month at the museum, 2011

What: Month at the Museum 2
Where: Museum of Science+Industry Chicago
When: October 19 - November 17, 2011
Deadline for Applications: July 22, 2011

Following the success of the original Month at the Museum—a groundbreaking experiment—in fall 2010, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) is once again searching nationwide for a new roommate to spend 30 days 24-7 this fall in the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere.

From October 19 thru November 17, 2011, the winner will have access to every inch of the 14-acre Museum and the opportunity to experience everything it has to offer. During that time they’ll be soaking up science and interacting with MSI guests and online fans—and at the end of it all, they’ll take home a $10,000 prize and bragging rights for a lifetime.

The 2010 experiment caught the imagination of more than 1,500 applicants, and more than 20,000 online votes were received to help select a winner. After interviews and votes were tallied, on October 6, 2010, via a science experiment, 24-year-old Chicagoan Kate McGroarty was chosen.

Kate experienced hundreds of the exhibits, explored nooks and crannies, and spent a night in a WWII submarine. Whatever she experimented, dissected, unearthed, discovered—she shared with Museum guests and online via a video diary.

MSI offers thousands of fun and interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind, world-class experiences to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education, it also aspires to a larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering.

While the basic premise of the month-long experiment is the same, some additional experiences should be expected by this year’s roommate as fans are being asked on Facebook and Twitter: What would they like to see the winner do while living at the Museum?

bluesfest chicago, 2011

What: The 28th Annual Chicago Blues Festival
When: June 10 - 12
Where: Grant Park, Chicago

Each summer, Chicago reclaims its fame as the “Blues Capital of the World” and this year is no different with forty performers taking five stages over the next three days.

Grant Park is home to the festival where legendary musicians such as B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Howlin’ Wolf, David “Honey Boy” Edwards, Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, and Chicago’s own Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy have shared their incredible talents over the years.

Pack the sunblock, check the schedule and stages to make sure you don’t miss your favorites, and don’t worry about tickets—the festival is free as usual and accessible for all so enjoy the weekend!

photo: City of Chicago

bike the drive, 2011

photo by: CGAphotoWhat: Bike the Drive
When: Sunday, May 29
Where: Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

One day of every year since 2002, Lake Shore Drive is closed to motor vehicle traffic and open only to cyclists for 30 miles—15 north of downtown, and 15 south—from 5:30 to 9:45am.

Take advantage of the situation and get prepped—and don’t forget registration is required to bike the scenic and historic route.

Bonus? Proceeds from the ride help the Active Transportation Alliance to continue improving bike lanes, walking paths and transit in the region. So besides enjoying the festival in Grant Park, it’s for a good cause.

chicago flower & garden show: chicago

What: Chicago Flower & Garden Show
When: Saturday, March 5-13
Where: Navy Pier, Chicago



The dullest days of winter seem to be behind us, knock wood, so we’re anxiously awaiting spring blossoms and lush green foliage.

Chicagoans will get a healthy glimpse over the next 9 days with over 25 inspirational gardens, culinary demonstrations, free educational seminars, a kids activity garden to encourage younger generations, three juried horticulture competitions, and the debut of new plant varieties—all at the annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show.

only in chicago: dibs

Only in Chicago will you find plastic milk crates, kitchen chairs, folding chairs, outdoor chairs, bicycles, ironing boards, card tables, vacuum cleaners—practically any piece of lightweight small furniture—staking claim to a free street parking space for the hard worker who dug it out from heavy snows.

The practice was recently declared illegal but it’s been going on for decades so that hasn’t stopped it from happening. As local “folk art”, each one an installation, they speak a language the locals understand—even without the occasional note warning potential trespassers. For more unique dibs, visit chicagodibs.com.