What we’re about
Welcome to our fun and active group!
Whether you're new to Chicago or have lived here for a while, becoming a member of this group allows you to explore the Chicago area in ways that most residents may never experience. It’s like being a tourist in your own city as we uncover hidden gems and unique experiences.
This group is a sister to the original, "1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die," and we will be hosting many joint events together.
Our goal is to create a club filled with enjoyable events, giving you the chance to meet new people while participating in unique and diverse outings throughout Chicagoland. This is a year-round group, and winter won't slow us down!
The annual dues are $12 per member, but you get a 90-day free trial to see if you enjoy the group! If you choose to host an event, your annual dues will be waived. We are a highly active and social group with a wide range of activities throughout Chicago.
Most of our events take place in Chicago or nearby suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, and Park Ridge. All events are accessible via public transportation, which is why we primarily focus on Chicago.
Please note that we have a firm "three strikes" policy regarding no-shows. If you don't attend an event without updating your RSVP, you will receive a strike. After accumulating three strikes, you will be suspended from the group for three months. We aim to maintain fairness and fun for all our members.
If you have any questions about the group, suggestions for events, or would like to lead an outing, please let me know. Hosting an event allows you to waive your annual dues!
Please also check out & join our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1571684466442303
We also have an Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/1001thingstoseeinchicago/
Giovina Romandine
Organizer for Windy City Wanderers!
🏛️Architects of Eternity ⛪🗿: A Walk Through Graceland’s Artful Legacy 🕊️🏺
Graceland Cemetery in Chicago is more than just a burial ground; it's a testament to the art and architecture of a bygone era, featuring works by many notable architects and sculptors.
📅 Sunday, July 27, 2025
🕥 Meet at 10:30 AM sharp
📍 Graceland Cemetery Main Gate – 4001 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL
💵 $30 per person –paid at the start — (Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)
Special Guest Tour Guide: Many Crypt
Join us for a summer stroll through one of Chicago’s most beautiful and storied spaces—Graceland Cemetery, long known as the “Cemetery of Architects.” This private tour will focus on funerary architecture and sculpture, exploring how design, symbolism, and artistry combine in this peaceful landscape.
🌳 Graceland’s Design Legacy:
The cemetery owes its exceptional beauty to 19th-century landscape architects. Horace William Shaler Cleveland initiated its first unified plan in the 1870s, replacing curbs and fences with flowing lawns and natural contours. William Le Baron Jenney, better known for his skyscraper innovations, brought engineering expertise to the layout. Later, Ossian Simonds enhanced the grounds further with native plants and prairie-inspired landscaping—creating the tranquil, pastoral atmosphere that makes Graceland a hidden gem for architecture lovers and visitors alike.
🏛️ What You’ll See:
- Stunning mausoleums & sculpture by Louis Sullivan, Lorado Taft & more
- The Getty Tomb, Palmer Family Mausoleum & Burnham’s island grave
- Symbolism in tomb design & the history behind notable residents
- How art, nature, and memory are interwoven in this open-air museum
🎙️ Your Guide: Mandy Crypt
Chicago native Mandy Crypt has led history tours for over six years, partnering with Effing Chicago, Chicago for Chicagoans, and more.
Known for her lively storytelling and curiosity about the obscure, she specializes in women’s history, queer history, Victoriana, and the strange and unusual. Learn more: facebook.com/MandyCrypt
👣 This is a 1.5-mile walking tour on cemetery paths. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
📍 Meet at the Main Gate (4001 N. Clark St) at 10:30 AM
💵 $30 – Pay in cash, Zelle, or Venmo at check-in (please bring exact change if using cash)
🚇 Easily accessible by CTA (#22 Clark bus, #80 Irving Park bus, Sheridan Red Line)
🚗 Street parking available on Clark & side streets
🍽️ Optional lunch at a nearby spot after the tour — all are welcome!
📸 Bring your camera—this tour offers plenty of striking photo ops.
