This weekend is all about celebrating the Easter holiday.  As usual, here in Chicago, we pull out all the stops with a variety of egg hunts, meeting the Easter Bunny, festive brunches, river cruises, and more.  So, what are you waiting for?  Let’s Hop to It!

One of Chicago’s popular annual Easter celebrations is the Spring Egg-Stravaganza held at Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark St.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday (7:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.).  Kids ages 1 to 8 can participate in a series of egg hunts spread across six distinct zones of varying difficulty levels, terrain, and potential zoo animal spectators as they fill their baskets with eggs.  In addition, they can also enjoy free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and the Lionel Train Adventure; have a photo taken with the Easter Bunny; chat with zoo experts about their favorite animals; and enjoy plenty of “egg”-citing activities.  Plus, with timed entry tickets, participants can join the fun at their own pace.  The Hunt is On!

Enjoy a fun day in the Prairie District with your little ones at Chicago’s biggest Easter egg hunt!  The South Loop Easter Egg Hunt  is this Saturday (12 p.m.-2 p.m.) at the Chicago Women’s Park & Garden (1801 S. Indiana Ave.) in the South Loop.  The egg hunt begins at 12:15 p.m. sharp with a whopping 20,000+ eggs containing candy or a small prize inside.  In addition, this hunt also features an animal petting zoo, face painters, balloonists, fun sports games and activities, tasty treats, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and 1,000 amazing prizes that include Chicago White Sox tickets!  Children will need to bring their own Easter basket; must be accompanied by an adult; and this event will take place rain or shine so come prepared!

It’s your last chance to get in on the fun at Bunny Events in the Parks this Saturday at various parks throughout the city.  A few family-friendly events will feature egg hunts, treats, prizes, face painting, arts & crafts, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny!

Scoot over kids, this one’s for the adults!  Head on over to the Old Crow Smokehouse (3506 N. Clark St.) for this Saturday’s Adult Easter Egg Hunt Bar Hop from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at select Wrigleyville bars.  A ticket includes free admission to all participating bars, a free breakfast buffet, bunny ears, gift cards to use on the crawl, drink specials, and an Easter Egg Hunt for Adults.  Where else can you get to play like a kid and drink like an adult!

Enjoy a family-friendly day this Sunday (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) celebrating everything Easter with Easter at the Market located at Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop.  There will be plenty of fun-filled activities for the kids including egg hunts (until supplies last), face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, and more for the parents as well!

The egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny end at the Easter Bounce Brunch and Day Party on Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) at the Offshore Rooftop (1000 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood.  It’s the world’s largest rooftop offering a hopping good time with high-energy tunes from a live DJ, a cash bar and bites for purchase, a photobooth and a temporary tattoo station.  It also offers sweet views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan from iconic Navy Pier!

For other Easter events around the city, check out the Chicago Easter Guide 2025!

Happy Easter Hopping!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Easter is celebrated throughout the world. Fortunately, thanks to Chicago’s rich cultural heritage and multi-ethnic communities, you never have to leave the city to celebrate annual traditions or explore new ones! Here’s just a small sample of Chicago’s Easter offerings throughout the city:

In West Town, Momotaro,  820 W. Lake Street, is serving up Japanese-inspired takes on breakfast classics in a four-course, pre-fixe menu for $75 per person and a special kids’ menu (ages 3-10) for $20 per child. The feast begins with a house-made pastry basket to share, followed by a first course of Broccoli Goma-ae, Curried Deviled Eggs, Miso Soup, or Edamame. The second course includes Sashimi (3pc), Nigiri (3pc), Spicy Tuna Maki, or Momomaki, followedby Smoked Salmon Bagel, Spicy Tuna Dip, TakoSu, or Chicken Dango. Finally , indulge in hearty fare of Pancake, Omelette, Teishoku, Chirashi Don, or Steak & Eggs. YUM!!  The kids will feast too, with their choice of Pancake, Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Chicken Katsu, or Tuna Maki ~all served with fruit.  For reservations, click here. 

Bridgeport’s Easter Brunch Extravaganza at The Duck Inn, 2701 S. Eleanor Street. The renovated, renowned Prohibition-era gastro-tavern at Loomis Street and the Chicago River is serving up a $90 per person feast. Where else can you get Sweet Jesus Grits, Duck Bacon collard greens, and Duck Fat Potatoes for the table, followed by Amuse Boards of mini biscuits with strawberry lavender jam and duck fat butter, bagels & lox with a cream cheese schmear, crudité and capers, rabbit pâté served with pickled mustard seed and  foie crostinis, and deviled eggs with wasabi tobiko? Then, your choice of entrées, including their famous Duck Hash with roasted romanesco, thumbelina carrots, and preserved ramp hollandaise, or an Omelette with mushroom duxelles, truffle mornay, and chives, or a Short Rib Benedict with bbq hollandaise, collard greens and cornbread. But that’s not all! Sweet Thangs include a Chocolate miso brownie with matcha cremeux, Mrs. Hickey’s cookies, HOLY Cannoli!! withMeyer lemon ricotta and basil powder, and Coconut mango tartlets with toasted coconut and mint crunch.  For reservations, click here. 

