What we’re about
Welcome to our fun and active group!
Whether you're new to Chicago or have lived here for a while, becoming a member of this group allows you to explore the Chicago area in ways that most residents may never experience. It’s like being a tourist in your own city as we uncover hidden gems and unique experiences.
This group is a sister to the original, "1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die," and we will be hosting many joint events together.
Our goal is to create a club filled with enjoyable events, giving you the chance to meet new people while participating in unique and diverse outings throughout Chicagoland. This is a year-round group, and winter won't slow us down!
The annual dues are $12 per member, but you get a 90-day free trial to see if you enjoy the group! If you choose to host an event, your annual dues will be waived. We are a highly active and social group with a wide range of activities throughout Chicago.
Most of our events take place in Chicago or nearby suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, and Park Ridge. All events are accessible via public transportation, which is why we primarily focus on Chicago.
Please note that we have a firm "three strikes" policy regarding no-shows. If you don't attend an event without updating your RSVP, you will receive a strike. After accumulating three strikes, you will be suspended from the group for three months. We aim to maintain fairness and fun for all our members.
If you have any questions about the group, suggestions for events, or would like to lead an outing, please let me know. Hosting an event allows you to waive your annual dues!
Please also check out & join our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1571684466442303
We also have an Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/1001thingstoseeinchicago/
Giovina Romandine
Organizer for Windy City Wanderers!
I have organized another private party for our group! Big Onion Hospitality, the owners of Fatpour, Hopsmith, and Woodies Flat, reached out to me again about hosting another private event for us. It will take place on a weeknight, featuring happy hour deals until 6:30 PM, and our group will receive two complimentary appetizers! Plus, we can have separate checks! We had such a good time at Fatpour in Wicker Park on 4/3, that we are doing it again but at a different establishment! This seems like a great deal, and I couldn't pass it up!
PRIVATE EVENT & EXCLUSIVE SECTION FOR OUR GROUP! We will have our own area with our own server. Happy Hour is from 4:30-6:30 pm but we will arrive at 5:30 pm. To get happy hour deals, order those items before 6:30 pm. Plus 2 FREE APPS will be provided for the WHOLE group! I do ask that everyone order something above the free stuff, with either food or drink or both. Please try to spend a minimum of $15 per person. We are getting a lot and need to show some appreciation, so we get invited back!
If you are joining us for dinner/drinks after work, WE WILL GET SEPARATE CHECKS HERE SO YOU CAN PAY WITH CASH OR CREDIT! I kindly ask that everyone take what you ordered (the total dollar amount) & add 32% to that amount, which includes 12% for Chicago taxes and 20% for tip. Make sure to TIP the staff well, as they will be taking care of us that evening!
There is a credit card surcharge, so you may want to pay the final bill in cash, but bring a credit card as they need it to run a separate tab for everyone!
OUR TWO FREE APPS FOR THE WHOLE GROUP WILL BE:
- Thick Cut Mozzarella Sticks coated with panko and parmesan breading; traditional marinara
- Margherita Flatbread with Roma tomato, basil pesto, mozzarella, parmesan, balsamic glaze
If you cannot come at 5:30 pm and wish to join later, please do, but try to arrive by 6:30 pm as we only have the section until 7:30
Hopsmith Chicago is a high-energy restaurant and bar in the heart of the Gold Coast. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, plus a crowd-pleasing brunch on the weekends. At Hopsmith, you’ll find tasty American fare, 30 rotating taps from our iconic 1965 Volkswagen bus, and a lively ambiance keeping the party going till late. The 2-story tavern features fully opening street-level windows, a 2nd-floor retractable roof, and plenty of TVs — perfect for catching a game, hosting a private dinner, or just because it’s Friday!
Proudly part of Big Onion Hospitality, Hopsmith Tavern is located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. Boasting over 30 draft beer taps, the restaurant features a thoughtfully curated selection of beers to accompany a variety of dishes to satisfy any palate. Guests may enjoy open-air seating overlooking Division and a retractable roof on the second floor. Hopsmith is the place to grab an after work drink, watch the game, or celebrate into the late night.
Happy Hour at Hopsmith May 9 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
You’ve had a long day. You deserve a happy hour (or two) once you’re done dealing with… everything. They’ll be here for you either way.
