photo by lordsutch

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or just want to explore your city, taking a tour can be the best way to see the best of Chicago in a weekend. But let’s face it—no one wants to look like a clueless tourist. Here, we’ll rank popular Chicago tours from least-lame to those which practically require a Hawaiian shirt and fanny pack.

1. Party Trolley

Lame-o-Meter Score: 0, Cruisin’ Like a Local

Experience Chicago’s famous nightlife and admire the skyline at night from inside a party trolley. These historic vehicles were once the fabric of Chicago’s public transportation; now you and 30 friends can rent them out for a night of bar-crawling or just cruising around the city. Far from lame, the trolleys inspire awe and even a little envy in locals.

2. Seadog Speedboat Lake Tours

Lame-o-Meter score: 2, Out of Town, But In-the-Know

There are lots of architecture tours on boats, but this is the only architecture tour on a speedboat. It leaves from Navy Pier and zips around the Lake every hour during the summer. Sometimes the “thrilling sound of our turbo-charged engines” makes it hard to hear the tour guide, but who cares? Turbo-charged engines!

3. Chicago Neighborhood Tours

Lame-o-Meter score: 4, “I Heart Chicago” Souvenir T-Shirt

Both on foot and by minibus, these neighborhood tours will show you parts of Chicago most tourists don’t see. When you’re done snapping pictures in front of the Bean and eating deep dish pizza atop the Sears Tower, sign up for a tour of Chinatown or Wicker Park for a more authentic experience.

4. Wendella Boat Tours

Lame-o-Meter Score: 6, Fanny Packs Ahoy

Taking an architecture boat tour down the Chicago River is a classic tourist activity, but it at least guarantees you’ll see most of downtown. They might be cheesy, but if you do want to learn about architecture then a Wendella Boat Tour is for you.

5. Chicago Segway Tours

Lame-o-Meter Score: 10, Ultimate Tourist

Calling to mind mall cops and a horrifying future where we all look like the space station people from “WALL-E”, swarms of tourists on Segways are much derided by locals (not to their faces of course, this isn’t New York). But if you’re unable to walk long distances and are undeterred by the hilariously-embarrassing pictures on the company’s

Boston: Exploring Corey Hill, Eagle Hill and Fisher Hill

Chicago: Exploring Bronzeville, Bucktown and Clearing

LA: Exploring Elysian Park, Alondra Park and Boyle Heights

New York: Exploring Queens Astoria, Jackson Heights and Long Island City

Seattle: Exploring Beacon Hill, Brighton and Downtown Bothell/Riverfront

SF: Exploring Anza Vista, NOPA and Lone Mountain

Boston: Neighborhood Spotlight on Roslindale

Chicago: Neighborhood Spotlight on Printer’s Row

LA: Neighborhood Spotlight on Cheviot Hills

New York: Neighborhood Spotlight on Prospect Heights

Seattle: Neighborhood Spotlight on Cherry Hill

SF: Neighborhood Spotlight on Nob Hill

photo by Daniel Dionne

For visitors and veterans alike, getting around in LA may seem nothing short of impossible. This city is a labyrinth of congested freeways and winding roads—it requires some serious skills to navigate. We’ve put together some strategic tips designed to make you an LA transit master.

• Mission: Get from Point A to Point B in record-breaking time
• Solution: Utilize LA’s top-secret subway system (yes, it’s true, LA does have a subway!), in combination with speedy Metro Rail lines.
• Pros: Cheap (only $1.50 per ride) and no dealing with traffic!
• Cons: The subway is limited to the Downtown area and the Metro Rail only caters to specific regions.
• Hints: If you’re out of the subway range, try the Metro Rapid, which is just as accessible as the regular bus, with fewer stops and speedier service.

• Mission: Save some cash
• Solution: When you’ve got a daily commute, there’s no cheaper way than taking the good ol’ bus. A weekly pass for $20 is super cheap compared to paying $60 each time you gas up (which many Angelenos do once a week!).
• Pros: Affordable, all-encompassing, and allows you to multitask while traveling.
• Cons: Can be crazy crowded, and taking the bus in rush hour is slow going.
• Hints: We’ve found that the buses in certain areas are much more low-stress than others. For example, the Big Blue Bus on the Westside is much cleaner and less crowded, while the Culver City Bus is a mere $1.00 per ride ($0.75 for students!).

