Bloomingdale, Illinois HyperLocal Articles and News

Click the Icons below to Filter Articles by Category

"We employ our own Local professional journalists (not bloggers) to give you an accurate hyperlocal story"

Lynfred Winery: A sweet surprise in the suburbs

The oldest and largest continuously operating winery in Illinois is much closer than you might think. Just 45 minutes from downtown, the winery offers tastings, tours and a beautiful backdrop.

Read More


Schaumburg Flyers: Big league fun, minor league price

The northwest suburban Schaumburg Flyers minor league baseball team brings big-time entertainment with talented players, a plush home field and inexpensive ticket prices.

Read More


Spring Valley: like a visit to the 19th century

A living museum in the northwest suburbs shows visitors what life was like in the 19th century. Explore a working farm, log cabin and more than 135 acres of preserved land just 45 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Read More


Legoland Discovery Center: building blocks of fun

The first in the United States, Chicago's Legoland Discovery Center mixes interactive exhibits with amazing Lego models, rides and 4D shows for full family fun.

Read More


Willowbrook Wildlife Center brings local animals up close

This west suburb treatment, rehabilitation and education center looks after local wildlife and teaches visitors what they can do to help.

Read More


The Morton Arboretum: The great outdoors just outside the city

This 1,700 acre natural wonderland includes gardens, streams, trails, mazes and a whole lot more guaranteed to entertain visitors of all ages.

Read More


Brookfield Zoo: "barless" habitats brings animals up close

This city zoo is considered one of the best in the country, with massive indoor habitats and more than 200 acres of entertainment.

Read More


Eli's Cheesecake: a tasty tour for a tiny price

This national cheesecake maker opens its doors daily for a decadent tour of its bakery, capped off with a complimentary slice of its sweet treats.

Read More


Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio: A modern architecture mecca

The early 20th century Oak Park home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright shines light on the beginnings of modern design.

Read More


Ernest Hemingway Museum: A glimpse into greatness

This Oak Park attraction boasts authentic memorabilia - including letters, diaries and photos - from one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

Read More


Ernest Hemingway Birthplace: Where history sparked imagination

The childhood home of an American legend has been beautifully restored, bringing the past back to life in Oak Park.

Read More


Kohl Children's Museum: a learning playground

This newly expanded suburban museum uses interactive exhibits to teach kids math, science, social skills, and how to navigate the big world around them.

Read More


For something novel visit Novelty Golf and Games, then hop over

Show off your miniature golfing skills at Novelty Golf where the chickens, mice and elephants await to throw you off course.

Read More


Chicago Botanic Garden: fabulous flora in Glencoe

Few cities can rival the sheer beauty and scale of Chicago’s Botanic Garden. Flourishing on 385 acres in the north suburb of Glencoe, the lovely public garden is one of the most visited in the nation, attracting more than thr ...

Read More


Ravinia Festival: a summer musical must

The oldest musical festival in North America, Ravinia attracts big crowds with top-notch talent and eclectic summer line-ups.

Read More


The Swedish American Museum Center offers insight to one of Chic

The Swedish American Museum Center is the anchor in Andersonville, one of the city's most culturally rich and vibrany neighborhoods. The museum is a great starting point if you're planning a day-long escape.

Read More


Evanston's Piccolo Theatre: Literally On The Fast Track.

Highly acclaimed for its productions and location, Piccolo Theatre is located in a working train depot.

Read More


Music Box Theatre: Modern films meet old Hollywood

Music Box Theatre, a 1920s Chicago landmark, takes moviegoers a world away, thanks to grand European décor and classic old-school glamor.

Read More


Fitzgerald's: A classic music joint with loads of charm

This popular west suburb music venue has a bar, restaurant, patio and sprawling live performance area made famous in several Hollywood films.

Read More


The Violet Hour has people talking (quietly)

One of Chicago’s most popular bars is less a bar and more a cocktail lounge. Called The Violet Hour, (a name taken from T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land”) this Wicker Park neighborhood has received rave reviews from around the wo ...

Read More


Belgian Chocolatier Piron: The best Belgian Chocolate is as clos

Hearts have been broken and won over the cocoa bean. One little taste of Belgian Chocolatier Piron will win your loyalty for a long, long time.

Read More


The Bandits vs. The Flyers: a battle of the sexes

Men of the minor league take on Chicago's Women's slow-pitch softball team in what is billed as "The Battle of the Sexes."

Read More


Father's Day Classic Car Show rolls in June 21

Oakbrook Center's 41st annual Father's Day Classic Car Show will appeal to the whole family, with more than 100 vintage cars set among beautiful gardens, shops and restaurants.

Read More


23rd Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Dust off your kilt and whet your appetite for some haggis. It's time for the Highland Games on June 19–20.

Read More


Highland Games bounce back from big storm

Oak Brook's 23rd annual Highland Games saw significant damage from storms, but thousands still turned out for this yearly festival dedicated to all things Scottish.

Read More


Printer's Row Lit Fest: a gathering for the bookish

Voracious readers, unite! The Printer's Row Lit Fest on June 6–7 is a bookworm's utopia.

Read More


Long Grove Chocolate Fest: a sweet time May 1-3

This historic Illinois village attracts loads of sweets lovers with its annual festival dedicated to all things chocolate.

Read More


Chicago Folk & Roots Festival hits town July 11-12

Whether it be a fiddle contest or the squeeze of an accordion, the Chicago Folk & Roots Festival offers great music from all cultures.

Read More


Bucktown Arts Festival

There's a reason the Bucktown Arts Fest has been a popular Chicago draw for 24 years. This two-day event attracts more than 180 artists from across the country and provides great food and entertainment.

Read More


Mapleberry Pancake House: No dinner, but great dishes and deals

This west suburb strip mall surprise offers friendly service and delicious breakfast and lunch dishes for a downright steal.

Read More


Omega Restaurant: Plentiful portions for a puny price

Omega Restaurant, a northwest suburban favorite, is packing patrons in with big meals, delectable desserts and reasonable prices.

Read More


Indian Garden: A sublime strip mall surprise

This hidden gem offers a mammoth menu, delectable dishes and very reasonable prices. It's a fun find for Indian food fans in Chicago's northwest suburbs.

Read More


Peggy Kinnane's: The Emerald Isle in Arlington Heights

This neighborhood pub serves up authentic Irish food, drink and even atmosphere, with stone, wood and memorabilia straight from Ireland.

Read More


Johnnie's Beef: an Elmwood Park institution

A local joint packs patrons in with a mini menu of tasty treats, like juicy beef sandwiches and tangy Italian ices.

Read More


Marion Street Cheese Market: eat, drink, shop and be merry

Oak Park's Marion Street Cheese Market packs a punch with its wide culinary offerings.

Read More


Poor Phil's: a neighborhood bar and grill done right

Sizzling seafood, a massive beer menu and outdoor summer seating make this Oak Park eatery a stand-out.

Read More


Mama Thai: Authentic flavors abound in Oak Park

Chicago may have loads of Thai restaurants, but Mama Thai proves the real deal thanks to delicious and delicate dishes, reasonable prices and a comfy atmosphere.

Read More


Grape Leaves Restaurant: a world away in Oak Park

A little eatery offers a big taste of the Middle East in a historic northwest Chicago neighborhood.

Read More


Lalo's Restaurant: big, bold Mexican meals

With sauces that seem to elevate the typical fare to something special,12 Lalo's locations offer authentic Mexican flavors and mammoth margaritas.

Read More


Lula Cafe: fun flavors in a small space

This Logan Square eatery packs patrons in with organic foods, international flavors and a very popular weekend brunch.

Read More


Pita Inn

Stopping at Skokie's Pita Inn restaurant is like traveling to another country. This easy-on-the-pocket favorite for Middle Eastern fare draws people from every culture.

Read More


UBBA Bar and Restaurant--The Old Crawford Inn

Known as the Ubar in the 1930s, UBAA Bar and Restaurant is a throw back to the old, rural roadside establishments.

Read More


Margie's Candies: Dive into a decadent sundae

Here's the scoop on where to go for a fantastic and oh so decadent sundae. Margie's!

Read More


The Fish Keg

The Fish Keg is one of Chicago's vanishing staples--the old fish shack. Founded in 1951, customers still flock to this simple brick fry house replete with a slamming screen door. What's not to love about The Fish Keg.

Read More


Deta's Cafe

If you could go back in time to grandma's kitchen, chances are it would look and smell like Deta's Cafe. All the more reason to pop in for a scrumptious burek.

Read More


Walker Bros.: Pancakes, waffles and omelettes, oh my!

This north Chicago pancake house chain is famous for a massive breakfast menu, but its their delectable ooey goeey apple pancake that put them on the map.

Read More


It's the sauce and more at Hecky's World Famous Barbecue

Forget Memphis. The world's best barbecue is at Hecky's in Evanston. That's right. Evanston. Ah, the sweet smell of bbq success!

Read More


Cross-Rhodes--An inexpensive way to enjoy Greek cuisine in Evans

For casual dining, there's nothing like a lively neighborhood restaurant where the banter is as good as the food.

Read More


Oceanique: French tradition, American twist

Evanston's Oceanique restaurant offers French American cuisine and is known for its superb fresh seafood.

Read More


Prairie Moon: American food with flair

This Evanston eatery serves up classic bar fare combined with Southern, Southwestern and Asian influences, all in an artistic space sure to please the eye and the palate.

Read More