🙌 Please RSVP responsibly and do not be a no-show—this is a private, prepaid tour.
🔗 More info on our partners:
- Mandy Cyrpt: https://www.mandycrypt.com/
- Effing Chicago: effingchicago.com
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 🎤 Tuesdays on the Terrace at MCA – Featuring Rotary Connection 222 🎷Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
🎷 It’s Back! Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA 🎶
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22 | 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago – 220 E Chicago AveOne of Chicago’s favorite FREE summer traditions returns—live jazz in the MCA’s stunning sculpture garden every Tuesday evening! 🏙️
We’ve been attending for years and it never disappoints—relaxed vibes, amazing local jazz, and a perfect way to spend a warm summer night under the skyline. 🎺 Bring a blanket, grab a seat, and take in the music!✨ Admission is FREE – But there are TWO separate ticket registrations!
🎟️ 1. MCA Museum Entry (FREE for IL residents after 5 PM)
Reserve here: https://experience.mcachicago.org/6435/6488
✅ Select Tuesday, 7/22 and check “IL Resident After 5PM” to get free tickets.
🎟️ 2. Tuesdays on the Terrace Fast Pass (for priority access to garden seating)
Grab your free Fast Pass here: https://experience.mcachicago.org/7222/7227
⚠️ Fast Passes go fast! If unavailable, walk-ins are still welcome, space permitting.🎤 7/22 LIVE MUSIC: Rotary Connection 222 – The Stepney Sisters Tribute to Charles Stepney
These powerhouse sisters bring the legendary producer’s music to life. Following a Millennium Park debut, they're now recording an album and expanding their live presence.🎶 Hosted by Al Carter-Bey (WDCB 90.9FM) & Richton Guy Thomas (WHPK 88.5FM)
⏰ Music: 5:30–8:00 PM🪑 First-come, first-served seating. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for the grassy area!
🥂 Food & drink available for purchase (no outside food/drink allowed)
🖼️ Galleries open until 9 PM—perfect for browsing during intermission!
⚠️ In case of rain, the concert will be canceled (check announcements by 2 PM)🎨 Learn more: https://mcachicago.org/Programs/Music/Tuesdays-On-The-Terrace
🌐 Performer info: https://visit.mcachicago.org/events/tuesdays-on-the-terrace-rotary-connection-222/🚇 Accessible by CTA Red Line and multiple buses
🚗 Limited street parking – consider SpotHero or ParkWhiz🙋♀️ Let’s make this a tradition again!
Please RSVP responsibly and keep your status updated. Walk-ins welcome but seating is limited.
- 🔥 Blues Under the Stars! Live Show @ Historic Chess Records with Joe Pratt🎸🎶Chess Records, Chicago, IL
🔥 Blues Under the Stars! Live Show @ Historic Chess Records🎸🎶
Let’s head back to the Willie Dixon Blues Garden for a fun night of free live blues music—a summer favorite! This time, we’ll catch the amazing Joe Pratt & Source One Band featuring New Orleans Beau, performing live next to the legendary Chess Records Studio, now home to the Blues Heaven Foundation.
🗓 Thursday, July 24, 2025
🕕 Meet at 6:00 PM | 🎵 Music: 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Blues Heaven Foundation Garden – 2120 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
🎟 FREE EVENT
***
### Tentative Plan:- 6:00 PM – Meet & greet in the garden and grab seats (limited seating available, feel free to bring a lawn chair)
- 6:00–7:30 PM – Blues concert under the summer sky 🎸🎤
- 7:30 PM – Walk to a nearby spot for bites & cocktails (Fatpour, Williams Pizza, Jerk Villa, etc.)
- 7:40–9:15 PM – Dinner & socializing
***
### 🎷 About the Performer:
Joe Pratt & The Source One Band bring soul, funk, R&B, and blues to life in an electrifying performance. With a rich history of collaborating with legends, their shows are dynamic, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing every time.
