https://www.okaquarium.org/


Located in Jenks, just south of Tulsa, the Oklahoma Aquarium is renown for having the world's largest collection of bullhead sharks. You can see them in the Shark Adventure exhibit, where you can watch these beautiful creatures glide gracefully from the walk-through glass tunnel. Other interesting exhibits include Extreme Fishes, Sea Turtle Island, Eco Zone, and Polynesian Reef, all of which showcase colorful and fascinating sea creatures from around the world. In addition to exotic species, the aquarium presents local marine life in the engaging Aquatic Oklahoma exhibit, where you can see a 120-year-old alligator snapping turtle.

Visiting Chicago during the holidays?
 

Check out “Christmas Around the World” Museum of Science and Industry | 5700 S Lake Shore Dr now until Sunday January 5 2020

Every year, the Museum of Science and Industry puts up its 45-foot-tall Grand Tree and surrounds the towering pine with more than 50 trees that represent Chicago's various communities and their respective holiday celebrations. Visitors can admire the 30,000 lights that cover the trees and stick around for the "snow" that falls from the rotunda every 30 minutes. During the weekend, live performances of holiday music fill the room, lending some additional seasonal cheer to your day at the museum.

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville Gallagher Way , Wrigleyville now until Tuesday December 31 2019



Don't feel like going to the Loop for your glühwein fix? The Wrigleyville outpost of Christkindlmarket returns to Gallagher Way this year, with fewer vendors than the Daley Plaza version of the event, but just as much holiday cheer. At booths around around an ice rink, you'll find ornaments, beer steins, jewelry and clothes available for purchase, in addition to a smorgasbord of German foods, such as pretzels, sausages, döner and strudel. Naturally, you'll be able to browse the selection of goods while clutching a mug filled with a steaming beverage of your choice. Plus, unlike its counterpart in the Loop, Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville remains open through the end of the year, so you can extend the spirit of the season to the week after Christmas.

Celebrate with a bar-crawl....
 

TBOX: A bucket-list Chicago experience since 1996

Do you like Costumes, Christmas, Cereal, and Partying with THOUSANDS of your closest friends ALL DAY in 30+ BARS starting at 9AM? Do you like elaborate Holiday Décor, Hanging with the FUNNEST people from Chicago and around the country, wearing Pajamas and Santa Hats and Ugly Sweaters, getting covered in Stickers and Froot Loops, and being part of the World’s Largest, Longest-Running Bar Crawl?! Then don't miss TBOX® December 14 in Chicago! Tickets Available Now.

more info @ https://tbox.org/

I never returned to this establishment,Table, Donkey and Stick, but Dec issue of Chicago Magazine gave their Potato Latkes a rave review..

Plant-Based Burger suggestions if you're visiting Chicago..
 

Bad Hunter's, Marisol, and Summer House Santa Monica are three offer these and worth a mention in Chicago Magazine's Dec issue.


After reading the ingredients in each, I have Marisol's, which is a hodgepodge of grains, beets, shiitake mushrooms, and cashews, on my list of new items to try on my next visit to the Windy City.


I did a quick check on Yelp, some get better marks than others, but I don't take Yelp's reviews as gospel...

https://scontent-msp1-1.cdninstagram...om&_nc_cat=107

535 N Michigan Ave

IMHO this is a subjective claim especially in Chicago...

Looking for prawns while visiting Chicago?
 

The following four established got mention in Dec's issue of Chicago Magazine.

Chilled Prawns at Margeaux Brasserie ( Waldorf Astoria Hotel)

Classic Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail at Shaw's Crab House 21 E Hubbard St

Cherry Circle Room Shrimp Cocktail at Circle Room 12 S Michigan Ave

Charred Shrimp Cocktails at Portsmith 660 N State Street

After doing a bit or research and scanning the four websites, I'll put Shaw's Crab House on my list...:eating:

Looking for a good libations while in Chicago?
 

Young American 2545 N Kedzie Ave


This got a mention in Dec issue of Chicago Magazine's Best New Bars..

After scanning their website and doing a bit of research, I'll be putting this on my list of places to check out on my next visit to the Windy City..

