Homewood Suites Chicago Blog

How is your summer booking up so far?  I know for me, I have the occasional graduation party, friend’s birthdays, a wedding and hopefully a vacation somewhere in there too. 

Unfortunately, I do not have plans every weekend?  Luckily, I live in the city of Chicago where there is an abundance of festivals through-out the entire SUMMER!!! 

Each festival is diverse and unique.  It’s amazing how many people attend these events.

Let’s take a look at what is coming up in June.    

Chicago 2013 Festival Guide:

June:

1-2: 57th Street Art Fair | Hyde Park
1-2: Fashion in the Street | South Loop
1-2: Lincoln Avenue Live | Lincoln Park
1: Veggie Pride Parade and Festival | South Loop
7: Taste of Greece | West Loop
7-8: Ribfest Chicago | Lakeview
7-9: Andersonville Midsommarfest | Andersonville
7-9: Blues Fest | Grant Park
8-9: Wells Street Art Fest | Old Town
8-9: Old Town Art Fair | Old Town
8-9:Printers Row Lit Fest | South Loop
12-16: Puerto Rican Festival | Humboldt Park
14-16: Spring Awakening Music Festival | Soldier Field
14-16: Taste of Randolph Street | West Loop
15-16:  6 Corners BBQ Fest | Jefferson Park
15-16: SausageFest | Lakeview
19-21: Thai Festival | Loop  
20-23: Chicago Craft Beer Festival | Old Town
22-23: Pride Fest | Boystown
23-24: Green Music Fest 2013 | Wicker Park
23:Artopia Fest | Logan Square
28-29: Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party | West Loop
29: Summer on Southport | Lakeview
29-30:Chicago Country Fest | Lincoln Park
29-30:Lincoln Park Arts & Music Festival | Lincoln Park
30:Pride Parade | Boystown

That was only June!!!  So mark your calendars and get out and enjoy these amazing festivals.  Bring friends and have a great time!

Have a splendid and safe weekend!!!

Shorts, Sunglasses, Sandals and Sunshine, I can’t think of any other better words when living in Chicago.  We only get a few months of this gorgeous weather, so who doesn’t want to spend it outside?  There are an abundance of awesome activities to participate in such as sailing, sunbathing, Navy Pier, festivals, sport tournaments and of course EATING!

This brings me to my point.  Chicago has a generous amount of restaurants that caters to all appetites.   So during these next few months of warmth, why not dine Al Fresco at some of these popular venues.

Rock Bottom Brewery 1 W. Grand Ave: Spectacular rooftop with plenty of space to enjoy with friends in the heart of River North.

Epic 112 W. Hubbard St: Elegant atmosphere that is very private.

Nightwood 2119 S. Halsted St:  Shady relaxing rooftop that is perfect for keeping cool.

Kirkwood 2934 N Sheffield Ave: Enjoy this walled patio in the ever so fun neighborhood of Lincoln Park.

DS Tequila 3352 N. Halsted St:  Retractable roof will let you enjoy eating outside regardless of rain or shine.

I wish I could name all the fun patio spots for outside dining, but Chicago just has too many.  The general areas with the most options would be Streetersville, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

So go discover some fun outside patios and enjoy what Chicago has to offer.  Have a terrific and safe weekend!!!

And there off!!!  Ladies and Gentleman, in honor of The Kentucky Derby Division Ale House will be hosting a stellar party in celebration for Run for Roses.

Division Ale House will feature a sidewalk pig roast for the attendees.  Side dishes such as baked-beans, coleslaw and cornbread will be offered.

As for beverages, the all popular Miller Light will be available.  Also let’s not forget, no Kentucky Derby Party would be popular without Mint Juleps.  While sipping your cocktails, live DJ music will be provided.

Division Ale House is located in the ever trendy neighborhood of Wicker Park at 1942 W. Division St.  The event will take place on May 4^th at 3pm.  Tickets costs $25.00.

Don’t forget to grab you favorite Kentucky Derby Hat and head on out to celebrate a timeless sporting event!!!  Have a delightful and safe weekend!

Calling all superheroes, villains and trekies.  Chicago Comic Expo is back in town.  Come out an experience a thrilling weekend of action and suspense!!!  Meet popular icons such as Alex Ross, Eric Powell, Amy Mebberson and more. 

Plenty of activities are taking place each day of the expo.  The Chicago Comic Expo is taking place at McCormick Place Friday April 26, 2013-Sunday, April 28, 2013.  Tickets cost between $35.00-$40.00.person. 

On Saturday, April 27^th, Public House Theatre is hosting C2E2 After Party!  Join your fellow fans and celebrate with fun board games and specialty drinks.  There will also be music provided by D.J.  Aaron Ackerson.  Public House theatre is located 3914 North Clark Street.  There will be a $17.00-$20.00 cover. 

Have an exciting and safe weekend!

Spring has Sprung!!! April has certainly been doing its job with keeping this month wet and rainy.  I’ve already gone through two umbrellas thus far this month.  Wind + Rain + Chicago = TROUBLE! 

However, thanks to all of this rain, the grass is finally growing back and it’s starting to look so beautiful outside again.  Colors are full in bloom.  So what’s not to love about our planet? 

Speaking about our planet, Earth Day is Monday, April 22.  In celebration of our precious Earth, Millennium Park is celebrating “Picnic for Earth Day” in honor of this planet we live on.  So bring out your favorite picnic blanket and join us for a great day of fun!

This event features sustainable food from Chef Charlie McKenna and the Hearty Boys.  Face painting, hat making workshops and music by Blind Pilot will all be featured. 

Millennium Park is located at 201 East Randolph Street.  The event begins at 11:00am.  Tickets are $30.00/person or $100.00/for a family of 4.     

Come out and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful planet we live on!  Have a splendid and safe weekend!!!

Alright brides-to-be, it’s that time of year again.  It’s the Bridal Expo at Navy Pier!!!  Discover what is trending for the upcoming wedding season.

The Bridal Expo provides an abundant source of vendors such as caterers, photographers, wedding experts, florist and much more.  This event gives brides a great opportunity to learn who will be the best fit for their special day.

So bring out your girlfriends and have a fun time enjoying this event.  Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be served, along with fun raffle prizes.

If needing a wedding block at a downtown hotel, please contact myself at 312-664-8753 or Daniel.burgess@hilton.com to reserve a suite group deal for your guests.

The Bridal Expo will be on Sunday, April 13, 2013 at 11:00am held at Navy Pier 600 East Grand Ave.  Admission is complimentary.

Have a great and safe weekend!!!

I know that you are probably thinking I’m going to blog about the hit T.V. show Duck Dynasty.  To tell you the truth, I don’t even watch that show.  How it has become a hit realty show baffles me.

Anyways, here at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown Chicago our mascot happens to be a duck, whose name is Lewis.  We are very proud for Lewis to be part of the Homewood team.  Lewis participates in tons of charity and community outreach programs.  We couldn’t be happier for his involvement.

However, there is a problem.  Some of Lewis duck friends are in trouble.

Union Station Sushi & Barbeque Bar is hosting a duck wing eating contest on Friday, April 5, 2013. 4 contestants have been chosen and will compete against one another as to who can eat the most duck wings in 10 minutes.   Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be served to guests between 5:00-5:30pm.

Union Station Sushi & Barbeque Bar is located at 230 W. Erie St.  So come out and enjoy a good old fashion duck wing eating contest.  Let’s just be thankful Lewis didn’t end up on the contestants plates.

Have a terrific and safe weekend!!!