I’m trying to downsize and I was looking in my basement, wondering what I can do with all the partially empty cans. I usually do well calculating how much paint I will need and don’t have too much leftover. However, I still have many cans to get rid of. A note: oil-based paint is considered a hazardous waste and needs to be taken to a special facility. Google the town you’re in and look for a hazardous waste disposal. Of course, don’t ever pour paint down the drain, storm sewer, or on the ground. It’s bad for the plumbing and will eventually end up in the ground water.

Latex paint can be safely disposed of three ways. First: use a paint hardener, available at hardware stores. It will harden the paint in 30 minutes and then it’s ready for disposal.  Second: add enough kitty litter or sawdust to absorb all the extra paint. Third: if the amount in the can is small, simply leave the lid off until the paint is completely dried. The idea here is to dry the paint out in some way. When done, place each can in a separate plastic bag, tie securely, and dispose. 

If you have usable amounts, consider giving it away. Most communities have freecycle.org listings; a site where you can look for and give away items. Craigslist works too, but be safe and meet in a public place (not at your home). Schools, drama clubs, and artists groups can often use leftover paint.  

There are a few ways to keep paint fresh for reuse by you or others. Always use a paint key to open paint lids, as screwdrivers can dent lids. Cover the top of the can with plastic wrap for a more airtight seal. Use a mallet to replace lids tightly. Date the can; paint does expire. Store in a cool, dry place off the floor. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Take yourself on a foodie tour with the Wicker Park and Old Polonia Neighborhood Food Tour! You’ll explore the past and present of the people, food, and architecture of these vibrant and changing neighborhoods. The Chicago Detours food tour means that beyond just eating, you are going to really learn. You’ll go inside a gorgeous Catholic church, walk by Gilded Age Mansions on “Beer Baron Row”, eat Polish food just like Grandma used to make, learn about Polish and Mexican immigration to Chicago, and taste food at top-rated establishments. Tickets are $49 and there are a variety of available dates. Click here to pick yours.

Lakeview: Relax and unwind at Kirkwood with Wine & Yoga on the patio! On Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 pm for just $10, you will be led through a Power Vinyasa and receive a free glass of wine. After the event, take advantage of specials like $5 glasses of wine, $20 bottles of wine, and 1/2 price salads. Find more information here.

Lincoln Park: The Lincoln Park Community Services Associate Board presents “Taste of Fall”! On September 20 from 6 to 11 pm at Moonlight Studios, you’ll have food and drink tastings, fun, games, dancing, and much more. Your favorite Chicago restaurants will be providing bites, you can sip on whiskey and beer samples, bid on one-of-a-kind silent auction packages, and dance to music provided by DJ Megan Taylor. This is an annual fall celebration and fundraiser! Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.

River North: It’s that time of year again! Bourbon Fest is here! On Tuesday September 17, Untitled Supper Club presents their 6th Annual Bourbon Fest. This bourbon tasting fest features over 60 bourbons brought in from across the country, paired with delicious bites by Executive Chef David Gebhardt. Guests will receive a commemorative tasting glass with their ticket. The event is from 6 to 9 pm and tickets are $30. Purchase your tickets here now!

Andersonville: Mark your calendars now for the 17th Annual Andersonville Arts Week + Fest! From September 19-22, you’ll experience multiple art forms, including visual, dance, theatre, music, kids/family, culinary, handmade, and literary. New this year is Andersonville Arts Fest- a street festival on September 21 and 22! Both Saturday and Sunday are from 10 am to 6 pm. It’s free to attend! In addition to amazing artwork, the festival features live music and great food from on-site and neighboring restaurants. There’s also fun art activities for kids, making this a full family-friendly event. Find more information about the festival hereand more information about Andersonville Arts Week here.

Evanston: Vintage Garage Chicago is Chicago’s vintage flea market! On Sunday, September 15, they’ll be having their Evanston Season Finale. Over 75 vendors will be selling home decor, vintage furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, vintage holiday items, and accessories. The market is located in a parking garage at 1800 Maple on the 5th floor. The Market is open from 10 am to 5 pm. It’s just $6 to attend and tickets can be purchased here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Most everyone has more tomatoes than they know what to do with now. We eat them everyday with cottage cheese, as a fresh mozzarella caprese salad, or just with salt and pepper. But when the counters are full, it’s time to preserve this awesome flavor for later in the year when the snow flies. Many people can tomatoes using a boiling water bath. This was safe when the acid count in our tomatoes was higher. Now some varieties have an acid count that is too low for this to be a safe method. It’s best to get all the info you can before taking on this method. Search the National Center for Home Food Preservation; they cover everything you need to know to can food safely.

