Lisa Davis: Follow me on Twitter @LisaDavisMedia

Guide to Wrigleyville for the Cubs Season Closer

Next week marks the end of the regular season for the Cubs, and probably for the post season as well, as it looks like Chicago’s beloved Cubbies won’t make it to the playoffs. If you make it down next week for the Cubs last two home games, here are some tips on how to enjoy Wrigleyville one last time before the end of the 2009 baseball season. Until next year fans…. Pre-game, head to Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 North Sheffield; 773-281-5356) appropriately named for being located...

September 22nd, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

Weekend Special: Best Places for Coffee and Brunch

Peet's Coffee has some of the best coffees and teas in Chicago and also has free WiFi There’s nothing better than a Saturday morning sleeping in and then joining friends for brunch, or spending a lazy afternoon with your favorite book or magazine and a cup of velvety smooth coffee. Weekends are a great time to check out some of Chicago’s best breakfast spots and coffee hangouts. Here’s a sample of some of the more popular choices. Peet’s Coffee (1000 W. North Ave.) – Has...

September 18th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

10 Things to Do in Chicago This Fall

While summer has the claim to be the season for Chicago’s outdoor festivals, the fall is also prime time for festivals, parades, concerts, and more. In fact, many Chicagoans say autumn is one of the city’s best seasons. Consider this your guide to some of Chicago’s most popular fall events, listed in order of date. 1. Harvest Fest – live music and local foods and drinks; Sept. 18 – 20, 1900 W. Belmont Avenue, 773-665-4682. 2. Guinness Oyster Festival – known for its...

September 18th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

Best places near Chicago to see the leaves change in the fall

It’s that time of year when the green leaves of summer take on the fall glories of reds, yellows and vivid oranges. Within driving range from Chicago are some of the best places to see the leaves change, grab a pumpkin, and pick some apples. Consider this your tip sheet for the Midwest’s best spots for leaf views. WISCONSIN Kettle Moraine, Northern and Southern Units Distance from Chicago: 133 miles to Kewaskum; 150 miles to Elkhart Lake. Peak Season: Mid October. This 25-mile drive...

September 17th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

Check out these special offers for some of Chicago’s best exercise classes

If you like to stay in shape and are a Pilates and yoga fan, then these two recently announced special offers from The Yoga Boutique and from Exhale Spa should definitely not be missed. Exhale Spa’s Core Fusion class is probably one of the best classes in Chicago and is a huge hit out in Los Angeles with Hollywood stars who use the class to tone their abs, arms, hips, and legs. Plus, post workout you can indulge in the spa’s steam room, or grab a cup of organic tea and a magazine and relax...

September 15th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

The Berghoff Oktoberfest kicks off this week in Chicago

It’s Oktoberfest time in Chicago and one of the bigger ones kicks off this week: The 24th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest, Wednesday, September 16 through Friday, September 18, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at Chicago’s Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn Streets. The 24th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest starts Wednesday, September 16 Toast your glasses at the Berghoff Oktoberfest with German specialties and Berghoff’s private-label beer and root beer, and a Bavarian polka band. Be sure to...

September 15th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

Oprah Winfrey tapes show on Michigan Avenue

If you can play hooky from work today, head down to Michigan Avenue and be part of the Oprah Winfrey Show being taped at the intersection of Michigan and Ohio Street. The taping will kick off Oprah’s 24th season with a giant “party” that will shut down part of Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile. Audience admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis starting at noon, and the taping will begin at 5 p.m. Audience space is standing-room only. While the entire guest list...

September 8th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

Spa Week in Chicago offers discounted massages, facials, and more

Need to relieve your aching muscles and de-stress with a massage, facial, or body scrub? Spa Week is coming to Chicago September 14 – 20 and for $50 (yes, you read that right) you can indulge at some of the city’s best spas, including Bliss, Red Door, Kiva Day Spa, Ruby Room, and Shen Shen. Spa Week’s goal is to offer normally costly spa services (usually hundreds of dollars) at a more price-friendly amount, $50, helping those who have to watch their budgets in these tough...

September 5th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More

Chicago’s Jazz Festival promises an impressive line-up this Labor Day weekend

This weekend’s 31st annual Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day favorite at the city’s historic Grant Park. The free festival runs through Sunday, September 6, and promises an impressive line-up of some of the music industry’s most talented jazz performers. Headliners include Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quintet, bassist Dave Holland, and The Arthur Hoyle Orchestra. The following is an annotated schedule for Sunday’s performances, compiled by the Chicago Tribune. “Unless otherwise noted, all...

September 5th, 2009 | Chicago | Read More