Around Chicago and the South Loop

Holiday Shopping Jump-Start
Clear, cool weather brought the shoppers out along Michigan Ave. today. It's still a little early for the holiday shopping to be in full swing, but you'd be hard-pressed to think otherwise. The only thing missing was the snow.

I Need a Kiss
The video below is of the crowds at Water Tower Place, including the horse-drawn carriages which were out in full force. And man, the Hershey's Chocolate store was packed!

The South Loop's Stonehenge

The Magnificent Mile was bustling with shoppers this afternoon. Take a walk south on Michigan Ave. and check out the crowds; maybe you're among them. Then again, you might see someone you know "walking the mile."

The Orange Line L train at Wabash and Congress

10 things to do this weekend

Free Tulips on Friday!

On Friday, June 4, 2010, you can get free tulips to plant this fall. All the bulbs are from the parkway and median strips along The Magnificent Mile. If you go to Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.* Storing and planting instructions will be included with the free bulbs.

Friday, June 4, 2010
10am - 3pm*
Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue
*while supplies last


Beer Hoptacular

Sip beer from craft-beer brewers from across Illinois and the Midwest. The Aragon Ballroom will host the "Beer Hoptacular." At the event, you'll be able to sample beers from an assortment of local brewers. June 4, 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. - June 5, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Admission is $45 in advance, $55 at the door. 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. For more information call (800) 745-3000 or visit http://www.beerhoptacular.com/.

Little City Used Book Sale

Looking for used books, CDs, and/or DVDs? Check out the Little City Used Book Sale, the Midwest's largest outdoor used book sale event. The sale starts this weekend and runs through June 13 at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center. June 4, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., June 5, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., June 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free, except opening night, which is $10, proceeds benefit the Little City Foundation. 4999 Old Orchard Road, Skokie. For more information call (847) 358-5510 or visit http://www.littlecity.org/.