The 24-Hour Vacation: How to Feel Like You’re Traveling Without Leaving Town

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Happy couple having coffee and pastries at an outdoor cafe

What if your next getaway didn’t require a plane ticket, a hotel reservation, or even a suitcase?

Let’s face it: vacations are wonderful. The anticipation, the change of scenery, discovering new restaurants, exploring unfamiliar streets, and temporarily forgetting about your inbox. What’s not to love?

Except for the packing. The airport lines. The hotel prices. The laundry waiting when you get home.

But here’s an idea: What if you could recreate that vacation feeling without actually going anywhere?

Welcome to the 24-hour vacation.

It’s a little adventure, a break from your usual routine, and a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are hiding right around the corner.

And the best part? You can start planning one today.

1. Become a Tourist in Your Own Town

When was the last time you explored your own neighborhood like you were visiting for the first time?

We tend to get stuck in familiar routines. We drive the same roads, visit the same grocery stores, and eat at the same restaurants.

This time, do something different.

  • Visit a local attraction you’ve never bothered to explore.
  • Find a charming coffee shop you’ve driven past a hundred times.
  • Walk through a neighborhood you’ve always been curious about.
  • Check out a local museum, art gallery, or farmers market.
  • Take photos of interesting buildings, murals, and little details you normally overlook.

Pretend you’re a visitor. Take the scenic route. Read the historical signs. Stop whenever something catches your attention.

You might be surprised by how much you’ve been missing.

2. Eat Like You’re on Vacation

One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new food.

So why should that be reserved for vacations?

For your 24-hour getaway, skip your usual takeout order and make food part of the adventure.

Try a restaurant serving a cuisine you’ve never experienced. Visit a bakery you’ve heard people rave about. Find a hidden brunch spot or order something completely unfamiliar from the menu.

Want to make it even more interesting?

Give yourself a food challenge: Try three places in one day. One for coffee, one for lunch, and one for dessert.

No calorie counting. No rushing. Just good food and a little adventure.

3. Book Yourself a Different Kind of Day

You don’t necessarily need a hotel to feel like you’ve escaped everyday life.

Sometimes, changing your surroundings is enough.

Spend the afternoon at a beach, visit a botanical garden, rent a bike, book a massage, or find a scenic place to watch the sunset.

If you want the full vacation experience, consider booking a one-night stay at a local hotel or nearby getaway destination.

The trick is to do something you wouldn’t normally do on an ordinary Saturday.

And here’s an important rule: Don’t fill every minute with errands. This is a vacation, remember?

4. Put Your Phone on Vacation Mode

This might be the hardest part.

We’re so accustomed to being connected that even our downtime can feel like another task on the schedule.

Emails, notifications, social media, group chats, and endless scrolling have a way of following us everywhere.

For at least a few hours, give yourself permission to disconnect.

  • Silence nonessential notifications.
  • Avoid checking work emails.
  • Take photos, but don’t spend the entire experience posting them.
  • Leave some room for spontaneous discoveries.
  • Resist the urge to turn every quiet moment into screen time.

You don’t have to disappear completely. Just give yourself a little breathing room.

5. Create a Vacation Atmosphere at Home

Here’s where things get especially fun.

When the adventure is over, bring a little vacation energy back home.

Think about what makes your favorite vacation destinations memorable. Maybe it’s the relaxed atmosphere of a beach resort, the cozy feeling of a mountain cabin, or the vibrant energy of a boutique hotel.

You can recreate little pieces of those experiences.

Try:

  • Making a special breakfast and enjoying it outside.
  • Lighting candles and putting on music that reminds you of somewhere you love.
  • Preparing a dinner inspired by your favorite travel destination.
  • Turning your patio into a relaxing evening retreat.
  • Setting aside time for a movie, a book, or absolutely nothing.

You don’t need an expensive renovation or a designer budget. Sometimes, a few thoughtful details can completely change the mood.

6. Make It a Tradition

Why stop at one?

Consider making the 24-hour vacation a monthly tradition.

Each month, choose a different theme:

The Foodie Escape: Explore restaurants, bakeries, and local food markets.

The Outdoor Adventure: Find a new hiking trail, beach, park, or scenic viewpoint.

The Culture Crawl: Visit museums, galleries, historic districts, and local events.

The Relaxation Retreat: Prioritize wellness, quiet time, and a slower pace.

The Mystery Adventure: Let someone else choose the destination, and don’t ask questions until you arrive.

You could even create a friendly competition with family or friends to see who can plan the most interesting day without spending a fortune.

7. Remember That Adventure Is a State of Mind

Here’s something worth remembering: You don’t always need to travel far to experience something new.

Sometimes, the excitement comes from breaking your routine, discovering a new favorite place, meeting someone interesting, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down.

