South Loop author pens “100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die”

Local author Molly Page wants you to enjoy 100 things in Chicago…before you die! Page, a freelance author from the South Loop, has written an insider’s guide—100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die—to some of the best that Chicago has to offer. Originally from St. Louis, Page has really embraced the city and all it has to offer. A lover of history and architecture, Page has assembled some interesting sites to see and experience. For example, did you know that there is a magic show at the Palmer House Hilton? And have you visited the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park? You’ll also discover the best blues club in the city and it’s probably not the one you’re thinking of right now.

Page has lived in Chicago for five years and has grown to love her adopted city. 100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die is published by Reedy Press, a publisher specializing in local-interest guidebooks. The book is available at bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com. At Amazon, Page’s book is the number one bestseller in Midwest US Travel Guides.

The Cubs Are Coming To Town

Fan Convention At Chicago Hilton
The 27th annual Cubs fan convention is coming to the Chicago Hilton and Towers this month. The convention will take place from January 13 through January 15, 2012. Passes to the convention are $60 each. Proceeds from the event support Chicago Cubs charities.

The hours of the Convention are as follows:

• Friday - 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
• Saturday - 9 a.m. to midnight 
• Sunday - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to the Cubs’ Web site, all rooms at the Chicago Hilton and Towers are sold out. Rooms are available at the Palmer House Hilton.

Up-Close and Personal
If you’re a Cubs fan, this is your opportunity to get up-close and personal with your favorite players. Players will be signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans during the event. For more information, including any changes or updates in schedules, visit the Cubs’ Web site.

Around the South Loop and Chicago

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over Chicago. Most of the pictures have a holiday theme; it's hard to resist all the lights and colorful displays around the city. Chicago becomes a winter wonderland this time of year. You don't have to be five years old to get excited, do you?

The tree at the Palmer House Hilton

The doors at Second Presbyterian are all decked out.

The big one is camera shy, but dig the bandanna on the little guy.

Bicycle Station Lofts condo holiday party at Three Peas Art Lounge; Alderman Fioretti stopped by.

The Art Institute Lion is wearing his (lame) holiday solar wreath.

 

Check out the Chicago Hilton and Towers' tree above. It's in the lobby off of Michigan Ave. My only question is where did they put the clock that normally sits in this spot? I thought maybe they just put a hollow tree on top of it, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Does anyone know where the clock went? To see a picture of the clock in this spot, click here. You may have to scroll down a bit, but it's there, I promise.

What's more fun than ice skating during the holidays? Check out all the fun at the Millennium Park skating rink. The video below gives you a taste of what it's like.

In Search of Matt Damon

Matt Damon and Contagion Hit the South Loop
Film crews were out in force by the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium today. They were filming scenes from the new Matt Damon movie Contagion. According to a crew member we spoke with, they will be filming at the Palmer House Hilton hotel tomorrow. If you have the time, it might be fun to check it out. Be sure to bring your camera. If you get a shot of Damon, please send it our way and we'll post it here.

Filming the Film Crew
Like we did when the Ride-Along crew was here recently, we took a walk around video of the movie crew along Solidarity Dr. Speaking of Ride-Along, they're currently filming at Chicago Studio City. Chicago Studio City is one of the largest filming facilities in the U.S. To find a bigger one, you'll have to go east (New York City) or west (Hollywood).