Oct 31

Oct 31 6 Cozy Spots Around Chicago

Colder weather calls for cozy get togethers. If there’s one thing Chicago knows how to do well (other than take advantage of summer), it’s survive winter and the colder months. We’re a social city! We like going out for brunch and meeting friends for a cocktail after work. Five months of bitter cold won’t keep us hibernating...well, not the entire time at least. We can appreciate a good occasional hibernation. For those colder months when the tips of your fingers start to turn blue and your nose goes numb, the cozier spot to meet up, the better. Cozy, by definition, means “enjoying or affording warmth and ease.” In my words, that translates to a fireplace, casual and/or comfortable seating arrangements like couches or comfy chairs, and a warm drink with alcohol optional…

Oct 30

Oct 30 How to Spend A Day In The Fort Worth Stockyards

Christine Rosko

Travel

The Fort Worth Stockyards offers a rare glimpse into the Wild West circa 1880. Old railroad tracks are everywhere, brick roads are not uncommon, and the spirit of old Texas is alive and well. There’s a sense of local pride in the stockyards, probably because they are still used today for their original purpose back in 1866. Fort Worth became known as Cowtown in the mid to late 1800s. It was the last town cattle were brought through before hitting the railroads for transportation. Later, meatpacking facilities moved to the Fort Worth area with the expansion of the railroad and a space for selling cattle was created. The business nearly died with the railroads but the city has created an organization to preserve the history of the Stockyards. This has created a unique and immersive experience into the world of Fort Worth during the height of its success…

Oct 25

Oct 25 5 Places For a Quick Fall Getaway

Christine Rosko

Travel

Before diving head first into the holiday season, plan a quick getaway to relax and enjoy the final weeks of the season. It seems that most of the US had a somewhat late summer this year which means the fall leaves are appearing and sticking around later than usual. Thanksgiving is a month away and it starts the insanity that is the holiday season, but not if you start preparing now! In the meantime, give yourself a break by taking a quick trip away from everyday life. These five destinations have a mix of warmer and colder fall weather but each is a strong contender in its own right. From New England to California, whether you have a regular weekend or a long weekend, these are worth a fall getaway…