Chicagoland’s Newest Features
Sable at Navy Pier marks the 100th property milestone for Curio Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts in premier destinations around the world. The first hotel to break ground and make waves on one of the city’s most iconic and historic landmarks, this hotel offers sweeping, unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, truly unlike any other. With the Navy Pier fireworks in full swing, Sable is offering Wednesday and Saturday Firework Packages that include either Cote des Roses Rosé or Mini Moet & Chandon Champagne for two; custom Sable chocolate; and upgrades to a higher floor where available. To book an upcoming staycation with the best seat in the house for the firework show, please click here.
The world’s first boutique-inspired Hyatt Place, The Forester Hotel, recently celebrated its Grand Opening with an evening to remember. Themed to immerse guests into an enchanted forest, the property welcomed community leaders to enjoy delicious food and handcrafted cocktails courtesy of the hotel’s restaurant, Oaken Bistro and Bar. Entertainment was plentiful throughout the night with forest-themed stilt walkers, strolling champagne, a living marble statue, performances by The Lake Forest Dance Academy and more. The hotel is located on the nature-rich North Shore in Lake Forest and is centered around the town’s motto, “Naturae et Scientiae Amor” or love of Science and Nature. To make a reservation for a hotel stay, please visit here. To make a reservation to experience Oaken Bistro + Bar, please visit here.
Current Happenings
Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, ideally situated on the third floor of the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel at 1 W. Wacker Drive, invites locals and travelers alike to enjoy summer in the city with shareable plates, seasonal cocktails, an array of wines on tap, and local craft beers– with stunning city views as your backdrop. Experience unparalleled service at the indoor/outdoor bar featuring an open rooftop deck overlooking Chicago’s skyline. Visit here for more information.
Love Always Wins! You’ve seen the mural from I-94, now experience Carnivale’s sensational Latin-Fusion dishes, craft cocktails and incredible ambiance in person! Always an amazing experience, the Cotton Candy Martini is a must-try, along with a delicious Gaucho Steak or Seafood Paella. Dine al fresco on the expansive outdoor terrace or pick up to dine at home! The west loop hotspot is also offering a to-go menu and takeout kits to enjoy. For reservations, event inquiries and more info, visit here.
In search of the perfect views for Golden Hour? Kennedy Rooftop, 1551 W. North Ave., is one of Chicago’s hottest rooftop decks, offering spectacular unobstructed skyline views and a delicious menu developed by Executive Chef Kus Folkers, including a unique variety of signature cocktails – each presidentially named as an homage to their namesake. The rooftop is open Tuesday through Sunday and the space is first come first served. For more information, please visit here.
Luft Balloons, Chicago’s premier balloon boutique located at 345 W. Armitage Ave, is dedicated to bringing joy through the art of the balloon! Customers can choose from a wide variety of air-filled creations or helium bouquets to celebrate their next occasion in style. Luft Balloons is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Delivery is available seven days a week. For more information or to place an order, please visit their website.
Baseball is in full swing in Rosemont! The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare, 5200 Pearl St. in Rosemont, along with their contemporary first floor bar and restaurant, Thorn Restaurant & Lounge, are inviting guests to enjoy baseball season by offering an exclusive Take Me Out To The Ballgame Package, which includes a trip to Impact Field, home of the Chicago Dogs Baseball team, located less than five minutes away from the hotel. The package includes four general admission tickets to a Chicago Dogs game, complimentary overnight parking, a complimentary shuttle ride to and from Impact Field, and a “Play Ball” welcome amenity which includes popcorn, peanuts, and a bucket of ice-cold beers. The hotel package is available now for families and friends who are looking to get back out and enjoy warmer weather and each other’s company, and can book by clicking here.
Fulton Market Kitchen, 311 N. Sangamon, is a high-style restaurant that always welcomes culture and creativity. As such, they are thrilled to announce a new ticketed art show in their stunning upstairs gallery on August 19th from 5-9 pm in collaboration with a new online gallery, custom works service and art events social action organization, Povos. In his own whimsical language, artist William Schaeuble has created extraordinary sites of joy and imagination – making the mundane magical – and welcomes guests to enjoy the collection with a custom cocktail tuned to fit the artwork itself. Tickets are $20 and include a reservation to dine in the restaurant before or after enjoying the show. For more information on how to purchase tickets, please visit www.fultonmarketkitchen.com.
The South Loop lifestyle center, Roosevelt Collection Shops, will soon welcome its latest activation to open within their new exhibit space, 150 West. Opening Friday, August 14th, “Boxed Experience” will offer an interactive, theatrical experience that is sure to amaze with hyper-realistic rooms and map projections. Bringing to life the emotional toll individuals undergo when society puts them “in a box” – whether for age, race, orientation, ethnicity or otherwise – visitors will explore each space of the exhibit and gain a whole new perspective on social awareness in the present day. Tickets range from $35-55 and 2 hours of free parking is included with validation. For more information, visit here.
