Now that summer is almost upon us, family vacations are very much on the menu. For those interested in heading to the USA, this blog has covered the country's famous "Windy City" in various ways, including the jazz scene, multiculti
Astride Lake Michigan, the USA's third largest city is a fantastic place to visit, from its highrise downtown - with famous buldings including 47-year-old Willis Tower (once the world's tallest building, and known as the Sears Tower) and the 1920
Welcome to February! Since 1970, it's also been Black History Month in the USA, and since 1995 in Canada, as well (whereas it's observed in October in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands). And though the reason for the African diaspo
The USA’s second largest city, like most of the country’s most vibrant cities, derives much of that vibrancy from its immigrants. And one of the tastiest legacies of all those generations of immigration is a spectacular array of ethnic eats that ar
January is a good month for Eagles at Starved Rock State Park. Just outside of Utica, IL on the south bank of the Illinois river, the park is open year round and has miles of hiking trails, canyons, and of course, the Rock!
America’s famous “Windy City” might not be the first U.S. city to jump to mind when it comes to vacation travel, compared to, say, New York, Miami, or Los Angeles. But Chicago, the country’s third largest metropolis, offers a lot to the visitor – fro
Today is one of the United States‘ few annual holidays which most of its inhabitants regardless of origin, age, or creed cherish and when families reunite unlike any other time of year except Christmas. Always observed the fourth Thursday of Novem
With nearly 12,500 miles (20,000 kilometres) of coastline, the United States lined on three sides with some stupendous strands indeed. Here are some of my top picks within easy striking distance of key cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami
Have you seen Illinois' own pyramid? Located in Wadsworth, very near the Wisconsin border, it is a private home. Blogging about it today on Positively Tuesday. http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/
Scattered throughout Chicago, Illinois is ample evidence of creative minds at play: more than 700 pieces of public art. Although local artists get the most commissions, some of the biggest names in modern art — Picasso, Chagall, Calder — have also m
Some 60 pieces of Tiffany designed windows, lamps and assorted art objects are currently on exhibit at the Driehaus Museum in Chicago. Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures From the Driehaus Collection is the crème de la crème of a private collection of 1
The Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, IL has partnered with John Featherstone of the prestigious Lightswitch, an award winning, world renown lighting and visual design firm, to develop ILLUMINATION. A one-of-a-kind event, it is a first for the 91 year old
Although I grew up about 40 miles southwest of a world-class travel destination–that great big wonderful windy city of Chicago–I tend to take it for granted. And like most people around here, I don’t get there often enough. But whenever I do, I alway
I’ve often written about the benefits of sensory engagement, especially in the context of a spa and wellness experience. Getting in touch with our senses is a way to refocus and get grounded in matters of calm and wellbeing. In particular, I’ve alw
Lincoln Highway display at the Joliet Historical Museum
If you live anywhere along the Lincoln Highway you probably are aware that this year marks its 100th anniversary. It was the first paved coast to coast highway, an
Since Halloween 2011, Chi-town’s the first city in North America to boast an outpost of the Radisson Blu brand (formerly Radisson SAS), which is run by a company called Rezidor and has taken Europe (and especially Scandinavia) by storm since it was i