We spend so much time looking forward to our next vacation that we can forget to enjoy the places where we already live.

And that’s a shame.

Because a great lifestyle isn’t just about the destinations on your bucket list. It’s also about the little experiences that make an ordinary Tuesday, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday morning feel special.

Your 24-Hour Challenge Starts Now

Here’s your assignment: Pick one day this week and plan a mini vacation.

Choose somewhere new to eat. Visit a place you’ve never explored. Turn off your work notifications. Take the scenic route. And, most importantly, give yourself permission to enjoy the day without worrying about what’s next.

You might discover that the perfect getaway was closer than you thought.

After all, who says you need a boarding pass to have an adventure?

We believe that where you live is about more than an address. It’s about the experiences, discoveries, and everyday moments that make a place feel like home.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Brief Reprieve as Holidays Approach!

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A cute cartoon circus clown with a balloon

Before switching gears, spend this weekend with family and friends relaxing and having some fun before the pace kicks into high gear as the holidays are quickly approaching!

After an extended hiatus, The Greatest Show on Earth, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to the Allstate Arena (6920 Mannheim Rd.) in Rosemont with a renewed version.  This new tour will not have any animals but will spotlight over 75 artists from 18 countries and blending breathtaking world-class acrobatics, trapeze artists, daredevil stunts, unicycles at record-breaking heights, comedic interludes, and more – all set to a high-energy pop music soundtrack keeping the show fast-paced and endlessly entertaining!

Experience the flavors of the Andersonville neighborhood’s 2nd annual Autumn Restaurant Week now through November 15.  Explore a diverse array of cozy fall cuisines with specialty prix fixe menus from Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Spanish to contemporary American curated by the local chefs.  Options for dine-in or takeout include brunch, lunch, and dinner ranging from $35 to $60 along with drink and dessert specials.  A few participating restaurants include Big Jones, Fiya, Kopi Café, Little Madrid Tapas Café, Oda Mediterranean, and others that are updated daily.  It’s a great opportunity to indulge in a meal prepared by chefs without going broke!

Step into a modern Cinderella story with Before Midnight – A Cinderella Tea Experience at the Ritz-Carlton’s Torali Restaurant (160 E. Pearson St., 12th Floor) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday/Sunday and next Saturday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.).  Families and fairytale lovers will experience an enchanting afternoon tea inspired by the timeless story of Cinderella with immersive details, whimsical surprises, and memorable moments.  In addition, your experience will feature a curated selection of pastries, tea sandwiches, savory bites, freshly baked scones, and more!

If the Cinderella tea experience isn’t your thing, perhaps the Chefsgiving Boozy Tea recurring Saturdays through November 28 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Pendry Chicago (230 N. Michigan Ave.) in the Loop is right up your alley.  This experience features turkey and stuffing tea sandwiches and mini chicken pot pies along with sweet seasonal favorites like Sweet Potato Tarts and Cranberry Pâte de Fruit with your choice of tea or a boozy tea cocktail.  Reservations are required and $25 from every reservation will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to celebrate giving back to the community!

Enjoy an evening with a feast of fantastic food and a live, immersive murder mystery unlike any other at the “Hollywood Hit” Dinner Detective Chicago recurring Saturdays through December 19 (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) at the Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile (165 E. Ontario St.) in the Streeterville neighborhood.  The professional cast of detectives is hidden in the audience to interrogate everyone in attendance to discover clues and turning every guest into a potential suspect.  And at the end of the night, praises are awarded to the Sleuth who solves the crime.  No two shows are ever the same!

Get an early start on your holiday shopping at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont.  Explore interactive booths featuring the hottest holiday toys and games; create a holiday Wishlist during People of Play’s Wishlist Weekend™ and discover the latest products from Chicago-area inventors and toy makers.  In addition, this fair will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with an immersive show-floor experience.  It’s North America’s largest public toy & game fair bringing together families, toy lovers, inventors, and some of the biggest names in the industry!

Enjoy the wins while we can as our beloved Chicago Bears will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday (7:20 p.m.) at Soldier Field (1410 Special Olympics Dr.) in the South Loop neighborhood.  DA BEARS!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: “It’s Showtime at Apollo!” in Lincoln Park

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Theatre company posing in purple costumes and make-up stock photo

If you haven’t been to Lincoln Park’s Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue, you’ve missed a lot of great theater in Chicago!

How do I know such a thing? Because I’ve been going to productions there for 25+ years, starting with “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” and on to “Steel Magnolias,” “Million Dollar Quartet, and “Middletown: The Ride of Your Life!” 

Maybe it’s the intimacy of the 440-seat venue that makes it unique among performing arts venues. Maybe it’s the muted colors and design of the building that makes it a unique place to see a show. In any case, whether it’s a musical or a theatrical play,  it feels like you’re part of the action rather than an observer.

