Around the South Loop: 2011 Volume 7: Signs of Spring

Here in Chicago, we're all yearning for spring and the warmer weather to come. According to the weather reports, we're in for some more cold days, but there are signs that spring is on its way.

Life finds a way: tulips are popping out of the ground.

The lights were still on during my morning walk up S. Michigan Ave.

A lunch wagon parks in front of a fire plug

One of the first fountains to have its winter covering removed: a clear sign of spring.

Broadway in Chicago: "The Merchant of Venice" starring F. Murray Abraham.

The sky's the limit in Chicago.

The Tulips Were Free, but…

Working for Tulips

Remember those free tulip bulbs the folks at 401 Pioneer Court were giving away? Well they were free, but by 10:30 a.m., all the nicely bagged tulip bulbs were gone. What was left were probably hundreds, if not thousands of tulip bulbs in dirt and manure (oh, that smell!).

Switching to Plan B

This was the first year that the tulip bulbs were given away, so they had no idea how many people would show up for them. They thought they’d have the bulbs in the dirt (the dirt and tulip bulbs were on tarps) as back-up, just in case.

That's Not Perfume I'm Smelling
So, the very polite staff gave my neighbor, Gwen, and I gardening gloves and paper bags to dig out our own tulip bulbs. Well, it was an adventure to be sure and I bet the folks on the Number 3 Bus just loved sitting next to me on my ride home, but it was a short bus ride.

And next spring? Tulips should be blooming all over S. Indiana Ave.

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/.