Happy Hour DEALS
$5 You call it Call Drinks (well drinks)
$15 Pitchers of Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra
$18 Margarita Flights
$20 Appetizer Tower
They also have a daily deal of the day that is separate from the Happy Hour specials
https://hopsmithchicago.com/
HAPPY HOUR: https://hopsmithchicago.com/event/happy-hour-in-gold-coast-at-hopsmith/2025-05-09/
FOOD MENU: https://hopsmithchicago.com/menu/
DRINK MENU: https://hopsmithchicago.com/menu/drinks/
This is a joint event with several other meetup groups, so it is multi-group event!
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is metered street parking on State plus the surrounding streets. Watch for no parking and permit-only signs. Best to use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for the cheapest options as parking can be tought in this area! There are several garages in the area.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO-SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
- continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- *Hanami* aka Cherry Blossom Viewing @Jackson ParkGriffin Museum of Science and Industry , Chicago, IL
Hanami, "flower viewing," is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers; flowers (hana) are almost always referring to those of the cherry (sakura) or, less frequently, plum (ume) trees.
I am picking a Monday afternoon to time it with the weather and blossoming schedule! Check back for updates as this may change if they blossom earlier or later in the season!
The cherry trees planted in Jackson Park are finally ALL in bloom! Located around MSI lagoon, they were planted in 2013.
WALK WILL END VERY CLOSE TO WHERE WE START! WE WILL DO OPTIONAL DINNER AFTER ON 53RD STREET AT NOODLES ETC., SEOUL TACO or MEDICI ON 57th
BRING WATER, hand sanitizer and good walking shoes. I cannot guarantee how many washroom facilities will be available so please plan accordingly. Dress for walking in spring weather in Chicago! We will go to optional dinner on 57th Street after the walk.
We will walk around Jackson Park to check out all the beautiful blossoming cherry trees, see the Garden of the Phoenix (aka Osaka Gardens), and check out Bobolink Meadow to see the bird and butterfly sanctuary. If we have time & energy, we can check out the Statue of the Republic statue on Stony Island from the 1893 World's Fair
Beginning in 2013, the nonprofit Project 120 and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago planted the 160 trees in Jackson Park to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the 1893 World’s Fair and the 50th anniversary of JCCC (in 2016). The trees were planted specifically for hanami, or the traditional Japanese practice of cherry-blossom viewing,
Maybe someone can sing: "Sakura Sakura", a traditional Japanese folk song depicting spring, the season of cherry blossoms.
Jackson Park was originally designed in 1871 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, then greatly remodeled in 1893 to serve as the site of the World's Columbian Exposition, leaving it as one of the largest and most historically significant parks in the city. A number of features attest to the legacy of the fair, including a Japanese garden, the Statue of The Republic, and the Museum of Science and Industry.
After walk those who are interested can walk or drive to check out 1 of the following spots for dinner. These are near Metra, plenty of parking or can catch the #6 bus back home
Noodles Etc. 1333 E 57th St, http://noodlesetc.com/
Seoul Taco 1321 E 57th St. https://www.seoultaco.com/
Medici on 57th 1327 E 57th St. https://www.medici57.com/All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR DINNER, AS SOME VENUES don't accept separate checks!
PARKING
There is ample parking in the Chicago Park District MSI Lot South which is accessed off of Lake Shore Drive and Science Drive immediately south of MSI. South Lot address is 1800 E. Columbia Drive. Only enter from the east side as bridge from west side is closed. Go behind the museum & go past the pkg lot for Henry Crown Science Ctr, going South East near Museum Shores Yacht Club. Do not use the Museum lots are they are expensive! Otherwise, there is street parking a few blocks away. The further parking in back is cheaper. Otherwise the closer meters are more expensive!Parking Cost as of 2019 was $2.00 per hr for metered parking as mentioned above. For further details click the Chicago Park District Parking Page below
http://www.chicagoparkdistrictparking.com/jackson-park/Accessible by bus or Metra train! Can take the #6 Jackson Express bus, the #15 Stony Island or the Metra Electric (ME) line and get off at 57th or 59th street then walk over. If you are taking public transportation, please use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
- continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!
- Live band karaoke / multi-group eventAll Star Seafood and sports, Chicago, IL
****Multi-Group Event with Deanna as Host!******
Come on out and be a rock star and sing with the band! So much fun and if you don't know how to sing, the band will help you out! Or if you just wanna watch, the band is absolutely awesome!
Because this is a multi-group event, more people come than signed up. In the past, this group usually averages 10 to 12 people.
