CHICAGO

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• BE BY BABY read more ›
  (1654 W Roscoe St. Tel. 773-404-2229)
  bebybaby.com
  Expectant parents and those seeking outof- the-ordinary shower gifts can find the latest gear—from baby slings and cool kiddie music—at this Roscoe Village boutique.
• MARBLES: THE BRAIN STORE read more ›
  (55 E Grand Ave. Tel. 312-494-7769)
  marblesthebrainstore.com
  Pick up some workout gear for your most important body part at this haven for brain games, which sells all manner of puzzles, books, riddles and mind-teasers.
• THE NOBLE GRAPE read more ›
  (802 N Bishop St. Tel. 312-846-1204)
  noblegrape.net
  Frequent complimentary tasting nights (generally Wednesdays and Fridays) present the perfect opportunity to find a new favorite vintage at this West Town wine seller, whose mantra is, “Wine should be enjoyed, not feared.”
• THE SWEDEN SHOP read more ›
  (3304 W Foster Ave. Tel. 773-478-0327)
  theswedenshop.com
  Like a reverse Ikea, this shop specializes in fancy furniture and accessories—including blankets, ornaments, dishware and clothing— from Sweden and other noted design capitals.

• CHICAGO WOLVES read more ›
  (At Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd. Tel. 800-843-9658)
  www.chicagowolves.com
  Now that former Chicago Blackhawk Chris Chelios is anchoring the defense, tickets for the city’s “other” hockey club—the Wolves of the AHL—are a hot commodity. Games are various days between March 6-28.
• TAMING OF THE FLU read more ›
  (1616 N Wells St. Tel. 312-337-3992)
  secondcity.com
  The venerable comedy institution celebrates its 50th anniversary by taking pot shots at the healthcare system—along with everyone from cabbies to French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
• BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL read more ›
  (24 W Randolph St. Tel. 312-977-1710)
  billyelliotchicago.com
  The 2009 Tony Award-winning “Best Musical” about a boy from hardscrabble northern England who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer opens its Chicago run March 18.
• CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE POSTER FAIR read more ›
  (77 E Randolph St. Tel. 312-443-3710)
  posterfair.com
  Dealers from all over the world converge on the Windy City to show off more than 10,000 vintage works highlighting early-20th-century product advertising, classic tourism images and even old state propaganda. March 19-21.
• FLEUROTICA read more ›
  (300 N Central Park Ave. Tel. 773-638-1766)
  garfield-conservatory.org
  This “unique runway adventure” combines flora and fashion, with clothing and accessories made entirely from flowers and plants. Proceeds raise money for in-house programs at the city’s largest conservatory. March 26.

• THE GREEN DOOR TAVERN read more ›
  (678 N Orleans St. Tel. 312-664-5496)
  greendoorchicago.com
  The building leans a little bit—it was built in 1872, after all—but it’s still a reliable spot for burgers, salads and sandwiches, all served with a side of history. $$
• LM read more ›
  (4539 N Lincoln Ave. Tel. 773-942-7585)
  lmrestaurant.com
  This bistro in Lincoln Square is a great choice for visitors seeking a meal outside the downtown dining districts. Order the savory sweetbreads and braised veal cheeks. $$$
• MADO read more ›
  (1647 N Milwaukee Ave. Tel. 773-342-2340)
  www.madorestaurantchicago.com
  Chef Rob Levitt butchers hogs in-house to create his regularly changing menu, which has been known to include dishes like salad with roasted pig’s head and a signature porchetta (spit-roasted pork loin and belly). $$$
• TABLE FIFTY-TWO read more ›
  (52 W Elm St. Tel. 312-573-4000)
  tablefifty-two.com
  Oprah’s former personal chef Art Smith deftly handles upscale Low Country cuisine at this intimate eatery located in a 19th-century carriage house. The jambalaya with crawfish, scallops and chorizo is a standout dish. $$$$
• TAXIM read more ›
  (1558 N Milwaukee Ave. Tel. 773-252-1558)
  taximchicago.com
  Forget the usual kebobs and flaming cheese. This ambitious Greek restaurant in hip Wicker Park serves elevated options like duck gyros with pomegranate glaze and wood-grilled octopus with fennel root. $$$$

• BUTCH MCGUIRE’S read more ›
  (20 W Division St. Tel. 312-337-9080)
  butchmcguires.com
  Chicago broadcasting legend Harry Caray used to drink here, so it almost goes without saying that this wood-paneled Irish-American pub—a Gold Coast institution for nearly 50 years— offers plenty of history and good times.
• DARKROOM read more ›
  (2210 W Chicago Ave. Tel. 773-276-1411)
  www.darkroombar.com
  The line between lounge and gallery are blurred at this Ukrainian Village nightspot, which showcases the work of local photographers while DJs spin everything from funk to reggae.
• GUTHRIE’S TAVERN read more ›
  (1300 W Addison St. Tel. 773-477-2900)
  guthriestavern.tripod.com
  With a stellar beer selection and more than 50 classic board games, this comfortable and convivial Wrigleyville bar is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
• LINCOLN SQUARE LANES read more ›
  (4874 N Lincoln Ave. Tel. 773-561-8191)
  This second-floor bowling alley doesn’t look like much, but the old-school vibe and cheap beer attracts hipsters and keglers aplenty. Call and ask about karaoke, which takes place some Friday nights.

• LASALLE COUNTY, IL read more ›
  (1307 Seventh St, LaSalle. Tel. 815-224-5895)
  enjoylasallecounty.com
  Best known for the 18 canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, LaSalle County is also home to historical museums, such as the Hegeler Carus and Reddick Mansions, both built in the 19th century.

This month...

Fun Fact!
The first trains in what later became Chicago’s famous elevated transit system started running in 1892.