I am lucky enough to have one of the five Great Lakes of North America right in my backyard. How cool is that?

Lost Eras has easily become one of my favorite shops to explore; hidden just outside of Chicago, it stretches far and narrow, crowded with lost treasures. Walking through it, it's hard not to begin imagining the stories of the objects that turn up in its walls, and the people that once held them. Not to mention the building itself is a piece of history, as in the 1920's it was home of the night club the "Club Detour" which had many artists play in it's halls such as Louis Armstrong, Count Basey and Ella Fitzgerald.

This bar is all about simplicity. Cheap but strong and drinks, interesting crowd, amazing vinyl only dj's playing dance songs you think you know but you really don't, and a great bouncy floor from all the people dancing to New Order late into the night. Nothing fancy and it's really dark. I go there way too much.

The Green Mill is Chicago's oldest Jazz club, open since 1907. Today it is an authentic link to past visitors like Al Capone and his henchman “Machine Gun” Jack McGurn who was the club’s former manager.

Ongoing favorite place to sit at the bar or more covertly, at a table, chatting with a friend over the seasonal best. Continuous rotation of ingredients creatively meshed with tradition, their food is divine. Similarly, their personnel is familiar, friendly, fashionable and warm.