Fodor's Chicago


Book Description

Fodor's correspondents highlight the best of Chicago, including architectural tours, happening music venues, and top pizza joints and steak houses. Our local experts vet every recommendation to ensure you make the most of your time, whether it’s your first trip or your fifth. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS from the Loop to Lincoln Park PERFECT HOTELS for every budget BEST RESTAURANTS to satisfy a range of tastes GORGEOUS FEATURES on the Field Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright VALUABLE TIPS on when to go and ways to save INSIDER PERSPECTIVE from local experts COLOR PHOTOS AND MAPS to inspire and guide your trip




Never a City So Real


Book Description

“Chicago is a tale of two cities,” headlines declare. This narrative has been gaining steam alongside reports of growing economic divisions and diverging outlooks on the future of the city. Yet to keen observers of the Second City, this is nothing new. Those who truly know Chicago know that for decades—even centuries—the city has been defined by duality, possibly since the Great Fire scorched a visible line between the rubble and the saved. For writers like Alex Kotlowitz, the contradictions are what make Chicago. And it is these contradictions that form the heart of Never a City So Real. The book is a tour of the people of Chicago, those who have been Kotlowitz’s guide into this city’s – and by inference, this country’s – heart. Chicago, after all, is America’s city. Kotlowitz introduces us to the owner of a West Side soul food restaurant who believes in second chances, a steelworker turned history teacher, the “Diego Rivera of the projects,” and the lawyers and defendants who populate Chicago’s Criminal Courts Building. These empathic, intimate stories chronicle the city’s soul, its lifeblood. This new edition features a new afterword from the author, which examines the state of the city today as seen from the double-paned windows of a pawnshop. Ultimately, Never a City So Real is a love letter to Chicago, a place that Kotlowitz describes as “a place that can tie me up in knots but a place that has been my muse, my friend, my joy.”




100 Things to Do in Chicago Before You Die


Book Description

Soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and improv comedy may be what the city is best known for, but they are only the beginning of Chicago’s story. It could take a lifetime to experience everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. But what if you only have a few days to explore? You're in luck! The one hundred adventures in this candid insider’s guide promise an authentic taste of the Windy City whether you’re taking a weekend-sized bite or sticking around for the buffet of a lifetime. You’ll find seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning your explorations easier. Discover which blues club locals swear by, pay a visit to a quiet green space hidden in plain sight, or dig in to an ice cream cone piled high with five different flavors! If you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re lucky enough to call Chicago home, these one hundred iconic experiences should top your to-do list. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, as you cross off each item, you’re certain to learn something new and have fun in the process.




Vibration Cooking


Book Description

Vibration Cooking was first published in 1970, not long after the term “soul food” gained common use. While critics were quick to categorize her as a proponent of soul food, Smart-Grosvenor wanted to keep the discussion of her cookbook/memoir focused on its message of food as a source of pride and validation of black womanhood and black “consciousness raising.” In 1959, at the age of nineteen, Smart-Grosvenor sailed to Europe, “where the bohemians lived and let live.” Among the cosmopolites of radical Paris, the Gullah girl from the South Carolina low country quickly realized that the most universal lingua franca is a well-cooked meal. As she recounts a cool cat’s nine lives as chanter, dancer, costume designer, and member of the Sun Ra Solar-Myth Arkestra, Smart-Grosvenor introduces us to a rich cast of characters. We meet Estella Smart, Vertamae’s grandmother and connoisseur of mountain oysters; Uncle Costen, who lived to be 112 and knew how to make Harriet Tubman Ragout; and Archie Shepp, responsible for Collard Greens à la Shepp, to name a few. She also tells us how poundcake got her a marriage proposal (she didn’t accept) and how she perfected omelettes in Paris, enchiladas in New Mexico, biscuits in Mississippi, and feijoida in Brazil. “When I cook, I never measure or weigh anything,” writes Smart-Grosvenor. “I cook by vibration.” This edition features a foreword by Psyche Williams-Forson placing the book in historical context and discussing Smart-Grosvenor’s approach to food and culture. A new preface by the author details how she came to write Vibration Cooking.




Illinois 2021 Rules of the Road


Book Description

Illinois 2021 Rules of the Road handbook, drive safe!




Chicago, Illinois Travel Guide 2023


Book Description

Discover the vibrant heart of the Windy City without draining your wallet! In "Exploring Chicago on a Budget: A Thrifty Traveler's Guide," embark on an unforgettable journey through Chicago, Illinois, where the allure of world-class architecture, rich history, and diverse culture comes alive, even on a super cheap budget.Step into the bustling streets of Chicago and experience the excitement that this iconic city has to offer. From the stunning Millennium Park to the historic Wrigley Field, from the vibrant neighborhoods to the picturesque Lakefront Trail, this guide will take you on an adventure through Chicago's most cherished landmarks. And the best part? You won't have to compromise on the richness of your experience. Unveil the art of budget travel with insights, tips, and strategies that empower you to make the most of your Chicago adventure without overspending. Engage with local life, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture, all while staying within your budget. The benefits of budget travel are numerous: connect with locals, explore beyond tourist traps, and find eco-friendly and sustainable ways to navigate the city. Inside this comprehensive guide, you'll find: Practical advice on scoring affordable transportation, including tips for finding the best flight deals and navigating public transportation options. Insider tips on securing budget-friendly accommodations, whether you're seeking cozy hostels, unique homestays, or alternative lodging experiences. A delectable journey through Chicago's culinary scene, from iconic street food delights to hidden local gems and farmers' markets. An extensive list of free and low-cost attractions, allowing you to explore the city's parks, beaches, cultural sites, and more without straining your budget. Art, culture, and entertainment on a shoestring, including recommendations for free museum days, budget-friendly galleries, and enjoying live performances. Thrifty ways to make the most of Chicago's waterfront, whether you're taking affordable lake cruises, indulging in water sports, or simply relaxing on the beach. Unique budget-friendly neighborhood explorations that provide a glimpse into the city's diverse districts, markets, and local culture. Insightful tips on experiencing Chicago's nightlife, catching budget-friendly shows, and discovering entertainment venues that won't break the bank. Day trips beyond the city for the adventurous traveler, from nature retreats and hiking trails to historic sites and nearby towns. Strategies for saving on souvenirs, supporting local artisans, and capturing your Chicago memories affordably. Practical advice on staying connected during your journey, finding free Wi-Fi hotspots, and ensuring your safety and well-being. A thoughtful exploration of sustainable budget travel practices, leaving no trace, and giving back to the communities you visit. "Exploring Chicago on a Budget: A Thrifty Traveler's Guide" is your ultimate companion for unlocking the magic of Chicago without compromising on the value of your experiences. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a budget-conscious family, this guide will empower you to navigate Chicago's wonders with resourcefulness, creativity, and an eagerness for authentic adventure. Get ready to embrace the spirit of budget travel and create memories that will last a lifetime in the enchanting city of Chicago. Discover a wealth of opportunities to explore, savor, and engage-all while enjoying tourism on a super cheap budget




Chinese in Chicago, 1870-1945


Book Description

The first wave of Chinese immigrants came to Chicagoland in the 1870s, after the transcontinental railway connected the Pacific Coast to Chicago. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act prevented working-class Chinese from entering the U.S., except men who could prove they were American citizens. For more than 60 years, many Chinese immigrants had acquired documents helping to prove that they were born in America or had a parent who was a citizen. The men who bore these false identities were called "paper sons." A second wave of Chinese immigrants arrived after the repeal of the Act in 1943, seeking economic opportunity and to be reunited with their families.




Oddball Illinois


Book Description

In this updated edition, it's plain to see that the state of Illinois has only gotten weirder. Where there was once just a single Popeye statue in downstate Chester, today the town has monuments to Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea, Bluto, the Sea Hag, and more. The creepy Piasa Bird petroglyph on the bluff in Alton now has a roadside pullout with picnic tables, and the two-story outhouse in Gays has a new contemplative garden. With almost twice as many destinations as its predecessor, this edition boasts detailed information on each site—address, phone number, website, hours, entry fees, and driving directions—as well as maps, photos, and a wealth of regional history in the descriptions. Some new sites include Henry's Rabbit Ranch, the World's First Jungle Gym, Ahlgrim Acres (a miniature golf course at a funeral home), the Leather Archives and Museum, General Santa Ana's two wooden legs, the World's Largest Sock Monkey, the Friendship Shoe Fence, a truck stop with a marionette show, and a coin-operated fire-breathing dragon. There is more between Chicago and St. Louis than cornfields and plenty of fascinating places in the Windy City that aren't on Michigan Avenue, and here is a chance to see these underappreciated sites throughout the state.




The Negro Motorist Green Book


Book Description

The Negro Motorist Green Book was a groundbreaking guide that provided African American travelers with crucial information on safe places to stay, eat, and visit during the era of segregation in the United States. This essential resource, originally published from 1936 to 1966, offered a lifeline to black motorists navigating a deeply divided nation, helping them avoid the dangers and indignities of racism on the road. More than just a travel guide, The Negro Motorist Green Book stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and resistance in the face of oppression, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the African American experience in the 20th century.




Roadtrippers Route 66


Book Description

This guide to road-tripping along Route 66 presents the highway's very best stops--and it's the only guidebook with a fully integrated app.