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.”

If you are a runner staying with us this weekend here are a few local tips.  Is your pre-race favorite a pasta dinner?  You don’t have to go far from the Inn at all.  Leona’s is a great place to fuel up on hearty Italian favorites and they are right across the street.  From decadent lasagnas and macaroni and cheese entrees, to a match your own noodle to sauce option, the menu is full of pasta choices.  The portions at Leona’s are generous so you’ll have plenty of fuel for your run.

In need of last minute gear?  You’re in luck because Lakeview is home to Chicago’s best running specialty store, Universal Sole (3052 North Lincoln).   As their name suggests they are reverent of all things running and carry only the best lines of clothing, shoes, eye wear, accessories and nutritional items.  So if you need an extra pair of socks or want to pick up some power gel or balm before race day, this is the place to shop.

For those of you joining us as spectators this weekend, you’ll be glad to know that one of the eight McDonald’s Runner Update Centers is just a one mile walk from the Inn.   At the McDonald’s at 2635 N. Clark Street (at Wrightwood Avenue) you’ll be able to go online and check the status of your runner.  Miles 6 – 10 bring the race through the eastern part of Lakeview.  For a map of the race route and a complete spectator’s guide consult the marathon’s website www.chicagomarathon.com .

Whether you’re here as a runner, a spectator or for other reasons,  we hope you’ll enjoy this weekend in Chicago.

Happy Running!

Whether you just like to wander along side streets, rolling through the dried leaves along the curbs or you prefer a serious workout along our lakefront, Lakeview is a great neighborhood for cyclists.   If you plan to bring your bicycle with you please let us know when you make your reservation.  The Old Chicago Inn offers a gated area for bike storage during your stay.  If you decide to rent a bicycle during your visit we are happy to assist you in making those arrangements.   For local travel in our neighborhood, we suggest stopping in to the Central Lakeview Merchants Association (CLMA) office for one of their free bike rentals.  The CLMA bikes are provided by Heritage Bicycles, a local premiere cycle manufacturer.   If you’re looking to venture outside our area, then check out Bike and Roll Chicago.  With locations at North Avenue Beach, Millennium Park and Navy Pier,  Bike and Roll has something for everyone: cruisers, tandems, quad cycles, hand cycles, wagon and child seat attachments.   Bike and Roll also offers a variety of bicycle tours.

The city of Chicago enjoys a reputation for being one of the nation’s best big cities for cyclists.  In the past year, the city has begun installation of protected bike lanes on busy thoroughfares throughout the city.  In fact, Chicago, as the city website declares, boasts over “170 miles of on-street protected, buffered and shared bike lanes” and of course many more miles of lake front and park system paths.   Your innkeeper has complimentary copies of the official Chicago bike map which shows all bike paths from shared lanes to trails.

While you’re out and about be sure to stop in to Heritage Bicycles at 2959 North Lincoln Avenue.  This local shop produces unique handcrafted bicycles, accessories and clothing, as well as a coffee and sandwich counter.  My husband and I like to peddle over there in the morning and grab a cup of coffee and a scone.  If the weather’s nice we’ll sit outside at the bike shop’s picnic tables in the adjacent lot or better yet in the new “people spot” out front.  The parklet, or “people spot,” is one of the first of its kind in the city. Sponsored by the Lakeview Chamber this three space parking area has been designated and converted for pedestrian use, and transformed into a rest stop along the Lincoln Avenue retail corridor.   The People Spot is a small masterpiece of scenery, designed by Patch Landscaping, and definitely a neighborhood gem.

If you brought your bicycle to the city and need a repair, Johnny Sprockets is not too far from the Inn.  Located at 3001 North Broadway, this shop offers complete repair work seven days a week, starting with a free evaluation and estimate.   They accept walk in repairs, but, you may wish to call ahead for an appointment to avoid wait time.  This is the place to go if you’re looking for racing wear and accessories too.

As with every season we hope our guests will enjoy our neighborhood and city this autumn, and maybe even take in a bike ride.  This weekend we will be giving away two complimentary bike rentals for Bike and Roll Chicago.   To enter the drawing, simply sign in at the front desk any time Friday.  The lucky winner will be announced at breakfast on Saturday morning.

Saturday, May 26
12:30 p.m. 2nd Generation Pilots
2:00 p.m. Our Name Is Jonas
4:00 p.m. Stache
5:30 p.m. Dot Dot Dot
8:00 p.m. Wedding Banned

Sunday, May 27
Noon School of Rock
1:30 p.m. A Thousand Julys
3:30 p.m. Your Villain, My Hero
6:00 p.m. Infinity
8:30 p.m. Trippin’ Billies

The main stage is located just up the street from the Old Chicago Inn,  north of the intersection of School Street and Sheffield Avenue.   In addition to the music, the festival offers an assortment of vendors.  There are plenty of local restaurants showcasing their fare this weekend and lots of craft vendors as well.  I’m especially happy to see local business Bottle and Bottega joining the festival this year.  They will have a booth set up where attendees can paint their own 6×6 canvas for just $5.  What a great souvenir for your stay in the city this weekend ~ your own masterpiece painted at a Chicago street festival!

And don’t forget to check out our sister business, Trader Todd’s,  just two doors south of the Inn.   You can also join the fun by taking the Karaoke stage at Trader Todd’s where you can serenade the crowds from their cafe.    Then you will have bragging rights, a la Ferris Bueller, to tell your friends that you sang at a Chicago street festival during your visit.  As usual you will be able to use your meal vouchers at Trader Todd’s over the weekend,  but we recommend arriving early for a table as reservations are not accepted during the festival weekend.

Guests of the Inn are able to come and go as usual and will be provided with courtesy passes for the gate entrances.  Our street will be closed to all but pedestrian traffic from late Friday night to very early Monday morning.  Please be sure to ask your innkeeper David about parking restrictions if you are bringing your vehicle and planning to street park. Please call ahead for assistance at check in if you are arriving over the weekend.

The proceeds from the festival benefit the Central Lakeview Merchants Association which provides a variety of services to our neighborhood including street cleaning and beautification.  For more festival information  click here.

Throughout the summer there a many festivals on any given weekend so if you are interested in experiencing this Chicago tradition please ask your innkeeper for a list of current festivals and their locations. Once again Happy Summer, Happy Festing!

Need a gift for Sunday?  Several retailers in the area are offering discounts for Mother’s Day but here’s one perfect for travelers! The adventurous Mom is sure to enjoy Uncle Dan’s at 3551 N Southport Avenue, one of three locations of this Chicagoland retailer of fine adventure and travel gear.  From clothing and footwear, to camping tools to travel gadgets, there’s sure to be something to catch the active Mom’s eye.  And just mention this post to receive 15% OFF any one single item for MOM! (Now though Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th, 15% OFF any one single item).

Want to pamper Mom?  Salon Fugu, “an Italian Escape,” at 3853 N. Southport Avenue is offering some great spa packages at nice discounts for Moms.  Take Mom for the Bella Mamma Escape which includes a Fuga Signature Facial and 1 hour Therapeutic Massage.  This package is priced at $150, a great deal which normally goes for $215!   Other packages are available; call 773.880.1280 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

And after her fabulous Italian salon experience, why not take Mom to a great Italian dinner?  Fiorentino’s Cucina at 2901 North Ashland is opening early for Mother’s Day.  This cozy restaurant features rustic Italian fare and has a wine list from “small but distinguished wineries.”  They have a special Mother’s Day menu with offerings such as a Mission Fig & Blue Cheese Salad and Capesante al Porcini e Farro (translation: porcini crusted sea scallop with farro, a wheat type grain, in a white wine sauce with spinach and tomato).  Check out the complete Mother’s Day menu on their website: http://fiorentinoscucina.com/mothers-day .  Plus every mother gets a $25 gift card to use on her return visit ~ what better reason to come back to Chicago!

Make check-in special for Mother’s Day.  We are pleased to offer many add-ons to your stay, including wine or champagne service upon arrival, cheese trays, cookies, balloon bouquets or fresh cut flowers.   Our weekday reservation staff, Sarah and myself, Virginia, will be happy to assist with arrangements for any of these items at reasonable prices.   We can be reached at the Old Chicago Inn, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5pm (cst), by calling 773.472.2278.  Or via email at innkeeper@oldchicagoinn.com .

Special thanks to Central Lakeview Merchants Association and Lakeview Chamber of Commerce for providing us with extensive listings.  Be sure and check them out for great deals in Lakeview all year long.

However you celebrate, we wish all Moms in Lakeview a very Happy Mother’s Day!

For those of you traveling to the Inn in the coming weeks we look forward to hosting you.  Whether your coming for the first time or you stayed with us before; and whether you coming to cheer on the Cubs or following your team on the road, we want you to feel at home.  During baseball season the Old Chicago Inn has some added amenities for our guests.  We offer free shuttle service to Wrigley Field (in conjunction with our sister business Trader Todd’s).    If you need tickets to a game at Wrigley be sure and check with your innkeeper.  We have ticket packages available to many games this season at reasonable prices.

Every home game your innkeeper David will post the game times in the lobby and the weather forecast for the day.   If you left your umbrella at home, just ask, we have a few extras available for guests to use.   We also have a limited number of stadium blankets for those cold day games early in the season.

If you want to gear up in style we recommend shopping at  Wrigleyville Sports.   Wrigleyville Sports expanded there store at the corner of Sheffield and  Addison, doubling their size over the winter.  They have a great selection of wearables,  accessories and novelties.  We stopped in opening week and bought a cool little camera bag emblazoned with the Cubs logo of course.  The folks at Wrigleyville Sports are helpful and nice.  Be sure and ask David for a coupon good for 10% off merchandise if you plan on shopping there.

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.

Before you go Santa spotting, pop into the “el” themed Forever Yogurt at 931 W. Belmont  for an Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate.   This is one delicious cup of cocoa which will keep you warm and happy while you wait at the Belmont station for the Santa Express.  A ride on the CTA is just $2.25 and farecards can be purchased at vending machines at the train station on either side of Belmont Avenue.  For complete information about the Santa Express and the Chicago Transit Authority visit the CTA online at http://www.transitchicago.com/ .

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.

The Halloween Parade is an outlandish pageant but not recommended for young ones. So if you are traveling with children you’ll want to head over to Southport Avenue on Sunday. Kids can “trick or treat” on Southport from Belmont to Irving starting at 1pm and ending at 3pm. The “Pumpkin Party” features kid friendly games, entertainment and activities at Southport and grace from 1pm to 4pm. Just hop on the brown line at the Belmont station, take the Brown line north (marked Kimball) one stop to Newport and walk north about six blocks to Grace. The Pumpkin Party is presented by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and Southport Merchants.

If you forgot to pack a Halloween costume you can find some great gear at a couple of nearby vintage clothing shops. I’ve always had good luck at Ragstock, 812 West Belmont Avenue, above the fun and funky Hollywood Mirror shop; it’s entrance is actually off the alley just west of the building Belmont façade. Another unique retailer, Beatnix, at 3400 N Halsted St, has an impressive assortment of wigs and accessories to compliment their vintage gear. Halloween Hallway has a temporary location at the corner of Belmont and Seminary if you want to take the quick “costume in a bag” approach. Whatever your garb happy haunting this weekend!