The theater itself can be easy to miss. It sits on a ribbon-sized stretch of Lincoln Avenue, where vertical brick buildings rise high in the sky. The marquee, while visible, isn’t quite as distracting as the ‘Irish Eyes’ bar sign nearby.

In a city with so much theater life, how has this one survived for nearly 50 years?

From “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” to “Vape!”

According to WTTW’s website, in 1978, Lincoln Park was in the middle of a cultural transformation… the neighborhood was losing its historic working-class German, Italian, and Latino roots through gentrification, as middle-class families and professionals moved in. 

It was into this transitional phase that the Apollo Theater opened in 1978, by theater producers Jason Brett and Stuart Oken. 

This live theater, at the time something of a phenomenon for the North Side of Chicago, became instrumental in drawing people and businesses to Lincoln Park. The Apollo Theater earned acclaim and attention for their commitment to quality and long-running productions. 

For its inaugural productions, producers Oken and Brett chose Albert Innaurato’s “Gemini,” which featured the production’s original Broadway director, Peter Schifter. 

What put them on the map was David Mamet’s “Sexual Perversity in Chicago”  (later becoming basis for the film “About Last Night”)  which became a smash hit at the Apollo, starring Jim Belushi in his dramatic stage debut, directed by former Second City Artistic Director Sheldon Patinkin.

The actors, productions and theatre groups associated with the Apollo Theater helped it become legendary. 

Through the 1980’s and 90’s, Apollo Theater became home to plays produced by the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, including “Balm in Gilead” with John Malkovich and Gary Sinise, “Cloud Nine,” “Secret Rapture,” “Harvey,” “Wrong Turn at Lungfish, and Sam Shepard’s “True West.”

As their website notes, in 1991, Michael Leavitt and Fox Theatricals took over operation of the Apollo and brought stars John Astin and Jamie Farr for “Lend Me a Tenor.”  Other productions included “Cole Porter, No Regrets,” Edward Albee’s Pulitzer prize-winning drama “Three Tall Women,” the musical comedy “Forbidden Hollywood,” and the one-man show “20th Century Man,” starring Ray Davies of the Kinks. (Note: I may have seen that one as well!) 

In 1996, producer Rob Kolson took over the Apollo, hosting two popular musicals, “Always…Patsy Cline” and “Buddy…The Buddy Holly Story,” followed by Robert Dubac’s long-running one-man show “The Male Intellect: an oxymoron?”

“The Vagina Monologues” made its Midwest premiere here with author Eve Ensler starring for a limited run. 

The Vagina Monologues then continued with an array of renowned local and national stars, including Loretta Swit, Kim Fields, Mayim Bialik, Dawn Wells, Maureen McCormick, Chicago native Amy Morton and Illinois natives Judy Tenuta and Rondi Reed. The show had a nearly three-year run, and became the fastest-selling show in the history of the Apollo.

On July 25, 2003, the smash hit “Menopause the Musical” made its Chicago debut at the Apollo, entertaining nearly a quarter of a million people in its three and a half year run.

During the summer of 2005, a smaller, second stage was added, in what was formerly the Act One bookstore. The 50-seat Apollo Theater Studio became one of the most sought after venues for comedy, sketch, upstart theater companies and improv.

For many years, Apollo Theater was the home of the Emerald City Children’s Theater Company.  At one time, the theater drew more than 50,000 patrons annually. It closed in 2020. 

Current Show: “Vape, The Grease Parody!”

Their current production spoofs one of the most popular musicals/movies of all time. “Vape: The Grease Parody”  is described as an “unhinged spoof of the iconic and timeless musical film Grease.”

As their website notes, the show pokes “loving fun” at all of the wonderful moments, sexual innuendos, outrageous characters, rivalries and secret romances from the original. 

The hair products may have changed, but the drama, the rivalries, and the thirst for hallway clout remain timeless, but in this version, dragged through a cloud of strawberry-scented vapor and a TikTok filter. 

As they say,  “It’s the show that you want!” (…Ooh! Ooh! Ooh, honey!) 

For tickets and information, click here. 

 Alison Moran–Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: Roscoe Village’s Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen…French Bistro with a Mediterranean Soul

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Happy Family Dining in A Cozy Cafe Patio With Mother and Daughters Sharing a Meal stock photo

Roscoe Village is known as a family-friendly neighborhood, famously nicknamed “The Village Within the City.”

In this family-friendly oasis, Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen opened eight years ago, inspired by the warmth, flavors, and seasonal rhythms of the South of France. Their French-Mediterranean cuisine focuses on clean flavors and seasonal ingredients, rather than heavy sauces or overly complicated preparations.

Their menu celebrates fresh seafood, quality olive oil, seasonal vegetables and herbs, wood-grilled meats, and bright citrus and Mediterranean spices.

