Virginia's Little Guide to Lakeview » Chicago Landmarks

St. Patrick’s Day Tips

VHyatt — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:58:36 +0000

Many of our guests this weekend are coming in for the They Might Be Giants concert at the Vic Theatre, just down the street from the Old Chicago Inn. One of a hand full of great small theater venues nearby, the Vic Theatre hosts national and international acts year round. Originally called the Victoria Theatre, the building was completed in 1912 as a Vaudeville playhouse. Concert goers today will notice many of the original ornamentation from that era still adorning the lobby and stairwells. In addition to an interesting history, the Vic theater boasts some terrific acoustics. With seating up to 1000, I enjoy the balcony best for some great views of the stage. Tickets for They Might Be Giants are still available. Guests may purchase them at the box office at the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield or online at www.victheatre.com Tickets are $26.50 each (plus fees) and the show is general admission. Doors open at 6:30 and the concert is scheduled to start at 7:30.

Whether you are here for the concert or visiting family in the area, you won’t be able to help notice that on Saturday we will all be Irish. In our vibrant neighborhood celebrants start early and go late. Just about every bar and restaurant in the area will have St. Patrick’s Day specials. If you would like to see the parade downtown Saturday morning, our sister business, Trader Todd’s, will be running a courtesy shuttle all morning for parade goers. The parade steps off at 12 noon. For the full downtown experience go early and watch the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers dye the Chicago river a brilliant emerald green at 10 am.

On major holidays, such as St. Patrick’s day, it’s good to allow a little extra time to get around due to increased traffic and pedestrians. Watch for parking restrictions throughout the city and in our area. I want to remind our guests that Clark St. will have no parking on Saturday, so please avoid parking on Clark as towing will be enforced. Be sure to carry your ID with you on Saturday – bars and most restaurants will require them for entry.

And, did you remember to pack something green? If not, the luck of the Irish is still with you, because I am happy to suggest one of our neighborhood favorites for last minute party wear. Strange Cargo, a unique vintage clothing and accessory store, is also Chicago’s premier custom T-shirt shop. Bring your own idea or pick from the several clever suggestions on display and you can walk out with your own customized green St. Patrick’s T-shirt. What better souvenir to take home? Be sure to browse the rest of the store while they are lettering your shirt, as their website says you can find anything from “Converse Chuck Taylors and Whoopee cushions.” My husband, a self-proclaimed T-shirt poet, and I just love this store; I hope you will too.

If there is anything we can do to make your St. Patrick’s weekend more special just let us know. And as my grandmother used to say”May the wind be always at your back, and the sun be always on your face.”

Sketchfest in Full Swing

VHyatt — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:56:43 +0000

This January some of our happy travelers have discovered that, while other events may have brought them to Chicago, they have landed in Lakeview during the height of hilarity, otherwise known as Sketchfest. The full title of the two week event is The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. The name changed, among other reasons, to avoid the misconception that the festival celebrated drawing. But draw it does, crowds that is. And at the Old Chicago Inn we highly recommend our guests find time to take in one of the hundreds of performances by comedic artists from all over the US A and Canada.

Chicago is known of course, for its famous improv venues: Second City and IO (formerly Improv Olympics) where audiences enjoy shows that are unscripted and spontaneous. Sketchfest, however, brings a much different type of comedy to the stage. As the name suggests, sketch comedy is defined by scripted vignettes. While every group may not tickle your particular funny bone, well written, well rehearsed performances abound at Sketchfest.

One of our very favorite comedy sketch groups, Think Tank, will be appearing at Sketchfest on Saturday, January 12 at 6pm. It’s no wonder this group has been included in the festival for six years now. Think Tank’s humor is satirical, absurd, sometimes psychedelic and at its best downright sidesplitting. For a glimpse into their world visit: http://www.thinktankcomedy.blogspot.com/ Complimentary shuttle service to and from Stage 773 is avaible for this show through our sister business Trader Todd’s; just speak with your innkeeper if you’d like help securing seats.

Sketchfest, which began on January 3^rd and runs through the 13^th, has been an annual event since 2002 where it has made its home at Lakeview’s Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. For detailed information about performers, schedules and great tidbits of the festivals history be sure and visit the events website http://www.chicagosketchfest.com/

Love Caroling at Christmas? Here’s where to sing this week in Lakeview

VHyatt — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:06:59 +0000

One of Chicago’s most beloved, and campy, holiday traditions happens this week right here in the Lakeview neighborhood. And if you love to sing you’ll love this tradition. The beautifully restored Music Box Theater, dating back to 1929, and located at 3733 N. Southport Avenue, is home to the “28^th Annual Christmas Show.” The week long Christmas Show includes double features of two Christmas celluloid classics: Its’ a Wonderful Life and White Christmas. About half an hour before the film roles, audiences are treated to a Christmas cartoon. After the cartoon, four members of the Chicago Chamber Choir serenade theater goers. Then Santa arrives to direct the organist and audience in some good old fashioned Christmas caroling. Words to all the songs are projected on to the movie screen, insuring maximum participation. Once the movies begin, the audience is still encouraged to participate. For example, many people bring bells to ring during it’s a Wonderful Life and chant “hot dog!” along with George Bailey when he makes that famous exclamation . During the screenings of it’s a White Christmas the audience is welcome to sing along with Bing, Danny, and the girls. It’s over the top fun for the holidays!

This event is popular and some show times do sell out so you’ll want to call ahead. Tickets can be purchased for just one movie or both as a double feature and are available for purchase at the box office,over the phone at 773-871-6607, or online at www.musicboxtheatre.com. Seating is assigned for these shows. Tickets prices start at $12 for adults for a single show or $17 for the double feature.

Another opportunity to enjoy some caroling in Lakeview presents itself this Wednesday evening at Lake View Presbyterian Church. As part of their advent celebration members of Lake View Presbyterian will be singing Christmas carols on the front porch of the church starting at 6pm. It’s a little under a mile to walk there, including a slight detour down Clark to see the Cubs Christmas tree. (Just ask you innkeeper David for a map.) The Cub’s towering evergreen stands by the main entrance at Clark and Addison, and with the marquis just behind, it’s a great spot to get a photo. If you need a warm-up on your way, duck into Starbucks at 1023 W. Addison for an Eggnog or Gingerbread Latte.

And of course any evening in the holiday season guests of the Old Chicago Inn can enjoy “Merry-oke” (that’s Karaoke holiday style) at our sister business Trader Todd’s. Recently featured on WGN’s morning show, Trader Todd’s is Chicago’s favorite karaoke destination. And with lots of seasonal song selections, the holidays are no exception. Stop in and enjoy your complimentary meal with your stay and you take your turn on the stage with some “Jingle Bell Rock.”

We look forward to having you with us this holiday season. If we can assist you in last minute gift shopping, dining options for Christmas Eve or Christmas day, or holiday worship services please let us know. We wish you happy travels and a Merry Christmas from all of us at the Old Chicago Inn.

A Unique Souvenir for Lakeview Shoppers this Holiday Season

VHyatt — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:07:08 +0000

Many of our guests who are traveling to Chicago this December have some holiday shopping among their plans. So I wanted to let my readers know about a special promotion being offered here in the Lakeview neighborhood by the Central Lakeview Merchants Association and your chance to have a very unique souvenir of your visit to Chicago’s north side.

How would you like to take home a customized Monopoly Board Game, featuring local businesses and “el stops” in place of the traditional spots like Park Place and Reading Railroad. The Central Lakeview Edition Monopoly Board game is FREE, while supplies last, when you spend $200 or more at any of the 250+ Central Lakeview Merchants. So dinner out, a show at a local comedy club, and a gift or two from one of our local boutiques and you could qualify for that Monopoly game. For a full list of participants go to: www.centrallakview.biz .

If you want to check out the Central Lakeview Edition Monopoly Board, our innkeeper David will be happy to let you use ours in the lounge. You’ll find The Old Chicago Inn and our sister business Trader Todd’s featured on the board along with other neighborhood favorites. So roll high, pass go and don’t forget to collect $200!

Happy Holidays!

A Thanksgiving Welcome to our Guests and the Rink at Wrigley

VHyatt — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:36:56 +0000

Welcome to our Thanksgiving travelers! As usual we have many guests visiting the Old Chicago Inn over the Thanksgiving holiday who have family here in the Lakeview neighborhood. As much as we enjoy the hustle and bustle of our “busy season” at the Inn, it’s so nice to settle in to a cozier season. The fireplaces are ready for your enjoyment and hot cocoa and apple cider are available in the main lobby every afternoon.

The lobby is decorated for the holidays, complete with our very own mechanized, life-size Santa Claus. A recent acquisition to our antique collection, this Santa was found two weekends ago at The Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Slot-Machine & Jukebox Show . He dates to the early fifties and was one of several to grace storefront windows around Chicagoland in that decade.

We are certain you’ll have plenty to enjoy during your Thanksgiving visit. If you find yourself wanting any suggestions for dining options on Thanksgiving please ask David, our innkeeper, for suggestions. Also our local merchants association has a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day here in Lakeview. Should you want to burn off some of those extra holiday calories, you’ll want to know about the third annual reopening of the Rink at Wrigley.

That’s right, adjacent to Wrigley Field, on Clark Street between Addison and Waveland, the Cubs will be home to a full-size, cheerfully decorated Ice Rink . The Rink at Wrigley officially opens on November 25, 2011 and will operate through February 27, 2012. Hours for the rink are posted as Monday through Thursday from 2pm until 9pm, Friday from 2pm until 11pm, Saturday from 10 am until 11pm and then Sunday 10 am until 8pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids during peak hours and is as low as $5 for adults, $3 for kids Monday through Wednesday. Skate rentals are available at reasonable rates. For complete details you can call 312-617-7017 or visit them online at http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/community/rink_at_wrigley.jsp

The Rink at Wrigley is made possible through the generosity of the Ricketts family and the Chicago Cubs, Ald. Tom Tunney, the Chicago Park District, Westrec Marinas, the Central Lakeview Merchants Association, Patch Landscaping and the Lake View Citizens’ Council.

Shedd’s Special Exhibit: Jellies

VHyatt — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:24:00 +0000

The Shedd Aquarium, one of Chicago’s best known cultural attractions, is a favorite destination for our guests at the Old Chicago Inn. Although this particular recommendation will take you out of the Lakeview neighborhood, it’s definitely worth the trip. And an easy trip it is; just around the corner from the Old Chicago Inn at the Belmont Train Station you’ll hop on a “Red Line” southbound (marked 95^th street) and in just under 20 minutes you’ll exit at the Roosevelt stop, from which the Shedd is an easy 15 minute walk east on Roosevelt. On your way back remember our tip to guests regarding the red line: You’ll be on the look out for the northbound train which will be marked Howard, remember “Howard, Home.”

In addition to our favorite permanent exhibits like the Caribbean Reef housed in a beautiful walk around rotunda and the Ocenarium, home to beluga whales, pacific white sided dolphins, sea otters and sea lions, I highly recommend the special exhibit “Jellies.” This exhibit is devoted to the mysterious, strange and beautiful world of Jellyfish. During the special exhibit’s duration actual species on display will vary. When we went we saw moon jellies, lion’s mane jellies, umbrella jellies, and a variety of sea nettles all floating against backdrops of deep color fields which accentuated their delicate, translucent features.

Like all Shedd exhibits, in addition to the visual beauty of the creatures on display, there are plenty of scientific facts and information on conservation incorporated in the exhibit. There is a surcharge to the regular ticket price but the “Jellies” are worth a little extra. The special exhibit runs through May 28, 2012. For complete ticket pricing information please visit www.sheddaquarium.org . For detailed directions to the Shedd for the Old Chicago Inn click here.