***
### 🎶 About the Venue:
The Blues Heaven Foundation, founded by Willie Dixon, preserves the legacy of blues music and supports musicians’ rights. The venue is in the historic Chess Records building, once home to blues icons like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry.🕰 Note: The museum closes at 4 PM. Last tour is at 3 PM—come early if you want to explore!
🌐 Blues Heaven Foundation Website
🎶 Record Row Concert Series Info
📸 Facebook Page
***
### 🍽️ After-Show Food & Drinks (Options Nearby):- Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick (2206 S. Indiana)
- Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar (2210 S. Michigan)
- Jerk Villa Bar & Grill (2216 S. Michigan)
- Pizano’s Pizza (2106 S. Michigan)
- Il Culacino (2134 S. Indiana)
***
### 🚇 Transit & Parking:- CTA: Accessible via Red or Green Line + buses #1, #3, #4, #29
- CTA Trip Planner
- Metered street parking & garages nearby
***
### ❗No-Show Policy Reminder:
🚫 3 no-shows without updates = 3-month RSVP suspension
⏰ Cut-off time to update is start time of the event
📩 If late, message the host directly
📍 Be sure to check in with the host on arrival
***
🎤 Bring your good vibes, maybe your own chair, and get ready for another unforgettable night of blues in one of the most historic music spots in the city! - NEW DATE! 🌊 ☀️South Side Vibes: 12th to 31st Beach Walk & Dinner at Pier 31 🍹12th Street Beach, Chicago, IL
🌊☀️ RESCHEDULED! South Side Vibes: 12th to 31st Beach Walk & Dinner at Pier 31 🍹 – Now Friday 7/25/25 at 3 PM - DUE TO WEATHER
Join us for a late Friday afternoon walk along Chicago’s beautiful Lakefront Trail! We’ll start at 12th Street Beach by the Adler Planetarium and follow the scenic lakeshore to 31st Street Beach, then relax with a late lunch or early dinner at Pier 31 Restaurant.
This is a weather-dependent event — we’ll confirm if the forecast looks good!
***
### 🚶♀️ About the Walk- Distance: ~2.3 miles along the paved Lakefront Trail
- Route: 12th Street Beach (1200 S. Linn White Drive) to 31st Street Beach (3100 S. Lake Shore Dr)
- Restaurant: Pier 31 is at 3101 S. Lake Shore Drive
> ⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is a one-way walk. We will not end where we start!
>
> * If you drive to 12th Street Beach, you’ll need to walk back or take the bus.
> * Consider parking near the middle or at the end.
> * From the end point (Bridgeport area), you can take the 35th Street bus to the Red Line near Sox Park—very easy.
***
### 🌆 Highlights Along the Route
We’ll see or stop at:
✅ 12th Street Beach
✅ Adler Planetarium views
✅ Northerly Island
✅ McCormick Place
✅ Gold Star Families Memorial and Park
✅ Chicago Firefighter and Paramedic Memorial
✅ McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary
✅ Caracol - A Gathering Space
✅ Margaret T. Burroughs Beach & Park (31st Street Beach)
✅ Pier 31 Restaurant
***
### 🍴 After the Walk
Some of us will grab a bite and drinks at Pier 31 Restaurant (3101 S. Lake Shore Drive). It’s casual, scenic, and right by the beach! They have live music or DJ many nights too so we may catch some of the entertainment!
Menu info: Pier 31
***
### 📌 What to Bring
✅ Water
✅ Sunscreen
✅ Hand sanitizer
✅ Good walking shoes
✅ Summer-appropriate clothes
🚻 Restrooms: Public beach/bathroom facilities may be limited or seasonal—please plan ahead.
***
### 📍 Transportation & Parking- 🚗 Limited street parking at 12th Street Beach. Soldier Field lots nearby (expensive—try SpotHero or ParkWhiz).
- 🚇 CTA-friendly: Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner.
- 🚌 Easy bus connections from 31st Street Beach back north.
✅ Chicago Park District Trail info: Lakefront Trail Details
***
### ⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy
Please update your RSVP if your plans change!
✅ You have until the start time to update your RSVP.
✅ If you arrive late, message the event host directly.
✅ Members with 3 no-shows (without updating RSVP) will be removed from future signups for 3 months.
***
Ready for lake breezes, skyline views, and a fun end-of-week vibe? Come stroll with us along the best of Chicago’s lakefront and discover the beauty of our southern beaches.RSVP now—let’s make it a summer Friday to remember! 🌊☀️
- 🌸🍹 Blooms & Brews: Ravenswood Garden Crawl 🌿✨ (NEW TIME!)RNA Info Tent at Sunnyside & Ravenswood (west side of Metra tracks), Chicago, IL
NEW MEET TIME OF 10 am instead of 10:45 am!
🌸🍹 Blooms & Brews: Ravenswood Garden Crawl 🌿✨
4th annual Ravenswood Garden Crawl & Happy Hour!
We love our garden walks! 🌼✨ Let’s wander Ravenswood’s charming neighborhood on a self-guided garden walk through hidden gems, community gardens, and green spaces. Enjoy tons of guided tours, workshops, and special events along the way!
Come soak in the summer blooms, meet neighbors, and support this fantastic Chicago tradition.
***
🗓 Saturday, July 26, 2025
🕙 10:45 AM – 4:30 PM
💵 $10 donation for guidebook & map (supports RNA)
📍 Meet at: RNA Info Tent at Sunnyside & Ravenswood (west side of Metra tracks)
***
✨ What’s New This Year?
🌸 Mini Market featuring fresh flowers, local honey, wildflower seeds (while supplies last), and raffle prizes!
***
🌼 Event Highlights:
✅ 30+ lush residential & community gardens to explore
🎨 Live art creation by local visual artists
🎶 Music by neighborhood performers
🌱 “Ask-the-Master-Gardener” table for expert plant advice
🍻 Happy Hour at Dovetail Brewery with live music
***
🎯 Tentative Itinerary for Our Group:🕘 10 AM – Meet at RNA Info Tent & pick up guidebook
🕙 10 AM–2 PM – Self-guided tour (official map included!) + optional guided tours:
🌳 11 AM – Tree Canopy Tour (optional)
🐝 1 PM – Intro to Beekeeping with The Hive Supply Company (optional)
🌱 2 PM – Montrose Metra Community Garden Tour (ends at Dovetail) **
🍻 3–4:30 PM – Happy Hour at Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W Belle Plaine, with live music **
**-These last 2 items I will have to miss as I need to leave at 2:30 pm, but all are still welcome to stay later if they wish to check these out!
***
🍽️ Optional Post-Walk Eats:
✅ Dovetail Brewery – 1800 W Belle Plaine
✅ Indian Clay Pot – 1800 W Irving Park Rd
✅ I-Cafe – 1814 W Irving Park Rd
***
🌿 Mini Market Goodies:
🛍️ Fresh flowers, local honey, wildflower seeds, raffle prizes
***
🗺️ More Tours & Workshops All Day:
✅ 9 AM – Learn to Bird Tour (Chicago Bird Alliance)
✅ 10 AM – Native Gardens Tour
✅ 11 AM – Tree Canopy Tour
✅ 12 PM – Container Gardening Demo
✅ 12:30 PM – Children’s Book Reading & Craft
***
🛑 Please Note Our No-Show Policy:
❗ 3 no-shows without updating = 3-month RSVP freeze
✅ Cutoff to update RSVP = event start time
✅ Running late? Message your host directly
✅ Always check in when you arrive
***
🌿✨ Bring your curiosity, a sun hat, and a friend—let’s make it a beautiful day in Ravenswood together! 🌻🌱
— Giovina 🌿💛