Start with Small Plates like the French-inspired Escargots Au Chablis–baked burgundy snails in white wine, with garlic herbed butter on a baguette.

Autumn Burrata is a combination of roasted butternut squash, prosciutto, baby arugula, toasted hazelnuts, in a honey balsamic vinaigrette, served on a grilled baguette.  Or, try the Mediterranean- inspired Moroccan Lamb Meatballs withtomato sauce, parmigiana reggiano, and herbs of Provence, served on a crostin. Wild Mushroom Croquettes is a mix of gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, herbes de Provence, and lemon garlic aioli. 

Soupe A L Oignon Gratinee is Le Sud’s own French onion soup, with a pad of Gruyere cheese, with a rustic crouton. Harvest Salad is a colorful, Fall harvest-inspired combination of mixed greens, poached pear, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and dried cranberries in an apple cider vinaigrette. 

Garden Beet Salad, one of my favorites, includes roasted root vegetables, beets, greens, butternut squash, brussels sprouts, croutons, shaved parmesan and lemon in a tangy dijon vinaigrette.

Le Sud takes pride in their the Wood-Fired Grill entrees, which are cooked over live fire for natural smoke, char and aroma.

Steak Frites is a prime top sirloin steak, maître d’ butter, frites, with garlic aioli. Presa Iberico Pork is Le Sud’s returning Anniversary favorite, combining savory and sweet flavors with Spanish Iberico, white truffle, Parmigiano Reggiano mashed potato, apricot chutney, micro herbs, and fresh shaved radishes. 

Their Wood-Grilled Branzino is a Mediterranean sea bass, with squash, cherry tomatoes, and sautéed shrimp scampi. Grilled Octopus (another favorite of mine)is made with golden potatoes, green beans, lemon-caper salsa verde, and extra-virgin olive oil.

 Mediterranean Classics include their Steak Au Poivre, lively with peppercorn-crusted tenderloin medallions, green beans, smashed potatoes, and a cognac cream. 

Pan-Seared Barramundi is Australian wild-caught, served with a fondant potato, wild mushrooms and peas, with herb butter sauce. Poulet Rôti is a roasted Joyce Farms chicken with golden potatoes, Roman artichokes, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. 

Over the weekend, their Brunch includes such specials as Croque Madame with smoked ham, gruyère cheese, Mornay sauce, and a fried egg,  served with sourdough bread and breakfast potatoes. Shakshuka hassunny side up eggs, poached potatoes, roasted bell pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, shallots, smoked paprika, and herbs of Provence on sourdough toast. Egg Shawarma are scrambled spiced eggs with caramelized onions, spinach, pita, and spicy whipped feta, served with breakfast potatoes. 

For those who like the more classic breakfast fare, Le Sud also serves a French Toast with fresh berries, maple syrup, and whipped cream, and a Classic Benedict with poached eggs, Black Forest ham, English muffin, hollandaise, breakfast potatoes and many other classics.

 Daily Specials

Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen has specials going nearly every day. Take, for example, Sunday, designated Family Night & Rewards. OnSundays, Kids Eat Free from 4pm–6pm.One complimentary kids’ meal with each adult entrée purchased.

You also get double loyalty points when you eat at Le Sud on Sundays.

On Tuesdays, Le Sud offers $45 Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinners for $45 per person, with your choice of items from the regular dinner menu…no restrictions! It’s your choice of:

• 1 Small Plate

• 1 Large Plate

• 1 Dessert

It’s perfect for date night or a relaxed weekday dinner in Roscoe Village.

Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen is located at 2301 W. Roscoe Street. They are open for dinner Tuesday–Thursday from 4pm–9pm; Friday–Saturday from 4pm–10pm, and Sunday from 4pm–8:30pm. Their Happy Hours are from Tuesday–Sunday,  4pm–6pm. 

They’re also open for Weekend Brunch on Saturday–Sunday, from 10:30am–2pm. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by clicking here. 

Alison Moran–Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 4 step Thanksgiving plan for 2026

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Notebook with Thanksgiving dinner menu planning stock photo

Congrats to you if you are taking on the most important job of the late fall and winter season! Yes, it’s a big meal with a lot of moving parts, but with a little planning it can be stress free! Plus, a good schedule will give you more time to spend with your family and friends. Just remember that a few hiccups will happen, just take them in stride. 

