Thursday, October 7, 2010

Cool Halloween Stores

Need to find the perfect costume for you or the kiddies this year for Halloween? Try out these local Halloween shops!


Halloween Hallway
1291 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 598-5507

B
1120 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL (773) 528-1264 

D

H
Ste 5, 1514 W 33rd St, Chicago, IL (773) 847-0950 ()  

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Neighborhood spotlight: Pilsen




For quite a few of the years that I've been in Chicago I lived in an awesome little area called Pilsen. It is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Chicago and is located on the south west side of the city. Established in the late 1900's, Pilsen was heavily inhabited by Irish and Polish community and is now primarily Mexican. 
 
Pilsen is packed full of locally owned restaurants and attractions. The Natural Museum of Mexican Art is open to the public and has many exhibitions throughout the year. There are also great murals located throughot the area as well as the brightly painted train station. Many of the murals are created by local businesses and organizations of the the church and it definitely helps to liven the area.


Transportation

Pilsen is virtually easy to get to having the Pink El train lines running through the west end of it. There are also the #9, 9, X9, 18, 21, 168 buses that travel into the area as well.

However, be warned! Pilsen is one of the worst places to try to catch a cab and is almost an hour wait no matter which company you call.

  
Events

There are a few events that take place during the year that are held here such as:
  • Dia de los Muertos in October and. 
  • The Pilsen Open Studio is held every second Friday of the month on the east side of Pilsen. 
  • Fiesta Del Sol
  • Mexican Independence Day Parade


Food

There are many authentic restaurants and coffee shops in Pilsen that are worth checking out if if you are visiting or if you live in the neighborhood. Here are a few that you should put on your list:


Visit here for more information about Pilsen.