Inspired Chicago - Find fun things to do in Chicago!

Having hit the streets for the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago in 2013, I had my routine down for this year’s event.  I reviewed the site list on Open House Chicago’s website and selected the sites I was eager to visit.  Then, I mapped the most efficient route with Google Maps.  Finally, I considered my possible modes of transportation, concluding that I could walk and bike wherever I needed to go.  The weather forecast for October 18 and 19 was sunny and beautiful! Saturday, the 18th, I awoke to clouds and sprinkles.  Nonetheless, I, along with my trusty umbrella and my equally trusty husband, started out bright (well, perhaps not bright due to the clouds) and early to our first destination, the Second Church of Christ, Scientist.  The church has a domed auditorium and its original Hutchings-Votey pipe organ.  On display were several old photographs, including one showing an old neighbor of the church–the original Ferris wheel, which had been moved to

Last Wednesday, October 8, 2014, I had the opportunity to enjoy live re-creations of two classics from the Golden Age of Radio.  Under the direction of Mercita DeMonk, the SAG-AFTRA Senior Radio Players presented The Great Gildersleeve and The Great McGinty .  The free event took place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 East Washington Street. The SAG-AFTRA Senior Radio Players started in 1997 when the Seniors Committee of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild formed the AFTRA/SAG Radio Players. I have to admit I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was completely enthralled by the evening's performances.  The professional voice actors used scripts (when it was on radio, nobody could see them holding the scripts).  It was interesting to watch how some of the actors would use the whole body in the performance and others would mostly use the voice.  Again, remembering this was origin

Open House Chicago is an annual event organized by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF).  More than 150 buildings throughout Chicago will be open to the public with special behind-the-scenes access.  This year’s event will take place on October 18 and 19, 2014, and is free to the public. When reviewing the Open House Chicago website and planning which buildings to visit, please note the following: A few sites require reservations. Some venues allow access to CAF members only. Sites may be open both Saturday and Sunday, open one day only, or have restricted hours. Make the most of Open House Chicago weekend by following these additional tips: Visit venues that do not offer free tours to the public during the year.  Visit locations that offer tours throughout the year during their regularly scheduled tour times.  For example, take a free tour of the Elks National Memorial from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, from April 15 through November 15. For

One of my first discoveries when I moved to Chicago was the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF).  Taking tours offered by the CAF has been an invaluable experience.  I have learned about Chicago’s history, architecture, and architects.  After several outings, I recognized landmarks, street names, and important dates in Chicago’s history.  I now know that the intersection of Madison and State is where the streets change from east/west and north/south respectively–a great help when navigating the downtown area.  Most amazing, and quite unexpected, is that I find myself excited about learning as much as I can about two topics:  Chicago history and architectural terminology! The CAF offers many different types of tours.  Looking for a boat, bus, or bike tour?  The CAF has you covered!  How about a trolley, train, or Segway tour?  Certainly!  If you want to get some exercise while learning, there are plenty of walking tours–most are free to CAF members! With the wide array of topics c