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!
Do you love soul, R&B, and the smooth sounds of legends like Al Green and The O’Jays? Then this is the show for you! Let’s see the iconic Al Green and The O’Jays live at Ravinia! We’ll sit on the lawn and turn it into a party — bring your chairs, blankets, food, and wine. We’ll picnic under the stars and groove the night away to timeless hits! These shows tend to sell out quickly, so I recommend grabbing your tickets soon — you don’t want to miss this unforgettable night of music and memories!
**Tickets are $57 for GENERAL ADMISSION LAWN SEATS + service fee. You can also rent a chair and/or table if you do not want to lug one from home. Chairs are $10 and tables are $12.Just add before checkout. I already rented 1 table, so maybe we only need 1 more table? Go here to purchase a ticket, Pick SATURDAY 6/28/25, GENERAL ADMISION LAWN
"Al Green with special guest The O’Jays"
https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/al-green#showing_81
REMEMBER, BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT, YOU CAN ADD A CHAIR AND/OR A TABLE SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LUG ONE ALONG ON THE TRAIN!
ALSO KEEP IN MIND THERE IS A $24 SERVICE PROCESSING FEE, BUT IT IS FOR THE WHOLE CART, SO IF YOU ARE ATTENDING MORE THAN ONE SHOW, IT IS STILL $24! OR SEE IF YOU WANT TO BUY TICKETS WITH OTHER MEMBERS TO SAVE FEES! ALSO, YOU CAN GO TO THE HIGHLAND PARK BOX OFFICE FOR NO FEES!
We are doing the following shows this season at Ravinia, so click on the links below to sign up for those shows as well:
- 6/6/25 An Evening with Heart https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492148/
- 6/28/25 Al Green with special guest The O'Jays https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492430/
- 7/5/25 Chicago with special guest Stevie McVie https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492244/
- 8/7/25 Earth Wind & Fire https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492561/
- 8/21/25 Lenny Kravitz https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492834/
All of these are posted on Meetup, so sign up for one or all of them! Best to purchase all at once to save fees if attending several shows! It will be a fun summer!
Please try to come early so it is to meet at the front & sit together. I will post my location once I arrive. I plan to arrive at 5 pm when the gates open!
If you drive, it is $25 for parking. For bigger shows, they may send you to satellite lots, so I strongly suggest coming early if you can! Otherwise, you will have to wait for shuttle buses to bring you to the venue. Can also park at the Highland Park Metra station after 4 pm for free & shuttle over. More details here:
https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#train
I will most likely take the Metra. You will need to take the Union Pacific North line. You can get on at Chicago OTC, Clybourn, Ravenswood etc. If you want to ride the Metra with me, meet me at the Ravenswood station, or if you get on before me, then we can meet on the train. Once it gets closer, we can coordinate train time as the summer schedule is not out yet! The train stops at Ravinia’s Tyler Gate (“Ravinia Park” stop)*.
The nearby “Braeside” stop is only a quarter-mile walk from Ravinia. For more info go here
https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#train
PLEASE, BRING FOOD OR DRINKS TO SHARE. WE DO THIS PICNIC POTLUCK STYLE SO ALL MUST BRING SOMETHING! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT AS TO WHAT YOU WILL BRING! I WILL RENT A TABLE, BUT BRING A TABLE IF YOU CAN, SO WE CAN SET UP EVERYTHING!
Al Green is a legendary American soul singer, songwriter, and pastor, best known for his smooth vocals, emotionally rich delivery, and timeless love songs. Rising to fame in the early 1970s, Green became one of the defining voices of Southern soul, blending gospel, R&B, and pop into a deeply expressive and sensual sound. His most iconic hits—such as “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” and “Love and Happiness”—cemented his place in music history as the “Prince of Soul.”
Born in Arkansas in 1946 and raised in Michigan, Green began performing with his brothers in a gospel group before transitioning to secular music. His career took off after teaming up with producer Willie Mitchell at Hi Records in Memphis, where he developed his signature sound. By the mid-1970s, after a string of chart-topping successes, Green experienced a spiritual awakening and shifted his focus toward gospel music, eventually becoming an ordained pastor and founding the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis.