At its River North location, Avli, 702 N. Wells Street, is hosting a traditional Anastasi Greek Easter Midnight Feast on Saturday, April 19. Curated by Executive Chef Panos Chalikiopoulos, the four-course dinner for $59 per person features Lamb Magiritsa Soup, anegg lemon soup with, leeks, herbs, spinach, lettuce, and leg of lamb, a Salad of Baby Gem lettuce, dill, red onion, cucumber, Kalamata olives, Cretan carob rusks, feta, chive, and red wine vinaigrette. The main course is Arni Fournou, slow-roasted lamb shoulder with garlic, Aleppo pepper & spiced herb sauce served with mashed potatoes. Finally, dessert is a Yogurt Mousse, with mint, and fresh berries.  As if that weren’t enough, complimentary red eggs, Koulourakia (Greek cookies) and Tsoureki (Greek bread) are also on hand! For reservations, click here.

In Bucktown/Wicker Park, Manchamanteles, 2009 N. Western Avenue, as Choose Chicago notes, is celebrating Easter with a vibrant menu honoring Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.  Start with bold appetizers like Sopa de Lentejas with smoky bacon and pineapple or Ceviche de Hamachi with yuzu and serrano chile.  Another signature dish is  Ceviche Manchamanteles, featuring Pacific Kampachi, lime, tomatoes, Manzanillo olives, cilantro, avocado, orange, radishes, chile Serrano, and Closed Loop Farms’ microgreens.  Not to be missed is their Pulpo al Mojo de Ajo–grilled octopus infused with red chile, sweet and tangy roasted garlic, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, and served with a side of guacamole. For reservations, click here. 

Happy Easter to all who celebrate!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

When navigating the complex world of real estate, understanding contract timelines is crucial for both home buyers and sellers. Not only does a clear grasp of these timelines prevent misunderstandings, but it also ensures a smoother transaction process. Here’s what you need to know.

The Offer and Acceptance Stage

The real estate contract process begins when a buyer makes an offer on a property. This is typically done through a written purchase agreement that outlines the proposed terms, including the offer price and any contingencies. The seller then has three main options: accept the offer, reject it, or counter it with different terms. 

Once the seller accepts the offer, the contract’s timeline officially starts. Buyers and sellers need to be aware that this initial acceptance is valid for a limited period, often 24 to 72 hours. If the seller doesn’t respond within this timeframe, the offer may expire, and the buyer is free to pursue other options.

Contingencies and Due Diligence

After an offer is accepted, the next crucial phase involves contingencies – these are conditions that must be met for the contract to proceed. Common contingencies include home inspections, financing approval, and appraisal requirements. 

Home buyers should adhere to the timelines specified in the contract for satisfying these contingencies. Typically, buyers must arrange inspections and secure financing within a certain number of days (often 10 to 15 days after acceptance). Failure to meet these deadlines can jeopardize the deal, allowing the seller to backup and put the property back on the market. 

Sellers also need to be proactive during this period. If a buyer fails to complete the necessary inspections or fails to secure a mortgage, the seller may have the right to terminate the contract and relist the property for other buyers.

Closing Date

Once all contingencies are satisfactorily resolved, the focus shifts to scheduling the closing date. This is a critical moment when ownership of the property officially transfers from the seller to the buyer. 

The closing process typically occurs about 30 to 60 days after the acceptance of the offer, depending on how quickly each party completes their respective tasks. During this period, both parties must be diligent in completing necessary documents, conducting final walkthroughs, and ensuring that financing is in place.

Post-Closing Responsibilities

After closing, buyers and sellers need to keep track of several post-closing responsibilities. For instance, buyers will want to ensure that utilities are transferred to their name and that they understand their rights and responsibilities as new owners. Sellers may need to complete tasks related to moving out or potentially addressing repairs that were agreed upon during the negotiation phase.

Bottom-line

Understanding contract timelines is essential in real estate transactions for both buyers and sellers. Knowing key phases – from the initial offer and acceptance to contingencies and the closing process – empowers both parties to manage expectations and reduce stress throughout the process. Effective communication and adherence to timelines can make a significant difference, paving the way for a successful transaction. As you move forward, staying organized and informed will not only ease the process but also enhance your experience in the dynamic real estate market.

Think Spring!

Yes, Summer is prime time in Chicago for enjoying everything Chicago has to offer, whether it be rides along the lakefront, visiting Lincoln Park Zoo, or grooving at one of the hundreds of neighborhood festivals.

BUT … Chicago is a year-round city, and some of our world -renowned museums make it possible for everyone to enjoy the rich history of art, science,  sports, and Chicago itself by offering free days through the end of May. Take advantage of these free days while they last! All are accessible by public transportation and are ADA-accessible.

