When people ask me where I’m from, I love sharing that I’m from the city of Chicago, born and raised in the heart of Lincoln Square. Now, as a proud mom and advocate to two boys on the autism spectrum, experiencing all that Chicago has to offer has come full circle, but through a different, neurodivergent lens. For many autistic children with sensory processing challenges, family outings can be overwhelming and stressful. Neurodiverse families thrive on predictability and routine, so novel experiences in urban environments can be challenging to navigate. Fortunately, sweet home Chicago doesn ..read more

Nestled off the Argyle Red Line Stop is Uptown’s Asia on Argyle, a vibrant cultural corridor home to authentic Southeast Asian cuisines and locally owned businesses. Also known as Little Saigon, the area was transformed in the 1970s by refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia along with Chinese entrepreneurs. Today, people can enjoy a wide range of places to eat, shop, and explore, from trying a rich bowl of phở to buying a new bonsai tree. Here’s a guide to restaurants, shopping, and events around Asia on Argyle, one of Chicago’s most diverse areas. Asia on Argyle restaurants Immm Thai For an exte ..read more

April’s total solar eclipse is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest events, and Chicago’s museums and attractions offer plenty of opportunities to watch the rare astronomical phenomenon. The Chicago area will experience around 94% totality on Monday, April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse won’t happen again in the U.S. for 20 years, so don’t miss the opportunity to experience the eclipse for yourself! Just make sure to always look at the eclipse safely with eclipse viewers.  Check out the Chicago institutions hosting watch parties, including local museums and the oldest planetarium i ..read more

Little Village, often referred to as “La Villita” by locals, offers a vibrant Mexican cultural experience without leaving Chicago. With nearly 1,000 locally owned businesses, their commercial corridor along 26th Street serves as the epicenter of this lively neighborhood, offering a diverse array of shops, eateries, and art. Here’s what to eat, drink, and do during a day in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. What to eat in Little Village La Catedral in Little Village Every restaurant in Little Village tells a story and offers something special to delight your palate. If you want a heavenly ..read more

A version of this article was originally published in the 2024 Chicago Visitors Guide. Wayne Baker Brooks knows a thing or two about the blues — and Chicago. The famed blues-rock guitarist has graced the stages of the city’s most iconic blues venues during his more than 30-year career. Wayne grew up in the city’s south side, living in Bronzeville, Englewood, and other neighborhoods. His father Lonnie Brooks was a Chicago blues master, and Wayne grew up with a front row seat to an iconic era in Chicago-style blues and watched his father play alongside talents like Koko Taylor, Willie Dixon, Mu ..read more

Want to know what’s happening this weekend in Chicago? Look no further. There’s a whole calendar of exciting events, exhibits, and activities taking place all over the city this month in Chicago. This weekend in Chicago is a jam-packed one, with jaw-dropping art and architecture events, culinary celebrations, riveting live theatre, family-friendly fun, exhilarating live music, Lunar New Year festivities, outdoor adventures, and so much more. Check out just a few of the top things to do this weekend in Chicago, Feb 16 – 18, 2024. Please note that all events are subject to change. Feb 17 Lun ..read more

If you’ve ever wished you could soar into the clouds above our city’s beautiful skyline, a new attraction at Navy Pier promises to take you on an adventure to remember. Flyover Chicago, a multi-sensory ride that transports guests to the city’s most stunning places through breathtaking flying journeys, will officially debut at Navy Pier this spring — and tickets are already on sale. Learn more about this epic new attraction and reserve your spot today. What is Flyover Chicago? FlyOver Chicago; photo by In.Color.Studios Located within Chicago’s waterfront Navy Pier, Flyover is an immersive flyi ..read more

For car lovers, winter in Chicago can only mean one thing — the Chicago Auto Show.  Whether you’re a first-time or an Auto Show veteran, there’s plenty you’ll need to know before you go. Here’s a complete guide to this year’s edition of the Chicago Auto Show. What is the Chicago Auto Show? The nation’s largest event of its kind, the Chicago Auto Show is an annual extravaganza held in Chicago every February. More than 300,000 people flock to the city’s South Loop neighborhood to see hundreds of different vehicles from around the world, plus interactive exhibits, experimental and concept c ..read more

L is for love and LGBTQ+ this Valentine’s Day in Chicago. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Gay with a partner, a lover, or friends, you’ve come to the right place. Chicago offers a plethora of romantic and fun activities for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Here are 8 lesbian parties, queer meet-ups, inclusive events, and dinner plans to make your Valentine’s Day extra queer this year. XOXO The Lesbian Social Club Hosts “Be Mine” at Tao Chicago Friday, Feb. 2Join The Lesbian Social Club at Tao Nightclub for an inclusive Valentine’s Day-themed sapphic event. The Lesbian Social Club curat ..read more

Dominique Leach is one of the biggest names in barbecue. A classically trained chef turned pitmaster, Chef Dominique worked in some of Chicago’s most prestigious kitchens before opening Lexington Betty Smokehouse in Pullman. Her Chicago-style barbecue has brought her national acclaim, including earning her a spot on The Food Network’s show Chopped and recognition as the “Best Barbecue in Chicago” by Good Morning America. This year, Chef Dominique is serving as the Host Chef of First Bites Bash, an annual culinary celebration at the Field Museum that kicks off Chicago Restaurant Week ..read more