Despite this change, Green continued to record and perform both sacred and secular music, and his influence spans generations of artists across genres. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and remains one of the most celebrated soul artists of all time. His voice, often described as both tender and electrifying, continues to captivate listeners with its unique blend of passion, vulnerability, and grace.
https://www.al-green.com/
Ravinia Festival is an outdoor music venue in Highland Park, Illinois. It hosts a series of outdoor concerts and performances every summer from June to September. The first orchestra to perform at Ravinia Festival was the New York Philharmonic under Walter Damrosch on June 17, 1905. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) since 1936. Located in the Ravinia neighborhood, the venue operates on the grounds of the 36-acre (15 ha) Ravinia Park, with a variety of outdoor and indoor performing arts facilities, including the architectural prairie style Martin Theater. The Ravinia Festival attracts about 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres from classical music to jazz to music theater over each three-month summer season.
https://ravinia.org/
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use the Metra trip planner. https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules/train-lines/UP-N
If you drive, see the info I gave above on parking, or check Ravinia's website
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Special Tour of the Monastery of the Holy Cross in BridgeportMonastery of the Holy Cross , Chicago, IL
This is the final church tour of the season as we transition into outdoor walking activities! Join us for an exclusive private tour of the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Bridgeport, led by a knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and insights that bring this beautiful landmark on the south side to life. Join us for a unique journey through faith and community!
The Monastery of the Holy Cross, formerly known as the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, is a prominent example of high German Gothic Revival architecture with historical connections to Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Established in 1908 as a German "national parish," Immaculate Conception served a diverse immigrant community until 1990. The church has remained largely intact, with minimal alterations to the original sanctuary, and a monastic choir has been added to the nave. Since 1991, it has operated as a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery belonging to the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation, making it the only urban monastery in the country. The monastery feels like an oasis, whether you are religious or not. Every day, the monks sing the entire liturgy during Mass in both Latin and English, using Gregorian chant.
We will have a private docent-led tour through the church. Before the tour, we are allowed to walk around and take pictures. Since we are getting a private guided tour, there is a $10 fee per person. I will collect $10 from everyone and give it to the Monastery of the Holy Cross in appreciation of the tour. Please bring CASH for the donation! If necessary, I can accept Zelle, Venmo & PayPal so I can give one big group donation after the tour. All need to check in with me at the start of the tour & pay me directly~
The tour promises to be an enlightening event on a Saturday morning. It is an event that brings multiple meetup groups together! Although it's not exclusively a photo tour, there will be ample chances to snap pictures! Also, at the end of the tour, we are invited to watch the monks do a short [10 minute] chanted prayer service centered on the Psalms
After the tour, some of us will get lunch at one of the many nearby places:
Zaytune Mediterranean Grill 3129 S Morgan St. https://order.zaytunegrill.com/
Bridgeport Coffeehouse 3101 S Morgan St, http://www.bridgeportcoffee.net/
3 Little Pigs 964 W 31st Street https://www.eat3lp.com/
El Taco Azteca 3355 S Morgan St https://www.ordereltacoaztecabrifport.com/All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH, AS SOME VENUES DON'T ACCEPT SEPARATE CHECKS!
The Monastery of the Holy Cross is an important early work by architect Hermann J. Gaul, a distinguished ecclesiastical architect from the early 20th century. Built between 1908 and 1909 for the German-speaking national parish of the Immaculate Conception, the church features a complex high-vaulted ceiling. It exemplifies the German Gothic Revival style, incorporating high Gothic design elements such as a high gabled triple-arch entrance, expressive gargoyles, and 14 intricately decorated Gothic-arched Stations of the Cross. The church is also recognized for its remarkable acoustic qualities. It was inspired by Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, the most significant religious structure in the hometown of the church’s architect, Hermann J. Gaul
In 1990, the parish was closed, and the following year, the Benedictine monastic community was invited to transform the building into a unique urban monastery. Although some of the original furnishings were lost after the closure, the monks have enriched the space by adding religious treasures, including altarpiece icons created in the traditional Byzantine egg tempera method by the internationally acclaimed iconographer Vladislav Andrejev.
**A Community of Contemplative Benedictine Monks in the City** The Monastery of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery belonging to the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation. Continuing a centuries-old tradition, the monks live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, seeking God through lives of prayer, silence, work, and hospitality.
As the only urban monastery in the country, the Monastery of the Holy Cross is home to ten Benedictines—nine monks (four of whom are also priests) and one novice. The monastery took over a parish that closed in 1989 when the Archdiocese of Chicago shut down dozens of churches and schools to reduce costs. Unlike most monasteries, which are located in rural areas where monks can farm or raise animals, the monks in Chicago had to find alternative means of supporting themselves.
Retreat visitors who appreciated their overnight experiences encouraged the monks to provide better, more permanent accommodations. In addition to selling simple wooden coffins made by fellow monks in rural Indiana, the Chicago monks now operate two bed-and-breakfast apartments and a retreat house. https://chicagomonk.org/
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you are driving, there is parking on 31st Street, Morgan, or 32nd Street with plenty of free side street parking. Just watch for permit-only areas.
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- 3rd Annual Half-O-Ween Party, & Karaoke too!! 🕷️💀🎃Louie's Pub, Chicago, IL
Multi-Meetup group event!
Had a blast the past 2 years (will post pics below), I figured we'd do it again! What is Half-O-Ween? It's the 6 month or halfway point in the year before Halloween. It's kind of like "Christmas in July" for Christmas. And really just a chance to have a bonus Halloween Party and wear costumes!! While costumes aren't required, they are HIGHLY recommended, or at least black/orange, Halloween t-shirt, something Halloween-related!! Hey it's a Halloween party in May, what better excuse to have fun and dress up!? Several groups will be joining for one big party! Louie's Pub is a great venue, and we have tables reserved in the center area by the karaoke stage. Karaoke is fun if you love to get up and sing, or just want to support those who do!! Let's celebrate a bonus Halloween!!
Please wear a Halloween costume or Halloween themed shirt, black/orange colors to make it more fun! We are starting at 6:30 pm. Please arrive around that time as much as possible, it gets crowded quickly on Saturday nights! Karaoke is available but no one ever has to sing. I do like to get groups of people singing together so those who are shy can still join if they want to but feel more comfortable in a group! Let's mingle, party and celebrate 1/2 way to Halloween!
EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TABS AS EACH PAYS SEPARATELY WITH THE BARTENDER. NO GROUP BILLS TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE & EASY! THEY TAKE CASH & CREDIT.
https://louiespub.com/karaoke.html
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO-SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
- continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!
- 7th Annual Toast of Uptown 2025 Wine Walk - A Sheridan Pk & Buena Pk Wine Walk!First Dental, Chicago, IL
Join us for the 7th annual Toast of Uptown Wine Walk - an afternoon of strolling and sipping in the Buena Park & Sheridan Park neighborhoods in Uptown - on Sunday, May 4th from 2:00 pm - 5:00pm! Let's kick-off the summer right! Sip and stroll your way through your favorite shops and restaurants along Broadway & through the Buena Park neighborhood! We will do the Buena Park Route!
BUY EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AS THE PRICE GOES UP & CAN SELL OUT! WE WILL DO THE BUENA PARK ROUTE!
$35 Early Bird tickets - on sale Mar. 1 thru Apr. 3
$40 Standard tickets - on sale Apr. 4 thru May 3 (based on availability)
$50 Door (based on availability)
TICKETS HERE: https://partners.exploreuptown.org/events/details/toast-of-uptown-2025-3942 -OR- https://uptownchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/3942 - just click not a member to register for the event & PICK THE BUENA PARK ROUTE!We need check-in first! All attendees will receive both a wristband and wine tasting glass —simply present these at each stop along your chosen route for delicious wine samples. This wine walk will take you on a tour through the many businesses that call Uptown home. Wine selections have been generously curated by North Buena Deli & Wine and Rayan's Fine Liquors and Spirits. Small bites from local eateries will be provided at some stops along the route as well.
These are a lot of fun and a great way to check out the local shops, have some good wine and eat some goodies! Plus weather should be lovely for a spring afternoon stroll!
