For our Old Chicago Inn guests this weekend who are traveling Moms (or are visiting or traveling with one) we have compiled a listing of neighborhood specials and events celebrating Mother’s Day.  There is an abundance of deals designed for Mom all weekend, so Mother’s Day in Lakeview will certainly be a special one.  Following are some great choices, but be sure to check with your Innkeeper, David, for our full list.

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!

Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago, my husband and I stopped into the Goorin Brothers Hat Shop at 3243 N. Broadway and were delighted to find such a unique collection of hats. The staff here is wonderful, truly enthusiastic about their goods and happy to help you find just the right fit. One of the things we were most impressed by is their array of styles from different eras. From fedoras to cloches, from flatcaps to ballcaps, there is something for everyone.

This is the perfect place for guests of the Old Chicago Inn to go if they are in search of the right hat to wear for Derby day this Saturday. The have a nice selection of wide brim hats for ladies. Gentlemen can find plenty of derby appropriate hats in their straw collection. In addition they have a small selection of handcrafted women’s Derby hats, trimmed with vintage ribbons, and accented with antique feathers and buttons. These are truly one of a kind hats, guaranteed to make a splash at any Derby gathering.

The majority of the Goorin Brothers collection is handmade.  Many of the vintage styles are modeled on original company patterns as Goorin Brothers has been making hats since 1895.  All of their handmade hats are made in the United States.

Expect to spend $50 – $60 on machine made hats and about $125 – $175 for handmade ones.  Should you decide to invest in one of their handmade creations, I highly recommend purchasing one of their hatboxes for storage; It’s only proper to take good care of your hat, and the boxes themselves are nice decor.

If you stop in to Goorin  Brothers on Broadway be sure and ask for Hannah.  If you fall in love with their hats but live far away, don’t fret, they have several locations nationwide and sell online as well. Check them out at http://www.goorin.com  .

So if you’re all dolled up and looking for that perfect Mint Julep be sure to stop in to Room 13 during your stay. The Old Chicago Inn’s authentic speakeasy, exclusive to guests, serves handcrafted cocktails from the prohibition era from 8 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Mint Juleps will be on the list of this weekends offerings.

Happy Derby Day from all of us at the Old Chicago Inn.

Leave a Comment

Many of our guests include eating Chicago style pizza in their “to do” lists for their visit to our city. While we can certainly help you find the right slice of pie, it is important to note that based on our experience, most folks weigh in heavily on the great pizza debate: thick vs. thin.   So here are some recommendations for both sides of the plate.

True Chicago-style pizza is a deep dish pizza, baked in a buttery round pan which crisps the dough.  The dough is thick and hearty with cornmeal to hold the substantial fillings and usually rises a good half inch or so above the rest of the pie at the edges.   This style of pizza, the story goes, was invented at Pizzeria Uno back in the late 1940′s.  The style was translated by other Chicago pizzerias, a handful of which remain legendary as well today, such as Gino’s East and Lou Mahlnati’s.  In the seventies a pinnacle was reached in deep dish pizza and a new Chicago tradition was born: the stuffed pizza.  We are fortunate to be just a few blocks away from one of the many Giordano’s Pizza restaurant at 1040 W. Belmont.   A large stuffed pizza, which can feed 4- 5 hungry adults,  will run from $20 for a plain chesse to upwards of $30 for one loaded with toppings.  Choices include sausage,spinach, pepperoni, mushroom, shrimp, ground beef, green peppers, fresh tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions, black olives, fresh garlic, broccoli, green olives, anchovies, pineapple, and Canadian bacon.   Keep in mind if you fall in love with the stuffed pizza while you are visiting, you don’t necessarily have to wait until your next visit to enjoy some Chicago style pie – Giordano’s ships!