Feel like singing Christmas Carol's while visiting Chicago?
 

Caroling at Cloud Gate Millennium Park Dec 6 2019-Dec 20 2019


There's nothing stopping you from showing up in front of Cloud Gate (a.k.a. "The Bean") at any point during the year and belting out your favorite holiday songs, but you can do it with a crowd of like-minded exhibitionists at this annual series of winter concerts and sing-alongs. The caroling is lead by the likes of the Sounds Good! Choir, Mark Hubbard and The Voices (Dec 6), the Chicago Children’s Choir (Dec 13) and the Wicker Park Choral Singers (Dec 20).

It's free to attend and it's just a short walk to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink if you want to go for a quick skate after you sing.

Vegan and visiting Chicago?
 

Chicago Vegan Test Kitchen Sunday Dec 15th 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Emporium Logan Square 2363 North Milwaukee Avenue


Emporium Arcade Bar presents Chicago's Vegan Test Kitchen. Chicago's Vegan Test Kitchen is a conscious collective of local plant based chefs and vendors of cruelty free goods, and beauty and wellness products.

Just some of the events include a kid's activity corner as well as plenty of arcade games to keep the little ones busy! A consciously curated Vegan market featuring local vegan vendors and chefs at Chicago's award winning craft beer barcade.

Going to be near or in Milwaukee during the holidays?
 

Check out Comet Cafe 1947 N Farwell Ave (Lower East Side) open 8 - 2 a.m brunch menu on weekends


https://newland.appfoliowebsites2.co...8/01/Comet.jpg

Looking for the best Italian while visiting Milwaukee?
 

Zaffiro's Pizza Casual, family-owned spot serving thin-crust pizza, pasta & other Italian fare since 1954 1724 N Farwell Ave

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Zaffiro's Pizza is famous for its thin-crust pizza, Italian dishes and neighborhood bar atmosphere, serving five generations of families. In local surveys, Zaffiro's continues to rank among Milwaukee's most popular spots for pizza. From celebrities to sports figures to politicians, you never know who you'll see at Zaffiro's!

Yes, it's just a hole in the wall small joint but if I had a dollar for every time I've eaten here, I'd be a rich bitch.......:hangloose:

Going to be in Seattle for New Year's Eve?
 

T-Mobile New Years Eve at the Space Needle Seattle

Back bigger and better for its second year, the T-Mobile New Year’s at the Needle party spans two floors and offers twice the excitement inside the newly-transformed Space Needle. Taste, toast, and dance the night away with The Dusty 45s while enjoying stunning views on The Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. Lean out over the city lights with tilting glass walls 520 feet above ground and ring in the new year as one of the most iconic firework shows in the world explodes around you!

This event tends to be on the pricey side IMHO, but if you just want to view the fireworks there are plenty of streets around the needle that offer a good view for free.......:hangloose:

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Szechwan JMC 243 W Cermak Rd (b/t Archer Ave & Cottage Grove Ave) Chicago


If you're looking for Szechwan and in Chicago give this a whirl. It's on Chicago Magazine's Hot List.

There is still time to catch this! My nephew and grandniece went during the holidays and raved about it........:hangloose:

More Warhol............
 

Screening: Films of Andy Warhol
Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago, IL, Grant Park Jan 11 2020-Jan 12 2020

The Art Institute of Chicago's sprawling "Andy Warhol—From A to B and Back Again" exhibition showcases a variety of the artist's films, but it still only scratches the surface of Warhol's cinematic output. On January 11 and 12, visitors will be able to view more of Warhol's experimental 16mm films over the course of three screenings in the Rubloff Auditorium, including The Chelsea Girls, Lonesome Cowboys and Blow Job. The screenings are free to attend with admission to the museum, but you'll need to register if you want to make sure you'll have a seat. You can find more information about the program for each screening on the Art Institute's website.

Wine Lovers.....
 

If you're going to be in the Chicago area this Saturday then check out......

Chicago Rosé Fest - Rosé Tasting at I|O Godfrey Rooftop on January 18th

127 West Huron Street


Chicago Rosé Fest Tickets include four hours of Rosé tastings, giveaways & more! There will be over a dozen different varieties to try.