• Mission: Sneak into the hidden corners of LA, ninja-style
• Solution: When your destination is two miles up a winding road in the Hollywood Hills, driving your own car is definitely the way to go.
• Pros: You’re in control—you can crank up the volume on the radio, roll down the windows, and not have to worry about limiting your carry-ons
• Cons: Expensive gas prices and that ever-present demon, traffic.
• Hints: Try side streets. Instead of sitting on the 405 for two hours, experiment with parallel streets like Sepulveda or Sawtelle. To help out with this, keep a map (yes, the folding paper kind) in your car for reference.

• Mission: Save the environment
• Solution: While taking the Metro is an eco-friendly option, hopping on a bicycle is the most rewarding way to go green.
• Pros: Reduce smog and traffic while getting exercise…all for free!
• Cons: Not always practical if you have a long way to go, biking on crowded streets like Wilshire and Santa Monica can be risky.
• Hints: When riding gets tricky, grab a bus and make use of those handy bike racks at no extra cost. Also, a growing number of neighborhoods are introducing Class I bike lanes, notably Culver City areas of the Valley. Check out more here.

Why’d we decide on this decade above all others? Well, first of all, the music is better—but it runs deeper than that. People in the 20′s really knew how to have a good time (until 1929, that is!). Maybe Austin’s trip into the 20’s is simply feeding an unconscious primal instinct to seek out pleasure and indulgences as society slides, er, towards the brink of disaster. I mean, how could a flapper ever have time to worry about a budget crises in the midst of secret speakeasy parties, swinging jazz, and illegally abundant cocktails?

Here’s a 5 step guide for those Austinites that’d like to go out in a blissfully unaware blaze of glory, fueled by moonshine, and jazzy dancing madness.

1. GET DRESSED

No self-respecting 20′s swinger should be caught in clothes of convenience, routine, or conformity. You must seek out sequins and tassels, flapper dresses and feathers, gangster suits, fedoras, and classy—yet pointlessly tiny—hats. Raid the family heirlooms for such treasures or venture into these local shops:

• Big Bertha’s Bargain Basement 1050 South Lamar Boulevard Real. Vintage. Clothes.
• Lucy in Disguise 1506 South Congress Avenue Authentic, ridiculous and extravagant costumes.
• Costume World 8207 Burnet Road Yes, they have flapper dresses and gangster suits.
• Uncommon Objects 1512 South Congress Avenue Tiny hats, grandma’s jewelry and other old “junk.”

Big Bertha's Bargain Basement

2. DRINK

The harsh and often harmful bootlegged liquor of the 20′s forced people to get a little more creative with their hooch. Bathtub gin was more enjoyable when shaken with sweet juices and heavy cream. Try shaking up these cocktails before hitting the town.

• The Gatsby 2 Shots of cream, a shot of amaretto, a shot of creme de cacao, and ice. Shake it well to ensure cream gets thoroughly chilled.
• Bees Knees A shot of gin with honey, lemon juice and ice.
• Monkey Gland A splash of absinthe, a shot of orange juice, a double-shot of gin and a spoonful of grenadine. Shake with ice and add some orange zest of top.
• Mint Julep Muddle Combine mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a Collins glass. Fill with crushed ice and bourbon. Top with a mint sprig.

3. FIND THE SPEAKEASY

A speakeasy is a secret, dark, hard-to-find club that has great jazz and serves up stiff drinks. A good place to start your bar crawl back through time is in Austin’s east side.

• East Side Showroom 1100 East 6th Street For a true vintage drink menu, a classy speakeasy-style environment, Charlie Chaplin screenings, and plenty of old school jazz.
• Swan Dive 615 Red River Street This joint shares many of the bands that pass through the East Side Showroom, but with a dance floor that’s big enough for some serious swing. Just follow the light through the unmarked door at 7^th and Red River.
• Elephant Room 315 Congress Avenue Underground jazz club… literally. The Elephant Room is a dark and classy basement with live jazz every night.
• The Highball 1142 South Lamar Boulevard Bowling alley by day, speakeasy by night, this jazz gem is located in the same shopping center as Big Bertha’s Bargain Basement.

The Highball

4. SWING

What’s the use in getting all dolled up if you’re not going to do some serious shakin’ on the dance floor? Check out the Austin Swing Syndicate (2312 San Gabriel St) for free swing dance lessons, or just grab a partner and swing them around with reckless disregard for anyone’s safety. Either way, you will look fabulous, darling!

5. BECOME A CRONY

For a constant dose of this pleasure-seeking lifestyle, friend and follow the people that make it all possible. Here’s a few to get you started:

Groups:

• Who Said Vaudeville Was Dead? Vaudevillian variety shows and more!
• Jigglewatts Local burlesque troupe.

Bands:

• Luna Tart cabaret jazz on the ukulele
• Jitterbug Vipers Count Basie meets Jerry Garcia.
• That Damned Band Dark carny music, circus freaks and general madness.
• Stanley Smith 20′s and 30′s style jazz and jug band music.
• Sick’s Pack Gypsy jazz and beer guzzling thrash folk friends that also put on the occasional variety show

Sick's Pack

The gastropub phenomenon is striking Brookline full force, bringing with it an abundance of gourmet fare and changing the way the nabe thinks of boring old pub grub.

I know, those of you who frequent traditional pubs and have actually been brave enough to eat the food are thinking I’m pretty crazy right about now, but believe me, this so called “pub food” will change your mind. So here it is, a delectable tour of the culinary craze striking Brookline. Brookline natives and visitors alike: dig in.

Bar Bites

My advice, as a seasoned purveyor of these fine establishments, is to start your culinary adventure off at The Abbey (1657 Beacon Street, Brookline MA), the newest of said hot spots.  Unlike its more robust neighboring establishments, The Abbey offers some light “little plates” to kick off the gourmet pub crawl. The menu includes up-to-date classics such as deviled eggs and bacon, and a local favorite, cod fritters.  The real gourmet kicker on the menu? The truffle fries.  Yeah, yeah, you can get them everywhere these days but these aren’t your average greasy pile of fries.  With their robust truffle flavor that explodes in your mouth and delicate dusting of parmesan, these truffle fries are sure to make a gourmand out of you.

Appetizers

Head down the street to the Washington Square Tavern (714 Washington St, Brookline MA) where you can continue your nibbling, and my recommendation is to nibble on the lamb lollipops.  Now, I’m not much of a lamb eater but I ordered these on a lark one day (ok, I ordered them after several beers) and have been a lamb convert ever since.  The bite size “lollipop” chops have a goat cheese brulee and are drizzled with mint oil and aged balsamic that cuts through the rich cheesy goodness.  Whether you’re a lamb eater or not, these, my friends, are truly not to be missed.

Main Course

Publick House (1648 Beacon Street, Brookline MA), Brookline’s original gastro pub extraordinaire, boasts fare like braised short ribs, house made bratwurst and mac and cheese that you can fancify with lobster, sausage and truffle cream.  Publick House is sure to make your belly a happy place and puts any old fish and chips to shame (although they’re fish and chips are really good).

Meanwhile, next door at American Craft (1700 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA), Publick House’s more family friendly gastropub, there are more tables, less bar stools and fewer, how shall I say… over served patrons.  American Craft serves up hearty fare with a New England influence such as baked cod, roasted chicken breast and fried oysters. Their burgers are also phenomenal and can be topped with any number of delicious topping including foie gras butter and truffle cheese (yes, I really like truffles).

So there you have it! This gourmet pub wonderland is easily accessed from the Washington Street or Tappan Street T stops on the C line. You’ll be sure to walk away with a bit of a buzz and a super-satisfied stomach.

The Coolidge Corner Theatre by soelin

Morris Sharaf and the Levenso brothers of the Harvard Amusement Co. were really using their noggins one day in 1933 when they decided to turn Coolidge Corner‘s Beacon Universalists Church into a modern-day movie theater.  Almost 77 years later, the Coolidge Corner Theatre, in all its art deco splendor, still opens its doors to film, arts, and literature enthusiasts from all over Boston and the world.

Showing as part of the Science on Screen series

This weekend, instead of feeding the Harry Potter machine at a big-box Lowes, consider a more interactive,  engaging, and nuanced evening in Brookline at The Coolidge. Catch a new indie flick like Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours. Or join renouned robotocist Dennis Hong, PhD, to screen The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) and to talk about McCarthy era Sci-Fi, and ROBOTS! Check out the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s other program offerings (including silent films, late-night cult culture, and live broadcasts of European opera) here.

So how the hell does the Coolidge make money showing silent films and hosting robot talks? IT DOESN’T!!! and that’s the beauty of a not for profit theatre. A non-profit foundation since 1988, the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation is proud of the “unique and indelible role [it has played] in the development and social history of the town of Brookline.”  The Coolidge is just more proof that amazing things are possible when money isn’t priority number one! Just ask the folks who attend Meet Me At The Coolidge… and make memories, a program for people with memory loss and their care givers, that features short clips of classic films followed by audience discussion and reminiscence,  guided by a moderator.

The folks at The Coolidge Corner Theatre believe in the power of film as art and shared experience. This weekend, rediscover theater-going as the thought provoking, mind expanding affair it used to be.  Grab a friend (one with an open mind, preferably) and hop the Green Line C train to Coolidge Corner. The Coolidge is visible from the T stop.

Trumpet in the Boston Conservatory Orchestra

This holiday season you  could buy tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops, or to the Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker, or to the Handel and Hayden Society’s Messiah. You could be wowed by the talent of the singers and dancers, and your holiday spirit could be effectively moved. But you won’t get in and out of the whole endeavor without spending a small fortune on tickets, parking, and that snazzy, new holiday sweater. In this blog post, I offer you, Boston, two viable and affordable alternatives to pricey Holiday outings without sacrificing quality of goods and entertainment.

If you simply want to be entertained, flip on Dancing with the Stars. If you want to be inspired and amazed–your hope for culture and humanity renewed–hit up one of the Boston Conservatory’s free concerts and performances. The Boston Conservatory, located in Boston’s Fenway nabe, has been training exceptional young performing artists for careers “that enrich and transform the human experience” since 1867.  Students graduate with a BA or MFA in music, dance and theater–throughout their schooling, they are a part of more than 200 performances offered each year by students, faculty and guest artists.

Boston Conservatory Due

Almost any given night, the uber talented students at the Boston Conservatory are performing for free! (Perhaps it’s part of the BC’s mission to prepare them for the plight of the underpaid, starving artist.) Just check the Boston Conservatory website‘s event calendar and take your pick of offerings that range from solo harpsichord concerts, to viola and wind ensemble recitals, to Shakespeare plays. And lucky for you, there’s no shortage of cheap yet tasty eats in and around the Fenway area (These students have to eat, after all!), so you can top off your evening with a meal that’ll keep you humming that one particularly catchy viola refrain.

As promised, 2 possible holiday date itineraries:

Tasty Burger's The Big Kahuna Burger

Itinerary 1: Thursday, December 2: Head to the Boston Conservatory’s Seully Hall from 7-10 pm to listen to a free Chamber Music Concert. You’ll marvel at the young talent in front of you, and, no doubt, curse yourself for quitting voice lessons in the 7th grade. Oh, and puberty. You’ll curse that too.  Afterwords, hit up Tasty Burger at 1301 Boylston Street behind Fenway Park, a better-than-average burger joint where you can order a sac of 5 Omaha all-beef burgers with fixins that include: Vermont butter, onions three ways, and chipotle mayonnaise. Chanukah starts today, you know, so you might as well celebrate day-one with a strawberry shake or a mug of Harpoon IPA.

Eastern Standard in Motion

Itinerary 2: Saturday, December 4. A Saturday matinee provides the concert-goer with just the right amount of time before and after to enjoy any Saturday’s intrinsic joys. Take advantage of the 2-4 pm Composers Concert at Seully Hall. Consider the utterly confounding creative process that is musical composition and try to imagine what these young composers dream about. Dotted half-notes in negligee?  Codas personified as morning weathermen? When the show is over, the sun will just be setting behind Fenway Park. Walk toward tomorrow’s sunrise to Kenmore Square‘s Eastern Standard for drinks that will turn into eats as Saturday becomes colder and darker. Order one of 9 Pretty Things Beers–a quirky, local brew headquartered in Cambridge–or a mysterious signature cocktail listed as such: Periodista: Rum for the intrepid reporter: One city’s homage, One man’s quest.

Go forth and be merry, Boston. And consider tossing a dollar or two toward the Boston Conservatory so they can keep offering great free music to the public for many holidays to come.

Here’s how it works: Community Servings is a non-profit organization that provides free home-delivered meals and nutrition programs for homebound individuals and families struggling with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. Each Thanksgiving, the org receives donations (in the form of thousands of pies) from Boston’s best restaurants, bakeries, caterers and hotels; over 500 volunteers then sell these pies to family, friends and colleagues. Each pie costs $25, almost all of which goes to buying a whole week’s worth of hearty home-delivered meals to a Community Servings’ client.

Pie-Packaging Volunteers at Community Servings

More than a fundraiser, Pie in the Sky “fosters community spirit and engages the public in the mission of Community Servings.” You know that sleepy, stuffed, and perfectly content feeling you get right after the Thanksgiving plates are cleared and you retire to the couch? I’ve got to believe a Pie in the Sky pie makes that feeling last just a bit longer than usual. We could all stand a few extra moments of contentedness, no?

For pie-buying locations all around Metro Boston, visit the Pie in the Sky Pick-up Site Locator. And don’t delay! The good flavors sell out fast!!