As Choose Chicago notes…

The Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Stargazers unite! Every Wednesday evening from 4pm – 10pm, the Adler Planetarium opens its doors to all. You can stop by after work or school, or for date night and enjoy everything the Adler has to offer at night, for free as part of their Illinois Resident Discount Days program. Tickets must be ‘purchased’ online and in advance.

Proof of residency will be required upon checkout. You can use a valid Illinois driver’s license or photo ID, Illinois student ID with photo, or a photo ID plus a document (utility bill, lease, etc.) that shows your name and Illinois address.

AND NOTE: Admission is always free for Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12).  To reserve tickets, click here. 

The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, offers free admission on select holidays and dates throughout the year. Their upcoming dates are Wednesday, April 16 and 30 and May 8 and 26. 

Through exhibitions, tours, publications, special events, and programming, the Museum connects people to Chicago’s history and to each other. They collect and preserve millions of artifacts, documents, images, and other items that are relevant to the city’s history.

Admission is always free for active-duty military and veterans, active duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.

Advance tickets are not required for General Admission. Walk-in visitors are welcome.

Wednesdays are always free at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56^th Place, in Washington Park. There, you canuncover a vibrant history through captivating exhibits and educational programs, where every visit is an invitation to connect with the rich culture of Africans and African Americans. One current exhibit, ‘The Harold Washington Story,’ explores how Harold Washington became the first elected African American Mayor of Chicago in 1983 and chronicles his work as a public figure serving in the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the City of Chicago.

For information on visiting the museum, click here. Children 6 and under, military, and first responders always get in free. 

The Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, offers free basic admission, plus discounted passes for ticketed exhibition or a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year, every Wednesday through May 28. 

Adventure through the wilderness on a desert safari, explore ancient civilizations, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures through exhibits such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt. 

Make advance reservations online by clicking here.

Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12^th grade) and active military personnel receive free basic admission year-round.

Admission to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is free for Illinois residents on Easter Sunday, April 20, as well as Thursday, June 12 and 19. Discounted admission is also available for ticketed exhibitions such as the Coal Mine and U-2 submarine. For tickets, click here. 

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers, and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12^th grade). 

The Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, offers Illinois residents FREE NIGHTS from 5pm-9pm to all permanent exhibits on Tuesday, April 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, and 27; and June 3, 10, 17, and 24. You can experience  unforgettable encounters with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons. 

Advance reservations are highly  recommended due to the high demand for tickets, and can be reserved by clicking here.

Admission is always free for EBT card holders, Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Fewer than 10% of people in America consume the recommended amount of vegetables (which is 2-3 cups daily). Fruit consumption is not quite as bad, with 20% of Americans eating the recommended intake (1 and a 1/2 to 2 cups). Nutritionists are especially concerned about 4 nutrients in particular where underconsumption has been linked to unwanted health risks. These are: fiber, calcium, potassium and Vitamin D. 

Dietary fiber plays an essential role in a healthy digestive tract, but it is also vital for prevention of heart disease and blood glucose regulation. Consuming more fiber in fruits and vegetables will also boost your intake of other vitamins and nutrients we are lacking. Women need 25 grams and men 38 grams per day. Eat from various fiber rich sources, not just high fiber cereal. Choose high fiber foods all day. 

Calcium is another vitamin we tend to forget about after we are grown. We all grew up with the idea drink your milk to grow strong bones, but it is important for ongoing bone health. It can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life. 1,000 milligrams per day is recommended, increasing to 1,200 for women over 50 and men over 70. Dairy is a great source, like yogurt topped with fruit and chia seeds. Dark green vegetables are also a great source and will add fiber and other nutrients. 

Vitamin D is continuing to be studied, and its benefits seem to go far beyond bone health. It has been linked to lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Vitamin D deficiency is being associated with conditions like depression. Recommended daily intake is 600 IU for adults and 800 IU over 70–but experts believe higher amounts are necessary. Check with your PP to be tested for your Vitamin D levels. Supplements may be necessary as it is difficult to obtain all we need from our diet.  Include fatty fish like salmon and grass-fed lean beef to get a good dose. Mushrooms are also a good source!

Potassium is another nutrient that most of us are lacking. We eat less than half of the recommended 4,700 milligrams we need per day. Many of us eat too much sodium without enough potassium to balance it out. Potassium works alongside sodium to maintain the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. Imbalance here can lead to high blood pressure, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Potatoes and bananas are both a great source of potassium. A medium baked potato has 952 mg of potassium, and a banana has 422 mg. 

It is best to try and get the bulk of your nutrients from whole foods, not pills. Supplements can bridge the gap but can’t replace all the benefits you get from a nutritious diet. Eating processed foods and taking supplements is not the same. Moving your body, staying hydrated, managing stress and a nutritious diet will keep you at optimal health!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago