Category Archives: Points of Interest

Points of Interest

Eat and drink your way around the world on the Chicago Riverwalk this summer!

Eat and drink your way around the world on the Chicago Riverwalk this summer! Every Thursday from July 13 to August 17, Riverwalk visitors are invited to enjoy the food, drink, and music of Chicago’s 28 sister cities through Unifest. Presented by Chicago Sister Cities International, the festival will transform The Jetty on the Chicago Riverwalk (between Wells and Franklin) into a celebration of Chicago and international culture from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The series kicks off this Thursday with live music from DJ Sadie Woods & DJ Madrid representing Paris, France, and a variety of spirits from China, Poland, Israel, and South Africa will be available. Baklava, from Athens, Greece and Fischbrötchen, a poached shrimp sandwich, from Hamburg, Germany will also be available for $4.

News, Points of Interest, Review

Pop-Up Bookstore to Open in Block 37 to Support Chicago Public Schools

Book worms rejoice! Carpe Librum, a new pop-up bookstore, is coming to Block 37 this summer. Thousands of gently used books, CDS, and DVDs all priced at $1- $4 will be available in the pedway level of Block 37 at 108 N. State Street starting May 30. Proceeds will provide educational programing in Chicago Public Schools through non-profit, Turning the Page.

Turning the Page is a 501 (c)3 education non-profit, engaging parents to be more active and effective participants in their children’s education. TTP is currently partnered with 6 public schools in Chicago’s west side neighborhood of North Lawndale. TTP’s programming can be divided into three main categories: Community Nights, Parent Leadership Initiatives, and Summer Learning Trips.

  • Community Nights consist of educational parent workshops, literacy-based child mentoring activities, book giveaways for families’ home libraries, and a free, healthy family dinner.
  • Parent leadership initiatives help parents identify their strengths, build social capital within their school communities, and take action. During conferences, parents are able to learn from one another and collaborate on ideas to improve their schools and serve their neighborhoods.
  • Summer Learning trips are hosted by TTP to sustain learning during the summer months. TTP partners with local museums and other local institutions to host a series of innovative field trips to connect families with their communities’ resources.

“[Community Nights] provide information and resources to parents and families on how parents can get more involved in their children’s academic lives by building home libraries, reading to children, developing strong parent-teacher relationships, and learning about science and math.” — President & CEO, Jason King

“We filled an important need in the system, which has so many challenges in engaging parents effectively. We provide something that the system is not and fill a gap in ensuring that parents can be more active in their children’s lives, both at home and at school. And as students get older, we enable parents to help students make decisions around what classes the students should take, to start thinking about higher education.” — President & CEO, Jason King, speaking to the impact of TTP in public school system

To raise funds for its programs, TTP collects used books from our community and opens pop –up used bookstores, called Carpe Librum, by activating vacant retail space. All books are donated through local book drives in area businesses, apartment buildings, and universities, or donated by individuals. Get first pick at the Carpe Librum Pop-Up Grand Opening on May 30 from 8:00am to 6:00pm. For more information on Turning the Page visit: http://turningthepage.org.

Points of Interest, Review

May 2017 Events Guide for the Chicago Loop

What can we say about the month of May? It is still technically in spring, but everything about the month is pointing towards summer. From the opening of the city’s Farmer’s Market to the officially kick-off of festival season, the month is teasing us with its great outdoor activities and epic summertime vibes. Start your pre-summer planning with our guide to events happening this May!

Joffrey Ballet’s Global Visionaries

April 26 – May 7, 2017

Joffrey Ballet’s “Global Visionaries” is sure to impress any dance-lover in your life. The spring program features three distinct repertory pieces including the world premiere of Swedish Choreographer Alexander Ekman’s Episode 47.

Kentucky Derby Party at ROOF on theWit

May 6, 2017 | Doors Open at 2:00 p.m.

Put on your most stylish Southern-inspired ensemble and head to ROOF on theWit for a Derby Party & Best Dressed Runway Contest! The most stylish southern belle will win the Grand Prize Trip for 2 to the iconic Maker’s Mark Distillery.

RENT at the Oriental Theatre

May 9, 2017 – May 14, 2017

RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece, returns to the Loop’s Theatre District with its vibrant 20th anniversary touring production for one week only!

Daley Plaza Farmers Market

May 11, 2017

The longest running Farmers Market in Chicago is back on May 11th! Shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers all while under the gaze of the giant Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza every Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting May 11th.

Chicago Craft Beer Week

May 18, 2017 – May 25, 2017

Celebrate Chicago’s craft beer scene at the 8th Annual Chicago Craft Beer celebration. Enjoy special selections at several Loop bars including Monk’s Pub.

Red Giselle Reveler Party at Auditorium Theatre

May 19, 2017 | 6:00 p.m.

Revel with Auditorium Theatre on May 19th with a pre-show party followed by Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg’s performance of the renowned Red Giselle! The $40 ticket includes a seat in the back orchestra, light bites from Trattoria No. 10, and two drink tickets for beer or wine! Can’t make it to the Reveler Party? The production runs through Sunday, May 21st.

Chicago Riverwalk Summer Celebration

May 20, 2017 | 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

We’re officially one month away from the season opening of the Loop’s newest outdoor attraction, the Chicago Riverwalk! Experience the riverfront during an all-day summer celebration on May 20th. From architecture cruises to boat races, the free event offers a preview of the unique programing offered through October on the Riverwalk.

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

May 27, 2017

Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest in the nation. Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country on May 27th at noon as the parade proceeds south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.

House Music Celebration at Millennium Park

May 27, 2017

We bet you didn’t know that house music was born in Chicago. Celebrate the various styles and sounds of electronic music on May 27th with free DJ sets and live performances in Millennium Park.

Bike the Drive

May 28, 2017

Chicago was recently named #1 bicycling city in America by Bicycling magazine. Help celebrate the title by grabbing your bike and enjoying an almost 5 hours of car-free riding on Lake Shore Drive on May 28th.

by loopchicago

Points of Interest, Review

Take a Trip to Webster Avenue: Chicago’s Latest Foodie Destination

Webster Avenue in Lincoln Park is home to some of the city’s best dining spots. There’s so much culinary talent represented across sweet and savory selections for each meal of the day, you’re sure to fall for this quaint street and its lively neighborhood feel. Explore the city’s beautiful North Side and make Webster Avenue your pit stop for tasty and affordable fare. Read on to learn about some of our favorite picks.

Floriole

Floriole

 

Floriole

This cafe is known for its fresh and seasonal European-inspired menu featuring breads, sandwiches, salads and pastries. They use only the highest quality locally sourced ingredients—organic flour and sugar, Valrhona chocolate, European-style butter and cage-free eggs. Stop by for lunch and enjoy the bright decor with friends or grab a warm sticky bun to go.

Floriole
1220 W. Webster Avenue
773.883.1313

Sweet Mandy B’s 

Sweet Mandy B's

Cupcakes are always a great choice when you want a quick break between sights. This bakeshop is a favorite of sweets lovers all around the city. They’re known for old-fashioned treats ranging from cupcakes and pies to cookies and breakfast bites. The vast selection of homemade baked goods is ever-changing. It’s difficult to choose just one dessert, so take a few to go. The fun decor will have you instagramming and snapchatting before you consume your treats of choice.

Sweet Mandy B’s
1208 W. Webster Avenue
773-244-1174

 

White Oak Tavern & Inn

White Oak Tavern & Inn

This chef-driven neighborhood tavern offers refined, rustic cuisine sourced from Midwest farmers and food artisans. Plus creative and seasonal cocktails. They offer brunch, lunch and dinner—all three are great options—we highly recommend the burger if you’re there for lunch.

White Oak Tavern & Inn

White Oak Tavern & Inn
1200 W. Webster Avenue
773-248-0200

 

Owen + Alchemy

Owen + Alchemy

This on-trend juice apothecary, originated in Logan Square, has a pop-up location on Webster Avenue. Here you can find cold-pressed, plant-based juices, smoothies, nut milks and custom herbal blends. In addition to healthy drinks, they also have plant-based bowls, salads and snacks such as coconut jerky. Stop by to refuel after a workout or grab a refreshing juice to sip while you explore the neighborhood. This up-and-coming foodie destination is great to try out this holiday season. It’s just a quick El or Uber ride from downtown.

Owen + Alchemy
1211 W. Webster Avenue
(Located inside élu boutique)

Points of Interest

Chicago’s Newest Happy Hour

That’s right: when you get out of works this Friday, you can partake in that all-American tradition at last. Bacon and cocktail combos? Half-priced brews? The answer to the above is finally, gloriously, “yes, please.”

Beer Tasting at a Craft Beer Cafe – Beermiscuous

beermisc

  • WHEN: Saturday
  • NEIGHBORHOOD: Lakeview
  • PRICE: $38

Beermiscuous has quickly become known as one of the most low-key, chill places to explore the world of craft beer in Chicago. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy this unique atmosphere with a special summer beer tasting.

A Brew-tiful Pig Roast – County Barbeque

bbqt

  • WHEN: Sunday
  • NEIGHBORHOOD: University Village
  • PRICE: $55

Michelin Bib Gourmand winner County Barbeque teams up with Moody Tongue Brewery’s head brewmaster for an incredible Sunday Funday BBQ on the County patio full of porky greatness, refreshing brews, and rockabilly music.

Summer Tex-Mex Fiesta – The Social Table

social-table

  • WHEN: Sunday
  • NEIGHBORHOOD: Lincoln Park
  • PRICE: $45

The Social Table is all about bringing people together around delicious food and drink, so its Summer BBQ series is exactly what you’d expect: a fun, intimate social event with cooking, eating, and drinking in a little yellow house with a charming patio.

Maryland-Style Crab Boil – Kinmont

maryland-boil

Roll into Kinmont for a Maryland-style crab boil masterminded by Top Chef contestant and Slurping Turtle alum chef Aaron Cuschieri.

  • WHEN: Sunday
  • NEIGHBORHOOD: River North
  • PRICE: $40

Always remember to designated a driver or better yet take a taxi cab. Download our Universal Taxi App here.

Have a great weekend Chicago!

Points of Interest

Chicago’s Art Scene

People from Chicago can definitely appreciate great art, which comes as no surprise since the arts culture here is thriving. The city itself is an exhibit, with so much beauty to be discovered no matter where you go. If you’re interested in taking a glimpse of all the art that the city has to offer, just ask your Universal Taxi driver to drop you off at these artsy neighborhoods:

  • Pilsen, Bridgeport and Hyde Park. These three districts are all found in the South Side and are now home to so many galleries that feature interestingly diverse mediums and brilliant young artists. Notable places to visit are the Bridgeport Art Center, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago Arts District, Hyde Park Art Center, and Logan Center.
  • River North. If you’re free every first Thursday of the month, an art crawl is done in this area. Some of the popular stops are the Ken Saunders Gallery, the Project Room, Richard Norton Gallery, and the Judy A. Saslow Gallery.
  • West Loop. Though this is mostly known for their restaurant row, it is also a great place to discover inspiring art. Check out Threewalls, the Vertical Gallery, Carrie Secrist Gallery, and the Kavi Gupta Gallery.
  • Bucktown / Wicker Park.This is the place to be if you’re looking for more cutting-edge art. Visit the Intuit (The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art), the Monique Meloche Gallery, and the Eyeporium Gallery. You could also go to the Iron Arts Building every first Friday to see the treats that the artists living there have in store for you.

If you’re more interested in the city’s art museums, these are the stops that you should ask your Universal Taxi driver to take you to:

  • The Art Institute of Chicago. It is not only a popular museum in the city, but in the country as well, with over 260,000 pieces that could date as far back as 5,000 years ago.
  • Smart Museum of Art. It is the University of Chicago’s official art museum.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art. With different pieces of art dating from 1945 to now, it is one of the largest museums dedicated to contemporary art.
  • National Museum of Mexican Art. There are over 7,500 pieces that range from ancient Mexico, all the way to modern Mexican-American work.

If you’re not yet happy with this long list, then feel free to take a walk around because Chicago is also home to some of the most impressive public art displays, from amazing murals to breathtaking sculptures. Visit The Loop and check out a Picasso sculpture, Chase Plaza’s whimsical Four Seasons painting, or the stainless steel Freeform outside the Bilandic Building. Explore the parks and find interesting pieces, such as the Cloud Gate at the Millennium Park which locals call The Bean. Go through different neighborhoods and just crane your neck from one corner to another, because there would surely be a million different surprises awaiting you.

That’s Chicago for you. An art-lover’s paradise overflowing with creativity and color.

Points of Interest

Chicagotown’s Historical Points of Interest

There’s just no end to the amount of things to see in Chicago, with all that architecture and art just waiting to be explored. Adding to the extremely long list of Chicago’s points of interest are, of course, the historical sites that have witnessed the city grow and change through the decades. These sites are the true treasures of Chicago, showing visitors and locals the rich heritage that produced this glorious city.

Just ask your Universal Taxi driver to take you to these historical points of interest, and experience the city’s rich history firsthand:

  • Glessner House. Built in 1887, it was the home of Henry Hobson Richardson Glessner. He was one of the, if not the primary inspiration of a lot of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. Inside the home is an amazing collection of decorative art and furniture as well as English arts and crafts.IMG_0288
  • Union Station. The Union Station’s Great Hall has always been one of the most photographed pictures you’ll see the moment you start looking into American history and architecture. At its peak, around 10,000 passengers went through it daily with around 300 trains taking them to different directions.229415-51b23f5bc0120
  • Wrigley Building.This is not only a city landmark, but a national one as well. It is inspired by the Giralda Tower at the Seville Cathedral in Spain and displays an American version of the French Renaissance style.wrigley_building_3_large
  • Chicago Water Tower. Built in 1869, it is one of the few structures that survived the 1871 Chicago Great Fire. A limestone building that does not exactly look like a traditional water tower, the main structure is 154 feet high. This is also the first American Water Landmark in the country.Water_Tower_Chicago_2012-0261
  • Robie House. This structure is the perfect example of the Prairie House style of architecture as popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. This architectural design is known as the first truly American style, and although the concept came all the way from 1910, it still continues to be a favorite until today.Frederick C. Robie House
  • Wrigley Field. It first opened in 1914, and has become one of the most important stops for anyone who visits Chicago since then. It is a testament to how fans truly love the Cubs, and the manual scoreboard coupled with its ivy-covered brick walls really takes you back into time.6911737248_7dc3b3aa63_z
  • Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. The renowned architect started building his own home in 1889, and its transformation never really ceased the entire time the legend lived there. He made modifications as his needs and wants changed, and the entire design is so intricate that there is no doubt at all that he worked on it.aed35e57-436e-4707-a7ad-5d229dacc30f.usa-the-heartland-chicago-frank-lloyd-wright-house
  • Graceland Cemetery. If you feel comfortable standing in the midst of great people – dead great people, that is, Graceland Cemetery is the perfect place to visit. Designed in 1861, this beautifully landscaped site is not only home to famous gravesites, but to a few mysterious happenings at night as well, or so they say.IMG_8295

If you find yourself wanting to see more of Chicago’s history, just hop into a Universal Taxi and have the driver take you around these sites. This is the best way for you to truly savor the city’s past as well as know the great people who built and developed it to the beautiful city it is today.