Jet’s Pizza®, founded in 1978 by Eugene and John Jetts in Sterling Heights, Michigan has grown to over 380 independently owned and operated stores in 19 states, including 19 Chicagoland locations. From their iconic Detroit-style pizza, with cheesy to the edge crunch to traditional round, Jet’s Pizza serves pizza that will please everyone at your upcoming barbecues, game day parties, or summer movie nights. Try out some of the favorites including BBQ Chicken, the Eugene Supreme, Jet 10, the Super Special, and much more. For more information or to place an order online, please visit their website.
Hyatt Lodge, 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oakbrook’s most unique hotel located by beautiful lakes, streams, and wooded trails continues to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to their guests. The hotel resides on acres of forest preserve and sits waterside to a scenic lake, making it an ideal location for wedding guests, family weekend getaways, weekday conferences, and everything in between. Join Hyatt Lodge for Whiskey’d Off Your Feet, a Macallan Scotch Tasting Event, on September 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests are invited to indulge in a pig roast and dinner curated by Executive Chef Joshua Karther, while enjoying live music on the Lakefront Patio. Tickets are $99 per person. To make a reservation for this event, please call 630.568.1234 or visit OpenTable.
Offshore, the world’s largest rooftop deck and one of Chicago’s most exciting hotspots located at Navy Pier is the place to be this summer. Boasting over 56,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space with spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, this year-round rooftop destination offers locals a truly unique opportunity to enjoy Chicago’s summer months. With the return of the Navy Pier fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday, patrons can reserve the best seats to watch the show while sipping on some specialty cocktails, and sharing bites from their latest seafood-forward menu. Seats are very limited and can be reserved using OpenTable.
The Forge: Lemont Quarries, a 300-acre outdoor adventure park located 22 miles Southwest of downtown Chicago, is inviting family, friends, coworkers, adventurers both novice and pro, and everyone in between, to the largest outdoor adventure course in North America. The perfect outdoor activity not to miss during the summer months, this park offers the longest and tallest ziplines in the tri-state area and the three tallest ropes towers in the world, this year-round outdoor adventure park has something for every background, age and ability. Guests are invited to check The Forge’s August event calendar for weekly Mindful Morning Flow yoga, live music events at The Foundry, movies in the park, and more. During the summer season, the park is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the park is free, with tickets available to book in advance for each desired activity. Please click here for more information or to reserve your spot today.
Founded in 1985, Peaches Boutique offers a selection of over 30,000 formal dresses, within a 20,000 square foot store located at 5915 S. Archer Avenue. 90% of Peaches’ floor space is dedicated to prom dresses, and the boutique’s entire inventory, perfect for Quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteen parties, Bat Mitzvahs, 8th grade graduation, Pageants, Prom, Homecoming, Engagements, Weddings, Galas, and more social occasions and is also available for purchase online. Stocking dresses in store from size 000 – 30, Peaches also offers shoes and a variety of accessories, from earrings, necklaces and bracelets, to tiaras, headbands, and more. Known for stocking every prominent dress designer, Peaches registers all the dresses sold and maintains their commitment to not sell the same dress in the same color to the same event. Peaches provides same day purchase and offers alterations in store.
Sufi Psychology Association, the non-profit behind the global “Caring 4 Our Caregivers” initiative that has helped over 340 hospitals worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic, announces the rollout of a revolutionary new ‘Caregiver Wellness Program,’ (CWP). The CWP provides healthcare workers with tools focused on preventing and treating burnout. Designed by Dr. Saloumeh Bozorgzadeh, PsyD. and team, the program is tailor-made to address challenges specific to the healthcare community incorporating evidence-backed research on overarching topics with a variety of videos, stress reduction exercises including dynamic breathing, visualization and movement exercises, and a weekly meditation session – accessible online, 24/7 from any device or location. To support their initiative with a donation or to learn more about their work, visit here.
Whether you might be heading back to school, back to the office or are just looking to make every day count, Paper Source has a full collection of 2021-2022 planners to shop from and make your own! From custom insertion options including one made specifically for teachers to self care journals and bold designs to make each day fun, the go-to destination for creativity offers their assortment in-store and online. To shop the collection, please visit your nearest location or visit www.papersource.com.
Set to open September 2021, Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, the dynamic comfort food concept, is pleased to debut its second U.S. location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The new 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant, located at 444 N. Wabash, will feature elevated comfort food and creative craft cocktails coupled with an unmatched ambiance, at the premier downtown location. The restaurant will offer lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends in a lively and fun atmosphere for all to enjoy. Visit their website to learn more.