Now while my husband loves to attack the Chicago style pizzas with a fork and knife, I tend to prefer a thin crust pizza known by that other town’s name out east.  But New York isn’t the only place to get a delish thin crust slice of  pie.  In fact, if it’s thin crust you like, you don’t need to even leave our block. Leona’s at 3215 N. Sheffield, a neighborhood staple since 1956 and now a Chicago wide chain, serves one of the best thin crusts around.  Leona’s dishes up a lot more than pizza, in fact they have a menu that reads like a book with choices for carnivores, vegans, and everything in between, but I’ll save that for another post.  I simply love Leona’s thin crust and enjoy a 9″ on my own or as large as a 16″ for myself and three others.  They have an extensive list of specialty thin crust pizzas that include: the Chipotle Chicken, the Mediterranean, and the Italian Meats but of course, like Giordano’s you can create your own from another impressive list of toppings.  At Leona’s roasted garlic, grilled tofu and sun dried tomatoes are also on the list.   In fact, you can even get a gluten free thin crust pizza there.

So whether your a thin or thick crust fan we’ve covered right here in Lakeview.  So mangia, mangia!

Leave a Comment

The Old Chicago Inn is one of the closest lodging facilities to historic Wrigley Field, which is almost like having Baseball in our backyard.  Each season the neighborhood buzzes with the energy and excitement of the ball park. Last week’s opening week activities were no exception.   We were delighted  to see some returning guests for Opening Day again this year.

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.

Leave a Comment

Last weekend I set out on foot, with our Innkeeper David, to attend the grand opening of a new real estate firm in the neighborhood, Touchstone Group at1425 W. Belmont.  The walk was just under a mile, but it was rather cold outside that day.  So we did a little shopping along the way.  This combination of walking and shopping is a favorite defense mechanism for me in the winter.  I get out and enjoy my walks while stopping in places I might, under warmer circumstances, miss.

We left the Inn and headed west on Belmont, stopping to warm up at one of my favorite Lakeview stores Uncle Fun.  Its bright and quirky hand-painted exterior is just the beginning of the “fun.”  True to its name, this little shop is a delightful indulgence for the kid in all of us.  From vintage postcards and party favors, to plastic miniature toys held in old library card catalogue drawers, every inch of space is full of stuff.  I never walk out of Uncle Fun empty handed!  It’s a great place to take children  ( but not very young ones due to the small size of many items) who will be entertained by the assortment of oddities.   And it won’t break the bank to indulge them in a few purchases!  If you stop in to Uncle Fun’s don’t miss the small book department in the back.   It’s worth a look.  Coffee table books, humorous tomes and art catalogues are frequent finds.  I often stumble on the perfect gift here, and always put this spot on my list when I ‘m looking for unique seasonal party decor.   This time I purchased vintage Valentines cards and paper lace heart doilies.

Shopping bags in hand, and warmed, we proceeded on to the grand opening where we met operations manager, Blake Townsley .  Blake explained their expertise in landlord services and leasing and their other specialty, residential real estate.   Even if you’re not in the market, if you happen to walk by their office, take a look at the large canvases of Chicago landmarks on their bright periwinkle walls.   After refreshments and chatting with other neighbors and well wishers, we were on our way back to the Inn.

This time we chose Suburban Secrets, at 1117 W Belmont, as our warm up shopping stop.  Suburban Secrets is new to the neighborhood having opened in the fall of 2011.  Part antique store, part vintage clothing shop, this is a great place for those with eclectic tastes.  The antique selection is carefully displayed without clutter and items are rotated seasonally.  For example in December a large “Christmas tree” made of seashells graced the storefront window.  On my last visit a four foot tall Mardi Gras face was propped up against a wall.   They have a nice selection of costume jewelry all in very good condition and an interesting assortment of ladies clothes, shoes and other accessories.  Since Valentine’s Day is coming up I bought a heart shaped broach before heading back outside.

So for our guests staying with us this winter, don’t be afraid of the cold, just do some warm up shopping along the way.  Your visit will be richer for it.