Make a master plan. I am old-fashioned so I use a legal pad, but this will of course work on your phone or iPad. You will need your menu on a separate piece of paper to refer to. Your left-hand column is left blank for the time you will be starting each dish. List every item from main dishes to appetizers to snacks. Remember this list is only for what you are responsible for. Under each menu item, list every ingredient needed. Include everything, including spices and herbs. It’s a good idea to purchase herbs and spices fresh for this big day. Include sizes and amounts like 10 pounds of potatoes or 3 bags of stuffing. Your far-right column is for your shopping list. Shop for all your non-perishables this week to make shopping later easier. When you know what time you will be serving, you can fill out that left-hand column for start times and cooking times. For example: turkey in the oven at 9, stuffing made next to go in the oven 45 minutes before turkey is done. Gravy is made while the turkey is resting!

Cook ahead of time. So many menu items at Thanksgiving lend themselves to food prep. This makes the day itself much easier. 

  • Rolls can be made the day before and a quick warm in the microwave just before dinner will make them warm and fluffy.
  • Vegetables too will reheat just fine in their serving dish.
  • Appetizers and dips taste even better made a day ahead.
  • Mashed potatoes can be made the day before. Just make them a little stiff and reheat slowly on the stove with warm cream and melted butter. 

A word on rich foods. This is Thanksgiving, it’s not time for dieting or being healthy. I’m talking all full fat dairy here! 

Choose what drinks you want to serve. As far as drinks go, we don’t go all out with a full bar. I fill the cooler with ice, beer, hard seltzer and soft drinks. If your family does enjoy wine and you’re not familiar go to a good liquor store and ask for recommendations for your menu. A bottle of wine contains five glasses and has about 2-3 glasses per guest. Though I’m not doing the full bar I always have a bottle of good vodka in the freezer and a bottle of bourbon if someone wants something a little stronger. 

Ask for some help. Some guests can bring desserts, appetizers, snacks and drinks. Everyone has their signature dish, so they’ll be happy to contribute. 

So, get your master plan prepared and do as much shopping as you can this week and next! Next week on the blog we’ll talk about how to make the week of Thanksgiving go smoothly. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

The Sunday Test: Would You Still Love Your Home If You Never Left It?

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Overhead shot looking down on woman at home on a sofa reading a book

Most of us judge a home by how it looks.

The beautiful kitchen. The spacious living room. The perfectly styled bedroom. The backyard that practically begs for a summer barbecue.

But here’s a question we rarely ask:

What if you had to spend an entire Sunday at home without going anywhere?

No errands. No brunch reservations. No quick trips to the store. No escaping to your favorite coffee shop.

Just you, your home, and an entire day to enjoy it.

Would you love every minute? Or would you start noticing things you’ve been overlooking?

Welcome to the Sunday Test.

A Beautiful House Isn’t Always a Comfortable Home

It’s easy to fall in love with a house during a 20-minute showing.

Everything looks wonderful. The countertops sparkle. The furniture is arranged perfectly. Sunlight pours through the windows at just the right angle.

But a showing is a snapshot. Living somewhere is the entire movie.

That gorgeous kitchen island might look incredible, but is there actually room for everyone to gather around it?

The enormous living room might photograph beautifully, but does it have a comfortable corner where you’d want to curl up with a book?

And that picture-perfect backyard? Is it somewhere you’d genuinely enjoy spending an afternoon, or another project waiting for your attention?

The Sunday Test asks you to look beyond appearances and imagine what life inside those walls would really feel like.

Start With Your Morning

Picture yourself waking up on a Sunday with absolutely nothing on your calendar.

Where would you go first?

Maybe it’s a sunny breakfast nook where you can enjoy coffee while the neighborhood slowly wakes up. Perhaps it’s a quiet patio surrounded by greenery. Or maybe it’s simply a comfortable chair beside a window.

These little moments reveal something important about how a home supports your lifestyle.

A kitchen doesn’t need to be enormous to make mornings enjoyable. A bedroom doesn’t need vaulted ceilings to feel peaceful. And a backyard doesn’t need a swimming pool to become your favorite place to relax.

Sometimes, the most meaningful features are the ones that make ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

The Afternoon Reality Check

Now imagine it’s two o’clock.

You’ve had breakfast, finished your coffee, and enjoyed a wonderfully unproductive morning.

What happens next?

Would you have somewhere comfortable to read, work on a hobby, listen to music, or spend time with family?

Could two people enjoy different activities without getting in each other’s way?

Would the home feel peaceful, or would everyone eventually retreat to separate bedrooms looking for a little breathing room?

This is where thoughtful layouts begin to matter.

An open floor plan can be fantastic for entertaining, but it might not provide much privacy. A formal dining room can be beautiful, but perhaps a more flexible layout would better support everyday activities.

The best layout isn’t necessarily the most impressive one. It’s the one that works for the way you actually live.

The Backyard Question

Here’s where things get interesting.

Imagine the weather is absolutely perfect.

Would you want to spend time outside your own home?

You don’t need a resort-style backyard to answer yes.

A small patio with comfortable seating, a shaded balcony, or even a modest garden can create a wonderful outdoor retreat.