City Cruises Chicago has the hottest experiences to check out this summer on the water! Patrons can choose between a Fireworks Dinner Cruise on the Lake and River; Brunch on the River and Lake; Chicago Lake Lunch; Chicago River Architectural tours; Dinner on the Lake and River; Sights & Sips Cruise on the Chicago River and Lake; and the Seadog, the turbo-charged speedboat cruise offering both extreme thrill rides for adventure seekers and educational tours. Plus, they are dog-friendly so bring your pooch! Click here to learn more or reserve your spot.
With the summer season in full swing, plan a visit to Raging Waves– Illinois’ Largest Waterpark. Sitting on more than 58 acres, this family-friendly destination features 32 water slides, multiple kiddie areas, a wave pool, lazy river, 43 private cabanas and more. Guests will be able to experience the new, six-lane mat racing water slide, aptly named Aussie Mat Dash. The first Proslide RallyRACERTM in Illinois and one of three in the world, the Aussie Mat Dash can be found at the south end of the park, near the Boomerang, Cyclone and the Hungry Croc Restaurant. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit their website.
Chicago’s favorite pop-up bar, Replay Lincoln Park, has announced their latest theme – Marvel Arcade, running July 30th through Labor Day, September 6. Join Replay Lincoln Park for an event of superheroic proportions as they celebrate everything Marvel, with Marvel-themed events scheduled throughout the pop-up, from Marvel trivia every Thursday night at 7pm, to cosplay pageants, and much more! The wonderful artists at Pop Up Productions have also given the arcade a Marvel-themed update, complete with amazing installations and art, and Replay’s bartenders have crafted a variety of Marvel-themed cocktails that are perfectly balanced. Click here for more details.
SpringHill Suites Chicago Chinatown, the first hotel of its kind to hit Chicago’s Chinatown, has officially opened its doors at 2357 S. Wentworth Ave. The latest development to hit this century-old neighborhood, located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Chinatown community. Patrons looking to sleep, work and relax now have the opportunity to do so while enjoying access to 148 comfortable suites, a fitness studio, and a complimentary hot breakfast daily. The hotel also features an expansive lobby perfect for small gatherings as well as a boardroom for upcoming meetings, small weddings, and more. To book a room, please click here.
Enjoy clean and healthy living at home with EZ Breathe. The EZ Breathe Ventilation System has the ability to help alleviate many common homeowner concerns such as mildew odors, mold growth, pet dander, dust mites, humidity and moisture, pollen, chemical smells, leaving homes feeling fresh and allergen-free. Self-install kits come with everything necessary to assemble, mount, and install the system. For more information on EZ Breathe and its benefits, call 866.822.7328 or visit here.
Celebrating their 15thanniversary this year, Chicago-based hotel management company, Arbor Lodging Management, announced it has finalized and signed 12 GC contracts to renovate 12 select service properties this year spanning the East and West coasts, as the state of the hotel industry and business travel continues to head towards the norm. Arbor Lodging Management will begin these renovations in the fourth quarter, each varying in scope based on location and property including exterior and interior upgrades. To learn more, please click here.
Located in Evanston, Illinois, One Rotary Center is a global hub for culture, creativity and community. Home to a multitude of multipurpose, modern meeting and event spaces perfect for everything from corporate conventions to intimate events, One Rotary Center is fully-equipped with state-of-the-art technology integrated into each space with simultaneous interpretation capabilities for up to 8 languages.
Wisdom in Wellness, an integrative health company founded and operated by physician Dr. Julie Chen, takes an integrative and “wholistic” approach to immune health and wellness with their physician-formulated immune-boosting ImunOptimyze supplement. A clean supplement for those in search of an all-in-one solution, ImunOptimyze is comprised of scientifically-backed ingredients and is allergen-free, non-GMO, gluten-free and uses vegetarian capsules made in the USA to help maximize whole-body health. Most recently, Dr. Julie Chen, MD, has been recruited as the Chief Clinical Officer of Human Longevity Inc., as well as Medical Director of Human Longevity, San Francisco clinic that will be opening in October 2021. For more information on Dr. Julie Chen or to order ImunOptimyze, please visit here.
AIRE Rooftop, located atop the 24th floor of Hyatt Centric the Loop Chicago, welcomes guests to experience unmatched and uninterrupted panoramic views of Chicago. Known as one of the hottest rooftops in the city, AIRE serves as the perfect urban atmosphere for both Chicago residents and tourists alike to enjoy. Serving craft cocktails, wine selections, and shareables, AIRE offers a fun atmosphere to socialize with friends, host a cocktail reception, or just enjoy a drink against the breathtaking backdrop of the city. For more information or to book a group reservation, click here.
