. Did you ever wonder who was raiding thrift stores for all the coolest stuff before you got there? This place has got all the hand-picked fashion from the 50′s to the 80′s. This place is also within walking distance from our hostel.
Clothes Optional
On the subject of thrift stores, you may as well check out Ragstock as well. Its real close to the Belmont Army and there’s a bunch of cool places to eat, shop, and drink in the Belmont & Clark area. They’ve got a ton of cool retro accessories and vintage clothing. Personally, I find all my atrocious sweaters there…
Ugly sweater from Ragstock
Spring Break in Chicago
Whether your break falls in early or late March, there’s a trillion and ten things to do in Chicago. Instead of listing a trillion ideas for your Chicago excursion, here are a few worthwhile stops we think you should make…
Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day
If your vacation coincides with St. Patrick’s Day on March 14th, we advise you to check out the Chicago River being dyed a vibrant green that day. This occasion is followed by the annual parade that rolls through the downtown area and consists of heavy amounts of floats, shamrocks, acrobats, and drunken hecklers of all shapes & sizes. Admission is free. Read more
Meet the Staff & Our Favorite Chicago Spots
We love Chicago. You want to see Chicago. Let’s meet and maybe our interests will give you some hip ideas on seeing our beautiful town. Also, this may give you some tips on experiencing cool stuff not usually found on the average tourist brochure. Oh, and please don’t be intimidated by our good looks…
Charlie Lopez
Q: What is your favorite Chicago venue for music?
A: The Beat Kitchen (Food, Booze, & Music!)
Q: What is your favorite bar/tavern/pub?
A: Goldies (Cheap booze!)
Q: What is your favorite pizza place?
A: Bacci’s Pizza (jumbo slices for cheap in Wrigleyville).
Q: What is your favorite Chicago band?
Q: What is your favorite place to eat in Lincoln Park?
A: Five Guys ( a lil’ pricey for burgers but really good).
Q: What is one of your favorite Chicago pastimes/things to do in the city?
A: Frolicking through Navy Pier.
Q: What is your favorite place to shop?
A: Something Old/Something New
Gangsters, Ghosts, and Boats: Take a Chicago Tour Today
You probably already know of Chicago’s rich legacy of gangsters. However, if you’re interested in knowing more on the extensive subject of infamous criminals, hop on the tour bus and take a trip with Untouchable Tours! You will gain knowledge of the 1920s and 30s Prohibition Era while visiting a vast array of landmarks including: the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, as well as the site of the Valentine’s Day Massacre. Read more
Finding Fun Photo Locations in Chicago
You may know that Chicago is seeped in history, but you may not have known how photogenic Chicago proves to be. We encourage you to bring your camera and capture the aesthetic beauty of our city. Here are just a few landmarks that will make great shots:
Take a quick pic with this giant sculpture at Daley Plaza.