What matters is whether the outdoor area feels inviting and easy to enjoy.

If you look outside and immediately think about trimming hedges, cleaning furniture, or tackling an endless list of maintenance projects, that beautiful yard might be creating more work than relaxation.

Sometimes less really is more.

The Soundtrack of Your Sunday

Every home has its own rhythm.

Some are filled with the sounds of family conversations, music, pets, and activity. Others are quiet retreats where the most exciting sound is the coffee maker finishing its job.

Neither is better.

But knowing which atmosphere makes you happiest can change how you evaluate a home.

Maybe you love being able to hear your family from the kitchen. Maybe you need a quiet room where you can close the door. Perhaps natural light matters more than square footage, or a cozy fireplace means more to you than an oversized entertainment center.

These preferences don’t always make it onto a traditional homebuying checklist.

Yet they’re often the details that determine how much you enjoy living somewhere.

What Your Sunday Says About Your Next Home

If you’re considering buying a home, try this exercise before your next showing.

Instead of imagining the house filled with guests during a holiday celebration, picture an ordinary Sunday when absolutely nothing special is happening.

Where would you have breakfast? Where would you relax? Would there be enough room for everyone to enjoy their favorite activities? Could you spend the entire day comfortably without feeling the need to leave?

And if you’re already a homeowner, the Sunday Test can be just as revealing.

Perhaps there’s a room you’ve never quite figured out how to use. Maybe rearranging furniture would create a more inviting reading corner. Or perhaps your outdoor area needs nothing more than comfortable seating and a little attention.

You might discover that the home you already have is much closer to your ideal than you realized.

The Best Homes Make Ordinary Days Feel Special

We often imagine our dream homes through extraordinary moments.

Holiday dinners. Birthday parties. Summer celebrations. Friends gathered around the kitchen island.

And those moments certainly matter.

But most of life happens between the celebrations.

It’s the quiet Sunday mornings, the lazy afternoons, the conversations over coffee, and the evenings when there’s nowhere else you’d rather be.

A truly wonderful home doesn’t need to impress you every time you walk through the door.

It simply needs to make you happy you’re there.

So here’s the ultimate question: If you had absolutely nowhere to go this Sunday, would your home be exactly where you’d want to spend the day?

Because that might be the best home test of all.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Welcoming Halloween – Let the Frights Begin!

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Halloween Pumpkins In Spooky Night With Purple Moon And Cemetery stock photo

When Halloween falls on a Saturday, as it does this weekend, the city pulls out all the stops!  Chicagoans can celebrate this holiday by trick-or-treating, participating in parades, attending fests, winning prizes for their costumes, or attending a haunted ball.  The choice is yours – choose wisely!  Let the Halloween frights begin!!

The 6th annual Arts in the Dark Upside Down Parade is being held this Saturday (12 p.m.-2 p.m.) at Washington Park (5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr.).  This free event gives children and their families the opportunity to become the parade itself as they join the procession heading down Russell Drive as they wear their favorite Halloween costume.  In addition, as they make their way down the route, they will be dazzled by dance teams, musicians, acrobats, sports mascots and other spectacles.  And the first 5,000 kids will receive a complimentary candy bag and other goodies at the closing arches!

Are you brave enough to visit the most haunted street in Andersonville?  The day begins with the 48th Ward Halloween Parade departing at 10:30 a.m. from Bromann Park (5400 N. Broadway Ave.) and ending at Fright on Farragut this Saturday (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) on Clark Street and Farragut Avenue.  Here’s your chance to show off your Halloween costume; dance along with DJ Lexie; partake in interactive spooky games and candy giveaways; or enjoy trick-or-treating in the business district at participating local businesses in Andersonville for candy, toys, and prizes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  In addition, experience pumpkins, photo fun, and a straw maze at Gethsemane Pumpkin Patch (5739 N. Clark St.) along with face and pumpkin painting for all ages!

Join Harry Caray’s at Navy Pier (700 E. Grand Ave.) this Saturday (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) for their annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest benefiting PAWS Chicago.  Whether your pet is furry, feathered, or full of scales, pets of all kinds are welcome to participate and compete for prizes in the following categories of Most Creative; Spookiest; Best Ensemble or Pair (human/pet or pet pairs); and the Grand Prize of Best in Show.  Prizes include a pair of tickets for a dog-friendly SeaDog speedboat ride, passes for the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, a $25 gift certificate to Harry Caray’s Navy Pier, and more.  Plus, throughout the morning, Tito’s Handmade Vodka will host an on-site Yappy Hour featuring samples for humans, a treat bar for pups, a dog tag machine, pet swag, and more.  Space is limited, so register your pet today.  There’s no better way to celebrate the spooky season than with your pet in tow!