Also if you are hungry when you come, there will be a Taco Tuesday special!
outstanding food, outstanding band, and your opportunity to sing with the band if you so like! singing with the band is so much fun! so come on out and join us! there is also a Tuesday taco special
Live Band Karaoke! Tuesday night! Starts at 8pm. Come join the fun & Bring your cheering Squad.
https://allstarseafoodandsports.com/
https://www.facebook.com/allstarseafood/
MENU: https://allstarseafoodandsports.com/menus/If you are taking public transportation please check their website for directions or use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there's street parking nearby on Clark, Polk and Wells streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs. Parking can be tricky here. Best to use SPOT HERO or Parking Whiz to be safe.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
- Lincoln Square Spring Wine Stroll 2025 - ROUTE D (BUY TIX NOW!!)Esquina, Chicago, IL
**BUY TIX NOW EVEN IF NOT YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE THAT YOU CAN ATTEND AS THESE WILL SELL OUT IN A FEW DAYS! YOU CAN ALWAYS SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. THIS IS A POPULAR WINE EVENT AND TIX GO FAST!! LAST YEAR THEY SOLD OUT IN 5 days!**
Wine Stroll is the Lincoln Square's most popular bi-annual event, and a great way to support the neighborhood while tasting and discovering new wine regions and varietals. Taste through a carefully curated variety of wines, along with a light assortment delicious hors d'oeuvres from area restaurants. Wine Stroll is the perfect way to explore new businesses and see just what makes this community so special!
MUST HAVE TICKET TO ATTEND AND PICK FROM 1 OF THE 3 DIFFERENT ROUTES! TICKETS ARE $60 + FEES & COVER 12 BUSINESSES TO VISIT AND 36 DIFFERENT WINES TO TASTE!! PICK ROUTE D THAT MEETS AT ESQUINA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wine-stroll-2025-tickets-1307251948769?aff=oddtdtcreator
Let's do spring right! Sip and stroll your way through your favorite shops and restaurants along Lincoln, Lawrence and Damen!
Each Spring, the LSR Wine Stroll transforms the retail establishments and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood into wine tasting destinations. Over 35 businesses participate, pairing red, white, rose, and sparkling wine samples with light bites of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. This event is a great way to tour new businesses, and see just what makes our commercial community so special.
https://www.lincolnsquare.org/spring-wine-stroll*This is a rain or shine event. All ticket-holders must be of legal drinking age. IDs will be checked at check-in, so each ticketholder must be present in person to check-in.
**All tastings take place within the businesses listed on each ticketed route below. Wine pours are offered in 2 ounce tasting portions at each business. Up to 36 different wines will be available to taste along each route. Businesses listed on each route are subject to change.
New this year, The Lincoln Square routes get a refresh with an air of mystery. Purchase tickets for route A, B, C or D and find out which businesses are on your route the night of the event at your designated check-in location. WE WILL NOT KNOW THE ROUTES EXACT BUISNESSES WE WILL HIT UNTIL THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT! OUR GROUP WILL DO ROUTE D!
We check-in first to receive our wine glass and tasting guide, which will serve as our ticket to the event. We then go from business to business to taste wine and sample food bites as many offer treats! ROUTE D - MEET AT ESQUINA on Western!
These are a lot of fun and a great way to check out the local shops, have some good wine and eat some goodies! Plus, weather should be lovely for a late spring evening stroll!
Dress for walking in and out of stores but wear comfortable shoes as will be walking around. Walk does not end where we start so will have to walk back to your car if you drive but should be a short walk!
#### PICK ROUTE LETTER D FOR OUR WALK!
We will not know exactly which businesses we will visit but here is a list of ALL the businesses that will participate in the wine stroll event! We will get to go to 12 of these locations and taste up to 36 glasses of wine!
A Pretty Flower
Augusta Food and Wine
Au Levain Chicago
Bistro Campagne
Chicago Counseling Collective PC
The Chopping Block
Cobblestone Chicago
Dimo's
ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE
Esquina
Fleet Feet Chicago
Gearhead Outfitters
Genevieve
Jerry's
L&M Fine Foods
Lincoln Square Dental Spa
Lyons Family Eye Care
Midwest Nice
My Corner Office
Neighborly
Nomadic Ant
Planet Access
Raw Edge - Modern Artisan Boutique
Savory Spice
Sojourn Cocktail Lounge
Stanley Brown Jewelist
StretchLab Lincoln Square
Timeless ToysIf you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is limited parking since in Lincoln Square. Some metered parking & nearby lots. Best to use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for you safest bet and cheapest option if unsure!
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
