Chicago is full of exciting entertainment and activity – especially in the summer – but sometimes a night on the town can break the bank. Here are some great FREE opportunities that are sure to please everyone!
1. Chicago Summer-Dance
This wildly popular annual dance festival is celebrating its 13th year in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park. You and your beau can pop in for a free 10 hour dance lesson from professional instructors and then show of your skills while enjoying 2 hours of live music on a …

If NBA superstar LeBron James signs with the Chicago Bulls when NBA free agency begins, he’s going to need a place to live, at least during the season. Here’s our top five choices for the King, should he sign here.
1. River North
This part of town is a top destination for the young and the rich. It offers more nightlife than the nearby Gold Coast, and it’s proximity to downtown is appealing. So, too, is its accessibility to the Kennedy Expressway, a necessity for athletes who need to get to the …

The southern part of Lincoln Park has been growing rapidly of late, and SoNo Lincoln Park Chicago is looking to capitalize on this trend.
That shouldn’t be a problem for a 28-story building that offers one, two, and three bedroom units in a price range from $250K to $1 million. Situated near where Lincoln Park meets Old Town, and just southeast of the Clybourn Corridor–and all of its associated retail–this Smithfield Properties building offers skyline and lake views, maple hardwood floors, and kitchens that have a European design.
Other features? Granite counter …

Lincoln Park is crowded near the lake, so those who want to live in this North Side neighborhood but want a little more breathing room might be best served by taking a look at the Fullerton Lofts.
Located just south of the bustling Clybourn Corridor–which is filled with plenty of high-end retail shops–and at the western end of the popular Lincoln Park neighborhood, this building has 39 units among five floors. Floor plans vary, from one-bedroom units to penthouse suites. Each unit has its own private balcony.
Prices run from $200K to …

Many folks forget that Lincoln Park isn’t bordered on the west by Clark St.–or even Sheffield Ave. In fact, the neighborhood extends west for quite some distance, and those who are looking for a quiet place that is still close to the action might consider 2401 N. Janssen St.

So the question is, how much does the cachet of an address mean to you? Does Lake Shore Dr. sound better than a neighboring side street? Does Oak Street mean more than Michigan Avenue? How about State Street?

When condo shopping, especially on the North Side, there are plenty of options. There are lofts, walk-ups (both new construction and rehabs) and lakefront high-rises. What’s best for you?

Valentine’s Day is swiftly approaching and I know there are some of you out there who haven’t made plans yet, but there’s no need to panic! Whether you’re looking to find a nice deal or splurge on your sweetheart, one of these dining options is sure to please.
Ecclectic Experience
Carnivale is a lively restaurant in the Warehouse District that features cuisine from Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Colombia. This exciting environment boasts a jewel-colored skylight, seven-foot high light fixtures, and a second story wine wall. Specials like fried oysters and prime …

While there is no guarantee that the market will recover, and it’s unlikely to return to 2007 levels, the market will get better, and perhaps sooner that we think.