Newly opened..............
 

016 Restaurant 5077 N Lincoln Ave (b/t Carmen Ave & Winnemac) Lincoln Square


A friend of mine in the Chicago Metro area just dined here and gave it a rave! Even tho it seems to have a somewhat limited menu in my opinion, I'll be willing to give it a try on my next trip to the Windy City!

I'll go here.........
 

The VIG 1527 N Wells St, Chicago



I just came across this online and everything looks good!

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Houndstooth Saloon..........
 

3369 North Clark Street Chicago



I recently ran across this saloon online and the menu item that caught my eye was French Toast. Caramelized Hawaiian loaf, honey butter, and maple syrup.

I'll be putting this on my "must try" list for the next adventure in the Windy City.....

If you're ever in Milwaukee check out the Safe House's....
 

Bond Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas Every Sunday 11am-4:00pm 779 North Front Street, Milwaukee

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The SafeHouse is a family friendly & fun restaurant in Milwaukee. Kid-friendly before 9pm, SafeHouse is guaranteed to keep everyone entertained with interactive gadgets and espionage. The total spy experience includes scavenger hunts, magic, delicious entrées and more.A weekend would not be complete with brunch. Where else can you find funnel cakes, skillets, and BOTTOMLESS mimosas?



for more info: https://www.safe-house.com/events/sunday-bond-brunch

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/pr...pHM-YUsh__5FTQ

She had me at 12-layer German chocolate cake!
 

Are you a beer connoisseur and visiting in Chicago? Then perhaps check out

Moody Tongue Brewing Company 2515 S Wabash Ave

After a phone conversation recently with my Traveling Companion and Beer Aficionado its come to my attention that Moody Tongue must be added to my "must try" on the next trip to the Windy City!

As I've often stated, I'm not a beer drinker and would never go out of my way to visit a brewing establishment! But after she told me about the food/dessert, I'm game.....

https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bph...xPPyQp7A/o.jpg

12-layer German chocolate cake

~~
kittygrrl

I agree, who'd turn down goodies like that........

In Chicago and looking for variety?
 

Check out Time Out Market 916 W Fulton, Chicago

First off, the place is gargantuan. At 50,000 square feet over three floors including a roof deck, 600 seats, 18 vendors, event and demonstration spaces, and multiple drinking and other entertainment options, it’s the largest Time Out Market in the country. “We’re a little bit different [than other food halls] — we’re not a food court, we’re a food and cultural market,” “We’re trying to put the best of the city under one roof.”

Most Chicago food halls do brisk weekday business, especially at lunch, but often punt evenings, weekends, and bar service. But Time Out Market’s organizers expect its multiple bars and drinking options to be one of its main draws at night. In addition to staying open until 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, the space includes six prominent bars: three adjoined bars take up a large portion of the first floor, serving signature cocktails from acclaimed local bartenders, a wide selection of local beers, and wine; the rooftop indoor/outdoor bar Tony’s, named for Time Out founder Tony Elliot and serving more signature cocktails; the “speakeasy” bar Secret Sound, from the people behind essential tiki bar Lost Lake; and another second-floor bar with comfortable bleacher-style seating. Plenty of other seating exist on all three floors for people to linger and hang out with a drink, rather than just eating and running like many do at other food halls.

Among its 18 distinct food and drink vendors, Time Out Market features multiple chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, who have won James Beard awards, and past or present members of the Eater Chicago 38, a rarity for a food hall. All food comes with real dishes, glasses, and silverware, also a rarity for food halls. Customers can eat affordably — prices range from single digits for some items — or splurge on a $99 whole duck from chef Brian Fisher of Michelin-starred Entente.

It’s BBQ Time in the Kitchen.......
 

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2738 Alki SW. Seattle Hours are 9 am-9 pm Wednesdays through Sunday

It’s BBQ Time in the Kitchen opened Feb 12th in the space that was, briefly, Alki Chicken and Waffles. It was reported two weeks ago, this was described as a merger (note the “Homestead Fried Chicken” on the new menu) The restaurant has cocktails, wine, and beer too & sells BBQ by the pound.

