Love boutiques and unique buys? These Oak Park shops are some of the best retail spots outside of Chicago! Known for its historic homes and architecture, Oak Park, Illinois is also a delightful place to spend a day shopping. This village offers an eclectic mix of local boutiques, galleries, antique stores and more. In this guide, I'm sharing my picks for great Oak Park shopping so that you can explore the village's local businesses, find unique gifts and souvenirs, and experience the charm of this historic Chicago suburb. Where to Shop in Oak Park We're putting the spotlight on three shopping ..read more

My experience in visiting Unity Temple designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright was nothing less than remarkable. It is one of eight structures that collectively make up what is known as organic architecture developed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This iconic building is located in Oak Park, Illinois and was constructed in 1908. While its age may not seem impressive, this temple was quite ahead of its time. Unity Temple Tour in Oak Park Entrance Hall Unity Temple Entrance From the foyer as you look through the glass windows opposite the entry, the sanctuary is to the left and the Unity ..read more

Did you know are over 20 stunning Frank Lloyd Wright houses that you can explore during your Oak Park visit! From renowned estates like the Arthur Heurtley House to his home and studio, to architectural gems like the Hills-DeCaro House and Nathan G. Moore House, we are sharing our picks of the most gorgeous homes with Wright's influence in this historic Chicago suburb. Frank Lloyd Wright Homes Oak Park boasts the highest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in the world. Throughout his career, Wright designed roughly 25 homes and public buildings throughout the village where he l ..read more

I had the pleasure of visiting the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum and in this blog post, I'll share my firsthand experience, the literary insights gained, and the enchanting ambiance that surrounds this home. Who is Ernest Hemingway Ernest is a famous American author who was born in the midwestern suburb of Oak Park. His writing style is bold and succinct, and many of Hemingway's works are considered classics of American literature. Through early years and experiences as a journalist, short story writer, and novelist, Ernest became a celebrated Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winner. His ma ..read more

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio review is here! After living in Oak Park for over 20 years, I finally got around to taking the tour and I have much information to share. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was founded in 1909. Its mission is to preserve and promote the works of the famous architect and manage several of the properties that he designed including Taliesin and Taliesin West. Among his most famous designs in the Chicago area are The Rookery, Unity Temple, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. There are many Frank Lloyd Wright homes in t ..read more

I have the best picks for Frank Lloyd Wright souvenirs that are beautifully crafted and sophisticated. Plus, most are easy to pack. And if you are visiting Oak Park, you can find them at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio gift shop. I am obsessed! When hunting for the perfect souvenirs during your Oak Park travels, you need to go beyond the cliché knick-knacks if you want to shop something special in your Oak Park itinerary.  As a seasoned Oak Park resident, myself, I've mastered the art of tracking down truly unique and memorable Frank Lloyd Wright keepsakes, so you won't h ..read more

If you are spending 2 days in Oak Park and need an itinerary from a local, you are in the right place. Just outside of Chicago, the charming suburb of Oak Park offers the perfect weekend escape. Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and as the hometown of famous author Ernest Hemingway, Oak Park provides a quaint small-town atmosphere that is just a short train ride from the city. For those looking to explore this historic village over a 2-day visit, Oak Park makes it easy with walkable streets full of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. In this blog post, I’ll provide an in ..read more

The best summer events in Oak Park are worth waiting for, year after year. They bring residents together to have fun and it's the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience the town like a local. As a long-time local, I've had the pleasure of attending many of the village's warm-weather festivities over the years. From lively concerts to block parties to craft fairs, there is always something entertaining going on for Oak Parkers to enjoy during the sunny weather. For this blog post, I'm rounding up some of my personal picks for the very best summer events that will make the seas ..read more

If you’re craving authentic dim sum in Chicago, we’ve compiled some of the best restaurants to meet friends over these legendary Cantonese dishes. Navigating the Dim Sum Experience Dim sum is a small bite that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. My friends and I meet for dim sum on weekends to catch up on life and have a few laughs. Chicago has some great spots for experiencing Asian cuisine and trying everything from dumplings to culinary delights. Many restaurant locations have spread beyond Chicago's Chinatown and can be found in several neighborhoods. This also works well for u ..read more

Boston is a beautiful, historic city with lots of impressive buildings. If you are looking for places to take photos in Boston, here is a roundup of locations that make a fun, colorful, or nature-inspired background for your social posts or family photo album! Best Spots for Vacation Photos in Boston The best spots for taking photos in Boston (like Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market) are a no-brainer, but they can be overcrowded. We're taking you beyond Whether you're exploring the Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, so keep your camera handy to capture street photos in Boston. Don't worry! You don't ..read more