The historic, revival-style building at 226 W. Jackson, formerly known as the bustling headquarters to the iconic Chicago and North Western Railways, is soon to become one of the largest-scale hotel developments of late with the opening of the dual-branded Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop (Canopy Chicago) and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop (HGI Chicago Central Loop). Slated to begin welcoming guests in early Fall, the 114-year-old building has been completely reimagined to feature 350 guestrooms and suites in total, along with ample amenities including a bar and cafe, fitness center, and two event spaces between the two properties. A much-welcomed advancement to the city of Chicago and the resurging travel industry, the complex has also been appointed Landmark status by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Guests will find themselves immersed in the decadence of the golden age of train travel as the space will pay homage to its rich history through its stylish decor and design. For more information on Canopy Chicago or to make a future reservation, please visit their website or find them on social media at @canopychiloop. For more information on HGI Chicago Central Loop, please visit their website and on social media at @hgichiloop or contact either sarah.becker@hilton.comand neil.deguia@hilton.com.
Must see before August 15! Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition is currently on display in Chicagoland’s Oakbrook Center, running through mid-August. This unique exhibition, located in the former Sears building at Oakbrook Mall, showcases Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, reproduced photographically and artfully displayed in their original size. Through a partnership between SBX Group and SEE Global Entertainment, and leading entertainment discovery platform, Fever, this exhibition is brought to life using a special photographic technique that reproduces the look and feel of the original fresco paintings. Visitors are given a chance to engage with the artwork in ways that were never before possible, seeing every detail, every brushstroke, and every color of the artist’s 34 frescoes. Tickets are available by clicking here.
Save the date! The Chicago Scots, the oldest non-profit organization in Illinois, is thrilled to announce their 20thAnnual Kilted Classic Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 30. The tournament, which is hosted at the Cantigny Golf Course in Wheaton, 27W270 Mack Rd., will feature multiple golf competitions and challenges throughout the course. The Kilted Classic golf tournament will feature Scottish fun during and after rounds of golf: bagpipers, Highland dancers, Scottish beer and whisky tastings, and multiple Scottish-themed competitions. All of the proceeds from the outing with be benefitting Caledonia Senior Living and Memory Care, the Chicago Scots’ primary beneficiary for over one hundred years that offers a range of outstanding services including Assisted Living, Sheltered Care, Memory Care, Intermediate and Skilled Nursing Care, and Respite Care.
KINTON RAMEN is keeping the city cool this summer with three limited-edition dishes: Chilled Tsukemen, Amaze Mazemen, and The Yuzu Boost Bowl. Chilled Tsukemen, served cold, is a Japanese dish consisting of chilled noodles tossed in sesame oil and enjoyed after dipping in a mouthwatering house-made sauce served along pork shoulder, seasoned egg, and shredded nori. Amaze Mazemen is a brothless ramen that features seasoned thick noodles tossed in sesame oil, grated garlic and topped with pork shoulder, pork belly, onsen tamago, corn, bonito flakes, shredded nori, shredded chili, scallions, and a spoonful of mayonnaise meant to bring the whole dish together with one nice mix. Think of it as a take on Carbonara, Ramen-ized and ready to be enjoyed. For the veggie boost we all need right about now, the Yuzu Boost Bowl is inspired by Hiyashi Chūka, a popular noodle dish consisting of cold noodles with different colorful toppings regularly served in the summer in Japan. With yuzu citrus, cold noodles, and fresh veggies, this bowl goes hand in hand with summer. Every bowl comes with a side of spicy Japanese mustard that can be added to adjust spice level as desired. KINTON RAMEN currently offers dine-in at both their Wicker Park and West Loop locations, as well as takeout and delivery.
Get Van Gogh-ing to Chicago’s newest exhibit experience, Chicago! Step into the 19th-century genius of Vincent van Gogh’s incredible works beginning August 15 as the hands-on, interactive exhibit that took Chicago by storm and “Starry Night” travels back into town for a limited-time. Popping up at an all-new location on the bustling Magnificent Mile on the corner of Michigan and Wacker at 333 N. Michigan Ave., the experiential homage is dubbed Van Gogh for All and will be open to the public through Sunday, September 26. Curious learners of all ages will be fascinated by the exhibit’s deep dive into some of the beloved artist’s most famous works, his creative process and personal struggles in an out-of-this-world, interactive way. Incorporating modern technology and vast opportunities for participatory learning, admission to the exhibit is $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 12 and under, available for purchase online. The immersive exhibit will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is proudly produced and designed by the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation, in collaboration with Luci, and fabricated by Ravenswood Studios.