I freeze,  as it is the easiest method for me. I can freeze 8-10 quarts that will get me through the winter. Use Ziploc quart size freezer bags. Wash the tomatoes, choosing ones with no bad spots. Make a small X with a sharp knife in the bottom of the tomato. Place in a large pot of simmering water. After a minute or two, you will see the skin loosen. Transfer to an ice water bath. Place a large colander in a large bowl and peel the tomatoes over the colander. The colander will hold the skins and stem ends as you peel and core; while saving any juice in the bowl below. Quarter the tomatoes and place in the bags. Don’t forget the extra juice! Fill the bags but leave a little space for expansion during freezing. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible.  This tomato bag is equivalent to a 29oz can of tomatoes.

Another easy way to preserve tomatoes is to freeze a homemade fresh sauce. Peel and core 6 large or 8 medium tomatoes and set aside. Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté a medium diced onion, about 1/2 a cup. When soft, add 4 chopped garlic cloves and cook till fragrant. Add the tomatoes, along with one teaspoon each red pepper flakes and oregano. Salt to taste. Fresh tomatoes will need a little more salt than canned. Simmer for 5 minutes. This sauce is delicious! Serve on pasta with meatballs or Italian sausage or on its own. Top with fresh grated parmesano Reggiano and serve with crusty bread. I freeze the sauce in 16 oz freezer containers. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO 

Lakeview: This year is the 15th Anniversary of the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts! On Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15, this incredible festival showcases over 150 juried artists featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. There are also live demonstrations, entertainment stages with live music, family activities, and a garden oasis. The festival is presented by the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce and is located along Broadway between Belmont and Hawthorne. There is a $5 suggested donation upon entrance. Hours are Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm (with additional hours for music, food, and drink tents until 10 pm) and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Find more information here.

Lincoln Park: Mark your calendars for Lincoln Park Uncorked: A Lincoln Avenue Wine Stroll! On September 26 from 6 to 9 pm, gather your group and stroll Lincoln Avenue between Diversey and Fullerton. Businesses will be transformed into pop-up tasting rooms with curated selections from Vin Chicago! You’ll taste some of the season’s best wines, paired with delicious small bites from a selection of Lincoln Park’s best restaurants. Get your tickets early- because this event is expected to sell out! Early Bird admission tickets are on sale now through August 25 for just $30. General admission tickets are $40 and go on sale on August 26. Find more information here!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Fall Dinner Crawl! On Tuesday September 17 from 6 to 9 pm, foodies around Chicagoland will taste small bites and signature appetizers from participating restaurants while exploring Wicker Park and Bucktown. The crawl is divided into two routes: Fork and Knife. The Fork route is comprised of Amaru, Dorian’s, Kizuki Ramen, Urbanbelly, Knead Pizza, Tricycle, and Club Lucky. The Knife route includes Caspian Kabab Fine Persian Cuisine, Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods, Antique Taco, Tous Les Jours, Smoke Daddy, Fatpour Tap Works, Pub Royale, and Caffe Gelato. Tickets are $35 a piece and can be purchased here.

Chicago Loop: For ONE DAY ONLY, connect the history of Chicago’s food and drink with the story of Bridgeport- a historically working class neighborhood. Big Shoulders is offering a Historic Bar and Food Bus Tour in Bridgeport on the 15th of September. This tour is normally only offered for private groups! It’s a 2.5 hour tour and you’ll visit three historic bars that are quintessential to Bridgeport history. You’ll try a variety of food, including an authentic Chinese bao, Lithuanian beer, a Polish cookie, and the “mother-in-law” sandwich–a South Side Chicago specialty. Highlights include the White Sox stadium, seeing the Chicago Stock Yard Gates, classic Chicago homes, street art and murals, a historic bakery, and much more. Tickets are $58 per person, plus an optional drink package. Advance reservations are required and can be made here.

