Rose Phillips City Guide
will be your go to segment to see what’s trending in Chicago. This week we will be getting glammed up for a night out in the city. I’ll be showing you where I go to get a blow out, the perfect eyebrows and a fabulous cocktail dress.
5 Unique Date Ideas Around Chicago
Right about this time of year, spring fever sets in. We’re so close to summer, but it’s still too chilly to enjoy all of the outdoor activities Chicago has to offer, and you’re tired of curling up inside and watching movies like you have been all winter. It’s the perfect time to try some fun new date ideas! Get out of the winter rut and play some arcade games, learn to cook, and more. You’ll be having so much fun the warm weather will be here before you know it.
1) Bottle and Bottega (bottleandbottega.com/) :
(PHOTO Bottle & Bodega) Described as, “one part artistic adventure and one part cocktail party” Bottle and Bottega offers an art party featuring wine and a canvas. This is the perfect opportunity to show off your artistic skills to your date. The atmosphere is engaging and fun, which will make this date memorable.
2) Headquarters Beercade (hqbeercade.com/lakeview/):
(PHOTO Headquarters Beercade) This vintage arcade bar gives you and your date a chance ot let out your inner kid. With over 40 vintage arcade games and an impressive list of beverages, this will be a truly exciting date.
By Rebecca Holland
Father and Son Activities Chicago
Whether you and your son (or your dad!) are jokesters, outdoor enthusiasts, or foodies, there’s one thing everyone can agree on–nothing beats spending quality time together. These activities around Chicago are great bonding opportunities no matter what kind of activities you’re into.
By Rebecca Holland
Laugh Together at The Second City
With alumni like Tina Fey, Chris Farley, Bill Murray, Steve Carrell, and Mike Meyers, it's easy to see how The Second City has grown to become today’s leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy. While today the enterprise has an international following, several TV programs, and multiple training center locations, the original theatre at 1616 North Wells St. in Chicago is still a hot-spot for rising talent in improv comedy - and an excellent place to spend time with pop.
Golf Together with Chicago Park District Golf
Golf is the quintessential male bonding experience, and with eight unique courses across the city to choose from, booking a tee time in Chicago has never been easier. Chicago Park District Golf includes eight golf properties that include traditional courses with beautiful views of Lake Michigan, Montrose Harbor, and the city skyline. You’ll also find their properties include driving ranges, mini-golf, and a junior league program for a golfer in training.
Get Lost in a New Neighborhood–Andersonville
Happy accidents! They seem to happen quite naturally when we're in an open and exploratory mode. Such was the case when I participated in a neighborhood tour of Andersonville. Have you ever spent time in this wonderful Chicago neighborhood? So many historical, cultural, and delectable gems! Here are some of my favorites:
By Mu-Hsien Lee
1 - George's Ice Cream • 5306 N. Clark
Delicious icecream/candy/cafe with
specialty flavors like Zanzibar chocolae & horchata.
I had my eye on this ice cream shop for my first stop. I decided to try out two exotics and two classics, and ended up with a flight of Zanzibar chocolate, horchata, mint chocolate chip and caramel chaos. In warmer months, you can enjoy an intimate hidden patio that opens up to a comic book shop. "How quaint in the middle of the city," I thought to myself. Needless to say I devoured the ice cream.
2 - Simon's Tavern • 5210 N. Clark
yelp.com/biz/simons-tavern-chicago
A historic neighborhood bar from the prohibition days,
known for their Swedish Glögg
After a bit of a walk in I was thirsty, so a bar seemed like the appropriate place to check out next. The owner greeted me and as I grabbed a seat at the bar, I asked him what they were known for. He told me about Glögg, which is a traditional Swedish Christmas spiced-wine. I ended up staying at this bar for a while, and I learned that it has a lot of interesting history as to why there are nautical details in the interiors. You'll have to ask Scott Martin, the current owner about it! Also, for any Anthony Bourdain fans, this bar was featured in his 48 Hours in Chicago Guide.
Chicago’s Best Spa Services for Men
From facials to soothing massages, Chicago’s best spas aren’t just catering to women anymore. In fact, some of them specialize only in treatments for men.
By Kelly Daly
Sir Spa
Sir Spa bills itself as the "ultimate Chicago salon for men," and with their wide array of services it's easy to see why. From detoxifying mud wraps to hot lather shaves, a neck and shoulder focused massage to a men's skin assessment, they have men covered from head to toe (literally). They're best known for their signature “sir scrub” body treatment, which involves the application of lavender and mint salt scrub (which smells refreshing but not at all girly) in order to create healthier and smoother looking skin.
Wax Man Spa & Salon
For men who are looking to find an exceptional esthetician, Wax Man is the place to go. Offering more than 30 waxing combinations in addition to a variety of “manscaping” options, Wax Man provides extensive services and guarantees an experience that is “free from awkwardness,” for men and women alike.
Chicago’s Springtime Wellness Events
Spring is coming and Chicagoans are more than ready to get out and about without layers of clothing, heavy boots, gloves and winter hats. It’s always a celebration here in the “windy city” when the weather turns warmer. Spring signals new growth and new beginnings. In honor of this feeling of impending renewal, I’ve gathered a few events coming up that are sure to awaken desire, motivation and appreciation. Hope you can check them out!
By Sarah Baker
Mom and Baby Yoga Workshop: March 3 -
New moms can practice yoga while engaging with, and holding, their baby. This workshop is designed to help the body and mind recover from the birthing experience as well as the goal of feeling open, connected and feeling your best. Join other supportive and nurturing mothers in a flexible environment (don’t worry if you need to breastfeed, change diapers or leave early) because you know how unpredictable babies can be! The last half hour of class is dedicated to a question/answer session and is also a great opportunity for moms to get to know each other. For more details: Tejas
Macy’s Flower Show: March 20 -
Every year, Macy’s officially kicks off the spring season with its annual flower show. Macy’s Chicago will hold this year’s event beginning March 20 through April 3. Featuring workshops, display gardens, healthy cooking demos and classes, bouquets of the day, celebrity appearances and fashion shows, the Macy’s State Street event is free to the public. Join in the celebration as they commemorate this year’s theme “America the Beautiful”. Visit their website for all the special events lined up: Macy's Flower Show
BeHealthful Retreat Luxe Edition at Four Seasons Chicago: April 1 - 3 -
The BeHealthful Retreat is back with an intimate and luxe weekend retreat experience. Join this special group for a positive, empowering, yet healing weekend with one-on-one attention. With two days of intimate breakout sessions, classes and meditations, including lakeview room accommodations and chef prepared meals, a beauty break room with spa/beauty treatments and consults, as well as a 21-day mind-body cleanse program to take home, you will come away ready to create exceptional change! (A limited number of day passes are also available.) Get the details at: Luxury Wellness Retreat
(http://www.sarahnicolebaker.com/#!luxury-wellness-retreat/hn8x8)