#### 2025 participating businesses!
BUENA PARK ROUTE:
4108 N Sheridan Rd (check in spot)- First Dental Center 4108 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613 (check-in)
- Jenny Tola State Farm 4083 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
- GNS Foods 4092 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
- Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4101 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
- All Strength Training 4117 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
- Klein's Bakery 4155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
- North Buena Deli & Wine 4200 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
- The Bar on Buena 910 W Buena Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
- Jake's Pup in the Ruf 4401 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
- Epic Wine & Spirits 4411-13 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
- The Reservoir 844 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
WINE WALK DOES NOT END WHERE WE START. WE END ABOUT 4-5 BLOCKS FROM THE BEGINNING, SO KEEP THAT IN MIND IF YOU DRIVE AS YOU WILL NEED TO WALK BACK TO YOUR CAR!
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is metered parking on Broadway & Sheridan. Some nearby lots. Limited free side street parking so watch out for permit only or tow zones!
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO-SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
- continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!
- Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Manchamanteles in BucktownManchamanteles, Chicago , IL
Join us for a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Manchamanteles in Bucktown! They will have a day-long event featuring the launch of their first-ever Manchamanteles beer, along with $10 lime, strawberry, and mango margaritas, plus delicious specials! Let's check out their famous moles and much more. Come for the food & stay for the fun!
PLEASE ONLY RSVP IF YOU ARE 95% SURE TO ATTEND! I HAVE TO KEEP DINING EVENTS SMALL, AS SEATING IS LIMITED! BRING CASH!!
If you are joining us for dinner, please BRING CASH, AS THEY CANNOT DO SEPARATE CHECKS FOR GROUPS. I kindly ask that everyone take what you ordered (the total dollar amount) & add 32% to that amount, which includes 12% for Chicago taxes and 20% for tip. A bunch of credit cards will not work, since we are a large group. CASH is easier & quicker!
We will sit at four tables with six people each, so we may not be near each other, but we should not be too far apart!
https://www.manchamantelesrestaurant.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ManchamantelesRestaurant
MENU: https://www.manchamantelesrestaurant.com/menusManchamanteles Restaurant "La Casa de Sabores." Their name Manchamantles translates to "Table cloth stainer" and the national dish of Mexico. Your senses will be delighted by the aroma of our wood fire kitchen, vibrant colorful dining rooms and scrumptious traditional dishes. Their menu is a culinary treasure trove of traditional and classic dishes from the 32 states of Mexico, personally curated by Chef Geno Bahena. Every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and authenticity. With an emphasis on regional, seasonal ingredients, we aim to bring the true essence of Mexican cuisine to your plate.
"Cocina de Humo-al carbon or char coals" refers to the culinary technique of cooking and preserving food using smoke produced by the combustion of mesquite and oak in a wood-burning grill. This process imparts a unique flavor, aroma, and color to the food. The Aztec grill gives you three kinds of cooking heat: Radiant Heat, Conducted Heat & High-Velocity Hot Air. Their menu consists of Black Angus Steak Cuts, ABF Chicken, Seasonal and Regional Mexican Specialties, Mole Rojo and Negro, Homemade corn tortillas, to seduce all your senses. They bring all the flavors of Mexico to you. Perfect for special occasions!
Chef Geno Bahena is a culinary virtuoso whose life story is intricately woven into the vibrant tapestry of Mexican cuisine. Born and raised in Mexico, his culinary journey commenced amidst the sensory symphony of traditional markets and the enticing aromas emanating from Mexican kitchens, laying the foundation for his culinary genesis. Geno's trajectory in the culinary world seamlessly integrates his cultural heritage, innate talent, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of culinary excellence.
Immersed in the rich culinary heritage of Mexico from an early age, Geno's culinary exploration began with a deep dive into the diverse and dynamic world of Mexican flavors. The bustling markets and savory scents became his classroom, where he absorbed the essence of traditional Mexican cooking, setting the stage for a lifelong exploration of culinary artistry.
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train
If you drive, they have a small parking lot for the restaurant in the back. There is metered street parking on Western & Armitage, plus some free spots on side streets. Watch for no parking and permit-only signs. Easy parking here.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
- continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!