Lincoln Square: Fall into Damen at Night: The Fall Edition! On Friday September 20 between 6 and 9 pm, the businesses along Damen between Leland and Ainslie will be open late! Enjoy exclusive specials, in-store designers, pop-up sidewalk vendors, live music, and much more. Find more information here!

Oak Park: Downtown Oak Park presents Oaktoberfest! This fantastic event is from 4 to 10 pm on Friday September 20 and from noon to 10 pm on Saturday September 21. Admission is free! You’ll enjoy a premier music lineup, delicious fall foods from local restaurants, specialty craft beers, and a Kids Root Beer Garden. On Friday, the live music line-up includes Emily Blue, The O’My’s, and !ESSO! Afrobeat. On Saturday, you’ll see The Rico Band, Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles, Patrick Sweany, Alanna Royale, and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. Come celebrate the changing of the seasons at this fun fall event! Click here for more info.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

The weather in Chicago is glorious right now! With daytime temps in the 70s and nighttime temps in the 60s, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a meal outside. Here’s some rooftops and patios you should check out! 

Andersonville:  Elixir Lounge and Replay Andersonville

The snazzy cocktail bar and energetic arcade bar share a 68-seat patio. Surrounded by lush planter boxes, umbrellas, and light-strung trees, this is a great place to enjoy a late summer cocktail.

Avondale: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

This giant patio seats over 100 people at communal tables. There’s a magnet wall to entertain the kiddos while you enjoy a cocktail! Try a Candied Jalapeño Margarita for $10 (or a pitcher for $40) or a Watermelon-Mint Daiquiri. Yum!

Bridgeport: The Duck Inn

This adorable patio is adorned with twinkle lights, huge umbrellas, and beautiful wooden furniture. It’s surrounded by a working vegetable garden too! You can bring your pups and enjoy tasty treats like Duck Wings, Crispy Soft Shell Crab, a Duck Fat Dog, and more.

Bucktown: Whirly Ball

Not only can you enjoy Whirlyball, bowling, and LaserTag; but you can also enjoy the incredible open-air patio on the second level. It features high-top seating, lounges, and communal fireplaces. Sip on a seasonal cocktail (Whirly Punch anyone?), grab a craft beer, and snack on bar bites. 

Edgewater: Pearl’s Southern Comfort

Pearl’s boasts the only rooftop bar in Edgewater! It seats up to 48 people and offers food, beer, and cocktails. Try some Crawfish Cheesecake or New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. The patio is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 10 pm, Fridays from 5 to 11 pm, Saturdays from 4 to 11 pm, and Sundays from 3 to 9 pm. 

Gold Coast: Eight Bar

Located downstairs from Maple & Ash, this patio seats 75 people. Enjoy lunch, brunch, happy-hour, and late night menus. The sidewalk space is surrounded by greenery; making it a gorgeous spot to enjoy food and drink. Get there for Golden Hour- Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 pm, snag oysters for $1 and classic cocktails (martinis, margaritas, and spritzes) for $8. 

Lakeview: Barcocina

With 4,000 square feet of space, this sun-soaked patio seats over 100 people at tables or sectional patio sofas. There’s also an outdoor bar, fire pits, and a flat-screen TV! If that’s not enough, the front sidewalk patio also seats 22 people. You can bring your pups too! Try a themed summer cocktail, like a Maui Wowie or a #SummertimeChi. 

Lincoln Park: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba

This is one of Chicago’s oldest outdoor spaces! It’s a large patio with seating for 70 and a sliding glass roof. Check out happy hour daily from 4 to 6 pm. Try Pinxtos (bite-sized tapas popular in Northern Spain) for just a dollar, tapas for $3.25 and under, and pitchers of sangria for $16. 

Logan Square: Park & Field

If it’s a chilly night, cozy up around the fire pits on this 6,000 square foot patio. A camper serves as an outdoor bar, there’s bocce courts, warm-baked cookies, DIY s’mores kits, and more! 

The Loop: Cindy’s 

Cindy’s is located atop the Chicago Athletic Club and has gorgeous views of Millennium Park and the lake!  You can enjoy both food and beverage menus, with cocktail offerings from Violet Hour alumni Nandini Khaund.  The space seats 75 people, with firepits, lights, greenery, multiple seating options, and indoor/outdoor options. 

Which patio will you be enjoying??

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO