When the American Writers Museum opened in Chicago in 2017, I wondered, “What took so long?” The only museum that is dedicated to American writers–a category that is expansive–it’s puzzling to think that someone didn’t come up with the...
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza: The Truth, The History & The Recipe
Anthony Bourdain struggled to call Chicago Deep Dish a “pizza.” For good reason, maybe. The late chef and culinary guru loved many things about Chicago: “…tall towers, hard corners, and sharp elbows. And, of course, food.” But that deep...
TravelSmart Woman’s Best Posts of 2019: Your Favorites!
Here we are, at the end of the year…and about to start a new decade. Before we leap into 2020, I’d like to pause and thank you for your support. There are thousands of you now who take time...
5 Chicago Buildings You Should Know
If visitors from another planet knocked on my door and asked to see examples of great architecture, I’d quickly say, “Easy-peasy! I’ve got 5 Chicago buildings you should know…Let’s go!” If you’re not from outer space, you already know...
Chicago Food Halls: 7 Easy Ways to “Sample” the City!
Hungry in the Windy City? You shouldn’t be. One of the country’s top food cities makes it easy for you to sample its wares. Just pop into one of the Chicago food halls and try whatever you fancy. Come...
Chicago Cultural Center: Visit the”Palace of the People”…FREE!
It’s scary to think that the Chicago Cultural Center was almost demolished so that a dull mid-century office tower could have a spot on Michigan Avenue. The mayor’s wife saved the Chicago Cultural Center What–or rather, who–saved it? The...
Chicago Architecture Center: More Than the River Cruise
Visiting the Windy City? Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) should be high on your list. You probably know its famous Architecture River Cruise, considered one of the top tours in the United States. The USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards named it...
Christkindlmarket in Chicago: An Old World Tradition
Christkindlemarket in Chicago is only 23 years old…an infant, compared to the market in Nuremberg, Germany. Nuremberg’s was established in 1545 and still serves as the inspiration for Christmas markets around the world. Christkindlmarket translates from German as “baby...
The Original Brownie Recipe–From Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel
The Original Brownie Recipe’s “birthplace” may be a surprise for many people. It didn’t come from someone’s sweet grandmother, a quaint bakery, or the home of a chocolatier. No, it was a business decision. First…Chicago gets the Fair. Too...
Hot Dog Throwdown: Sorry, Quebec City!
A hot dog throwdown? Why would this humble–and often maligned–sausage need to be compared? Especially since everyone knows the best hot dogs come from Chicago. Most of the world agrees, right? Okay, maybe not. And certainly not the good...