Sidebar: This is a spinoff of Portland catering company It’s BBQ Time, whose proprietor Dan Dyrdahl says he’s relocated here, with his mom managing the Portland operation.

Going to be in Chicago?
 

Check out.......

Dyeing of the Chicago River St Patrick's Day

A tradition since 1962, representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pour dye into the Chicago River on the morning of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, turning the water a bright shade of green. The dye is vegetable-based, so the river typically reverts to its usual murky shade by the end of the weekend. The dyeing takes place between Columbus Drive and State Street, so head to the Michigan Avenue bridge or snag a spot along the Riverwalk for the best views of the action.

I went to this either last year or the year before. It's tons of fun!

~~
Oh thanks Besame, I know Boston's St Patty has been cancelled for sure but up to a day ago Chicago's dying of the river was still on. I'll keep my eyes open for further info...

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced earlier Wednesday the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parades and events will be postponed. Lightfoot said the city’s downtown parade, which was to be held on Saturday, is postponed, along with other parades that were to be held throughout the city.

The city’s famous “river dyeing” event, a tradition where the Chicago River is dyed green, was also postponed.

I get why the parades would be cancelled but unsure why the dying of the river would be. Individuals can/would surely partake of enjoyment of it!

If you're looking for a good drink in Chicago you'll have to wait......
 

The governor of Illinois on Sunday ordered all bars and restaurants in his state to close amid the threat of the new coronavirus, and officials elsewhere in the country said they were considering similar restrictions after revelers ignored warnings against attending large gatherings. "The time for persuasion and public appeals is over,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “This is not a joke. No one is immune to this.”

The Democratic governor said he had tried earlier this week to appeal to everyone’s good judgment to stay home, to avoid bars, and not congregate in crowds. He added that it is unfortunate that many people didn’t take that seriously.

The order takes effect Monday night and will last through March 30.

This coming Thursday March 19th at sunset...........
 

Twice a year, during the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun's path aligns to fit within view of the narrow corridors of Chicago's east-west streets, a phenomenon cheekily referred to as Chicagohenge. Because Chicago is planned on a grid layout corresponding almost exactly with the various points of a compass, Chicagohenge views are considered especially good—better, even, than the similarly-named Manhattanhenge. From certain points downtown, the sun's fiery orb is framed almost perfectly by the surrounding skyscrapers.

Under normal circumstances, you'd catch hordes of people aiming their cameras and phones at the Chicagohenge views on major roadways like Randolph Street and Madison Avenue. While we don't recommend congregating downtown (or anywhere else: social distancing, folks!), try sticking your head out the window during sunrise or sunset if you live on any east-west streets—it'll be like a light show delivered right to your door. And hey, if all else fails, we're certain a few photo of the phenomenon will surface on Instagram.

IF we're out of this upheaval by the holiday season....
 

~~
And you're going to be near southern Indiana, check out a little town called Santa Claus! It's just about an hours drive from New Albany.

When April's issue of Chicago Magazine finally arrived, they also included a guide to Indiana that I've just started going thru.

So after further investigation this town offer more than just holiday themed events.

Summer offers zip-lines & other outdoor activities as well as a campsite an RV Resort.

Once we're able to dine out again....
 

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Toast On Market 141 East Market Street, New Albany, IN

Beside delicious looking food their website mentions a variety of mimosas and bloody Marys made with their signature mixes and infused vodkas & a full bar that includes a limited menu of beer and wine.

[QUOTE=homoe;1263462]Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced earlier Wednesday the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parades and events will be postponed. Lightfoot said the city’s downtown parade, which was to be held on Saturday, is postponed, along with other parades that were to be held throughout the city.

The city’s famous “river dyeing” event, a tradition where the Chicago River is dyed green, was also postponed.



Governor Pritzker extends stay-at-home order through APRIL 30.

When I can get out of this house and travel again I'm checking out.....
 

These joints in Chicago......

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JT's Sandwich Shop 3970 N Elston Ave

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...f2qrd&usqp=CAU

Tortazo 233 S. Wacker Drive