This year’s Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade is celebrating their 30th anniversary and has decided to make it an all-day affair.  Therefore, Saturday will begin with the Haunted Halsted Fest (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) on Halsted Street between Aldine Avenue and Addison Street offering a ghoulish good time with food, drinks, live entertainment, street performers, dedicated areas/activities for kids and families, local vendors, and more.  Next up will be the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade (7 p.m.-8 p.m.) featuring impressive group costumes and dancers performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”  The day will end with the Haunted Halsted Costume Contest & Post-Parade Party (8 p.m.-10 p.m.) where hundreds of entrants will be vying for $4,000 in total cash prizes in 5 categories: character, creative, scary, youth (under 13) and group.  You’ll see some of the best Halloween costumes in the city at this popular, well-attended event!

Halloween wouldn’t be complete without Chicago’s Haunted Halloween Ball this Saturday (9 p.m.-2 a.m.) at the 122-year-old Congress Plaza Hotel (520 S. Michigan Ave.) in the South Loop neighborhood and classified as one of the most haunted hotels in the world by USA Today.  Combining elements of a lavish VIP nightclub and lounge experience, costumed guests can mingle with spirits and the not-yet-deceased in the hotel’s massive 20,000 square foot ballrooms decked out with spooky decorations, zombie cocktail servers, go-go dancers, and vampire bellmen.  In addition, you’ll have access to multiple bars, views of the city’s skyline, and a chance to enter the costume contest and compete for $2,000 in cash and prizes!

Click here for more Halloween events!

Have a Spooktacular and Frightful Halloween!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

2026 Halloween

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Neighborhood News: Giving thanks for November’s Free Museum Days! 🦃

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Chicago,IL Aerial at he Adler Planetarium stock photo

Welcome to November! One thing we can always be thankful for are Chicago’s iconic museums, which will welcome you FREE on select days this month. 

We at Dean’s Team Chicago, with the help of Choose Chicago, have compiled a list of this month ‘s free days for you and your family:

At the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Illinois residents can enjoy free admission (with proof of residency) on the following days:

  • Monday, November 9
  • Tuesday, November 10 
  • Monday, November 16
  • Tuesday, November 17
  • Thursday, November 18

Note: Admission is always free for Illinois teachers.  Make sure to book online and in advance by clicking here.  

In Chicago’s Loop is the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor, where you and your family can enjoy free admission on the third Sunday of each month. On these days, the museum is open from 10am to 5pm. 

Access to all exhibits are included on free museum days. Prior registration is not required, but recommended. For more information, click here. 

In the Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago,  111 S. Michigan Avenue, offers free admission every day for Chicago teens under age 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. To reserve tickets, click here.  

The Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, in Lincoln Park offers free admission on select days. Visit exhibits like Aquí en Chicago (through November 8), tracing the lives of Latino/a/e communities. Upcoming free admission days are:

  • Wednesday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day)
  • Thursday, November 19

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. For tickets, click here. 

Washington Park’sDuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place,  there’s free admission for all every Wednesday.

Note: Admission is always free for military and first responders, University of Chicago students, Chicago Park District employees, Illinois public school students, and other groups. For tickets and information, click here. 

At the Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,  every Wednesday  throughout 2026 is free. 

Free tickets are available for advance reservation online and on site. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions. Present a current Illinois driver’s license, State ID, or Chicago CityKey card at the ticket desk to establish proof of residency. For tickets and information, click here.

Note: Illinois teachers and active military personnel receive free general admission year-round.

In Hyde Park, at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry,  5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, admission is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters & Chicago police officers, Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade), United States military active-duty personnel and veterans. For information and reservations, click here. 

Streeterville’s Museum of Contemporary Art,  220 E. Chicago Avenue, reserves every Tuesday from 5pm – 9pm for Illinois residents to receive free admission.

Note: The museum is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active members of the military, police, and fire departments, veterans and their families, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. 

And …If it’s not Tuesday evening, MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away.

InLincolnPark, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Drive, has the following Resident Days:

  • Monday, November 2
  • Tuesday November 3
  • Wednesday, November 4
  • Monday, November 30

Illinois residents can reserve their free tickets online or in person. 

Chicago’s iconic Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, hosts Free Nights (5pm–9pm) for Illinois residents on the following evenings:

  • Tuesday, November 3 
  • Tuesday, November 10
  • Tuesday, November 17
  • Tuesday, November 24

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

NOTE: There is a $5 convenience fee per order for Free Hours reservations made online. 

HOWEVER, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling 312-939-2438. 

Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, has free admission every second Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free every day. 

If you plan on visiting with a group of 10 or more, it is highly recommended that you contact the museum so that they can accommodate you for a guided or self-guided tour.  For more information, click here. 