Leave a Comment

As an avid traveler myself, I know how hard it can be to find a way to exercise when away from home, unless you are specifically traveling for an activity like a skiing or diving.   One of the amenities that is important to me when seeking lodging is some kind of exercise facility, so when my husband and I opened the Old Chicago Inn we wanted to be able to provide our guests with just such an extra.

If you’re traveling to Chicago this winter, you would probably prefer to find an indoor workout.   When you stay at the Old Chicago Inn, you can enjoy one of the only B&Bs in the city to offer a full gym membership.   With each night’s stay our guests are entitled to use the facilities at Number One Gym, located just two doors north at  3232 N. Sheffield Avenue.   Open since 1990 the Number One Gym is owned and operated by Gerry Burczyk.  This well maintained and exceptionally clean gym offers a wide variety of cardiovascular and cable weight machines, in addition to having a sizable free weight area.   The gym does have locker room and shower facilities and is open seven days a week:

Monday – Friday              5am to 9pm

Saturday                              8am to 6pm

Sunday                                 8am to 3pm

So now you can keep those New Year’s resolutions when you stay with us this winter.

Until then, Happy Travels!

Leave a Comment

It’s time to ring in the New Year at the Old Chicago Inn.  We’ve got a full house this year and are ready to help you celebrate in style.  There’s no shortage of New Year’s fun to be had in Lakeview.  If you arrived without plans our innkeeper David will be happy to help you find just the right party for your taste, many within walking distance.

If your New Years Plans take you out of the neighborhood, remember to take advantage of the penny rides on Chicago’s public transit system.  According to the Sun-Times “the 1-cent fares on the L and CTA buses start at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, and end at 4 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.”

For the ladies staying with us, if you’re still looking for that perfect dress or perhaps just a little bling to add to your outfit check out one of our favorite neighborhood boutiques.  Hubba Hubba, located at 3309 N. Clark Street, has been a neighborhood favorite since 1988.  They offer fashions and accessories, from many unique sources, so you’ll be sure to find something that will stand out in the crowd.  Hubba Hubba is open on New Year’s Eve from 11am to 3pm.

Need an up do for your big night out?  May I suggest a visit to Genacelli Salon and The East Studio? Both are full service hair salons offering everything from simple blow outs to full glamour hairstyles and makeup application, including lash extensions!   “Blow Outs” start at $25 and “Full Glam” styles start at $65.  Makeup can be added to any style service for $45.  Both salons, located just seven blocks south of the Inn, will open on New Year’s Eve at 10 am. If you’d like assistance making an appointment please see your innkeeper.

As usual, all guests staying at the Old Chicago Inn for New Year’s Eve will receive our complimentary “New Year’s Survival Kits” with a few things to help you ease in to 2012 after all the parties have ended, including a nice big bottle of water and a voucher for brunch at our sister business Trader Todd’s on New Year’s day.  Brunch is served until 3pm on New Year’s Day and everyone who stops in will get a side of black eyed peas, a southern tradition to bring you good luck in 2012.

Wishing you a stylish, safe and happy New Year!

Leave a Comment

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.

Leave a Comment

If you are staying at the Old Chicago Inn this weekend and plan to use the “el” system you might just run into to St. Nick himself.  That’s right, the Chicago Transit Authority is once again welcoming Santa, and this weekend you’ll be able to spot him right here in Lakeview on the red line.    Santa and his reindeer ride the rails on their open air flat car, accompanied by six other train cars that are all decked out inside and out.  This jolly train will be running today, Friday the 16^th, from 3pm to 6pm and tomorrow, Saturday the 17^th from 12 noon to 8 pm.   The Santa Express is one of my favorite Chicago Holiday sights.  It’s pure magic, especially after dark, to look up at the “el” tracks on Belmont and see Santa pulling into the station spreading holiday cheer and passing out candy canes.

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/ .

Leave a Comment

            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!

Leave a Comment