Hotels By City: Cheap Hotels, Hotel Guides & Hotel Blogs

Did you know that the next "Survivor" season is being cast in the Chicago area this Saturday? Hundreds of (possibly insane) hopefuls will be at the Brookfield Zoo July 7 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for an open casting call. We're not exactly sure what the audition consists of--maybe an interview and some physical challenges of some kind? In any case, you have to be over 21 to participate, and ...

When I first moved to Chicago, I thought the Taste of Chicago, held every summer at the end of June and the beginning of July, was such a cool event. After all, one of the best things about living in this town is trying out new restaurants. To have so many vendors (over 70 this year) available all in one place with delicious samples wherever you look--well, my only problem ...

If you're coming to Chicago between June 29 and July 8, you'd better be going to the Taste of Chicago. How could you miss a sampling of foods from more than 70 restaurants, dancing the calories away at a variety of concerts with free admission, the entire Chicago Country Music Festival and a crazy long list of performances, demonstrations and events at the Taste's various stages?

If you're a health nut, you ...

The coolest thing about the Sheraton Chicago Northwest at 3400 West Euclid in Arlington Heights, other than its proximity (and views of) the Arlington Park racetrack, is its waterpark. This makes the Sheraton, an otherwise standard offering in the Starwood family of hotels, a destination for families and anyone else who likes to splash around.

The waterpark is called Coco Key, themed with a colorful, tropical Key West vibe. Coco Key ...

You may think that Chicago's cold all the time.  You'd be right during the winter months, but when June rolls around, there are usually more than a few hot days to enjoy.  If you find yourself in Chicago in the summer, I hope you packed your swimsuit!  The Lake Michigan beaches are beautiful, busy, brilliant places to spend a day.  Here are some ...

I am getting ready to leave for tonight's concert at Ravania featuring Dr. John and Madeleine Peyroux (her album Half the Perfect World was last year's best).  Ravania is Chicagoland's best outdoor venue for music.  It is located in Highland Park, a tony north shore suburb and it is a little slice of heaven.   Ravinia has a full summer schedule filled with great classical, jazz, and pop.  Philip Glass, ...

Written & Conceptualized by:

ASK: Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith

Koopersmith's Global Communications

"People read what ASK writes about..."

Chicago, Illinois USA

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Part 1:  The Explanation of a  Repetitive Cycle as applied to Tourism in Mid-America.

The Statistics have just been released.   Chicago is losing an estimated 17,000 visitors each day (now since May 22ND) when the first Infestation of Cicada were to come flying in, mate, date and cause havoc to all  People and Pets, of all ...

 Downtown and River North area have some great bars and nightclubs, but many of them are decidedly upscale.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but for people like myself who like a slightly more grittier setting for relaxation, downtown can sometimes be slim pickings.  That's why the Underground Wonder Bar (10 E. Walton) is such a treat.  It is built around the talents of owner Lonnie Walker and ...

I've always been afraid of heights.  One of the cornerstones of my paranoia is the first (and only) time I went to the top of the Sears Tower while visiting cousins here in Chicago when I was 10 years old.  I have never forgotten the dizzying feeling of the floor-to-ceiling glass and the shear drop down to the city below.  Unlike Ferris Bueller and his friends, I was unable to get within three feet of the windows, let alone stand on the railing and lean my forehead against the glass.  What can I say?  I'm a wuss.   

Karaoke has gone from being a fad in the late 1990s to being a permanent part of bar scene.  As someone who is an avid fan, I've been to many of the most prominent karaoke bars, like Sidekicks, which has karaoke every night.  But by far my favorite is the Blue Frog (676 N. LaSalle) conveniently located downtown.  It is a friendly and casual drinking environment with a great waitstaff.  ...