Who Knew There is a Pullman Porter Museum?
The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum could be one of Chicago’s most under-appreciated institutions. Frankly, I had no idea it even existed until just recently. While looking into a visit to the Pullman National Monument, I stumbled across the Pullman Porter Museum’s website. The museum, founded in 1995, memorializes the famous Pullman porters. and their key […]
A Helping of Famous Chicago Food History
The James Beard Awards are in Chicago for the second year in a row. Considered the “Oscars of Food,” these awards will go to the best American restaurants, chefs, and bakers. Since I don’t regularly dine at Alinea, a very high-class Chicago institution, it seemed more appropriate to write up some of the working class […]
Four Ideas for Corporate Team Building in Chicago
Team building events can be a great time or a chore, depending on what your group decides to do. As someone who has worked for both a massive company and a small local business, I can tell you that getting to know my co-workers outside of the office is always worthwhile. Heading to the closest bar […]
Exploring the Chicago French Market
A few weeks back the Chicago Detours staff had a night out at the Chicago French Market. It’s a European-inspired market located near the Ogilve Transit Center in the West Loop, just a few blocks from where our Fulton Market Food Tour runs. We were invited as part of a VIP event to celebrate the unveiling […]
Five Kids Activities in the Loop for Spring Break
Spring Break is finally upon us! It’s an exciting time to be a kid this week. However, Chicago’s public school parents might be stressed about figuring out what to do with all this free time. So we came up with a list of the four great kids activities in the Loop. #1: Playing at Maggie […]
Neon Signs Are A Disappearing Part of Chicago
Last year, Preservation Chicago named the city’s neon signs as one the seven most-threatened endangered structures. They noted that “Chicago’s historic neon signs were once a prominent part of Chicago’s landscape and cityscape, fronting almost every commercial street throughout the city.” I was intrigued and saddened by the idea that Chicago’s neon signs are disappearing […]
The “Madhouse” Architecture of Chicago Stadium
The old Chicago Stadium stood on the Near West Side for nearly 60 years until the United Center replaced it. Known as the “Madhouse on Madison” because of its rollicking crowds, the venue hosted the Blackhawks, Bulls, national political conventions, and even an NFL playoff game. Because of its architectural design, it had deafening acoustics and vertiginous […]
The Story Behind Chicago’s Downtown Office Space
We are currently in the market for Chicago downtown office space because we must leave Chicago Detours’ home for the past 5 years. We’ve been in the historic Bennett Brothers Building at Adams and Wabash. I’ve always like this cool retro ceiling in the lobby. Time for a New Space We have to move because of the changing […]
Personal Stories from “A Century at Wrigley Field”
This year the Chicago Cubs are celebrating 100 years at Wrigley Field. In honor of the centenary, I’ve reviewed a new book titled Cubs 100: A Century at Wrigley. It’s a collection of personal stories and anecdotes from the millions who have watched the Cubbies play at the Friendly Confines. Three stories struck me as particularly resonant examples of […]