There are many more museums with free admission every day! For a complete list, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: October Café’s two locations celebrate Autumn Year-Round🍁 🍂

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Thanksgiving table setting stock photo

Expect to be greeted with a “Hello, pumpkin!” when you walk through the door.

Just up the hill from the far Northwest Side’s Norwood Park Metra Station, in an 1870’s-style storefront, the cozy, comforting scents of pumpkin spice and cinnamon wafts out the door year-round. 

Welcome to the October Café, 6046 N. Avondale Avenue. Since 2023, it’s been Autumn all year long, as well as its second location in Jefferson Park/Gladstone Park, opened in January 2026, at 5961 N. Elston Avenue.

Both cafes are decorated with pumpkins, autumn leaves, and Halloween decorations throughout the year, and boasts the aromatic smells of autumn year-round. 

But the real reason to go to either café is the beauty of their simple, locally sourced menu and imaginative (hot and iced) coffee and chocolate creations. 

Why October?

Michelle Gonzalez, one-half of the married team who own both cafes, told Restaurant Business, “It’s such a cozy season. The colors, the smells. Pumpkin spice, caramel, apples. Oh, my god. We just love it. It’s the best season. You get to wear your biggest sweater and just feel so cozy. It’s delicious. I love it.”

Sharing that feeling was her wife, Audrey Borden. The soulmates met in college and married in 2023. With their families’ encouragement, Gonzalez recounted to Restaurant Business, “Let’s make a coffee shop based off our love story. That’s our month, our season. We love it all.”

Shine On, Harvest Moon

Everything in the café is made to order and uses locally sourced products.  Coffee creations begin with a foundation of Dark Matter coffee, with its origins in Humboldt Park.

Their menu features handcrafted coffee, house-made pastries, sandwiches,  and their signature “pumpkin spice charm.”

Take, for example, their vegan, plant-based menu, starting with Avocado Toast, which comes with two pieces of your choice of toast with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and pepper. Or, a Pesto Panini with vegan cheese, pesto, tomato, and spinach. Their Breakfast Sandwich is unique, coming with a plant-based egg and sausage, with your choice of bread, and guacamole or cheese.

Thank God a year-round choice is their Pumpkin Toast, served on panini bread, with pumpkin butter, pumpkin seeds, vegan chocolate chips, and sun butter drizzle. 

Other options include their vegan Patty Melt, served on panini bread,  with a vegan hamburger,  vegan cheese, and their special ‘October Sauce’ (ketchup, mustard, and vegan mayo), onions, and vegan butter. 

Ramen Noodles are soy-sauced Ramen noodles with cherry tomatoes, tofu, and arugula.

They also serve such comfort foods as a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with vegan cheese and bread.A Hot Dog or Vegan Hot Dog anda PB&J (peanut butter and jelly) combines allergy-free sunbutter with  jelly.

And the pastries include…

Don’t miss their Churros or Churros with chocolate sauce, Oatmeal Cream Pie, or their Brownie, Whoopie Pie, or Chocolate Sprinkle Cake Pop. All but the Oatmeal Cream Pie are vegan and gluten-free.

Student specials

Bring your current, valid student I.D. card for a $5 Student Meal, “because cozy comfort should always be affordable.”

Their student meal includes: a grilled cheese sandwich, tater tots, and a fresh lemonade. It’s available all day, every day…again, with a valid student ID.

Coffee, anyone?

Last but certainly not least are their delicious coffees and hot chocolates, seasonal and themed lattes, signature coffee and matcha flights (including flavors like maple forest and hazelnut), chaga, cold brew, and smoothies.

One way to sample their best is their four-cup FLIGHT- We Fell in Love in October. It’s four specialty coffees, including their Pumpkin Spice Latte, Maple Forest (maple syrup, cinnamon and cardamom), Cozy VP Chai Tea Latte (pumpkin chai tea with milk, cinnamon and vanilla), and their signature Cuddle Weather, their fall hot chocolate made with hazelnut and caramel.

What makes the difference? Gonzalez told Restaurant Business, “Our pumpkin is more of like a pumpkin from the garden type of pumpkin, not like a sweet candy pumpkin because ours actually has pumpkin in it, a pumpkin puree with spices and stuff.”

Their Matcha hasground green tea powder with milk. By contrast, their Blue Matcha isdecaffeinated, sweeter, and made with butterfly pea flower.

Another take on lattes are their VP Chai Tea Latte, withvanilla and pumpkin chai.

For something completely different, try a Chaga, a mushroom latte, mushroom matcha, or mushroom hot chocolate. Different! Try it!

Events

Throughout the year, they host events that celebrate togetherness and the cozy spirit of fall — no matter the season. From live acoustic nights and local art pop-ups to latte workshops and couples’ brunches, every gathering is designed to bring people closer and make the café feel like home. 

October Café is open every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago