Whoa - it’s Memorial Day Weekend already! I’m still finding pine needles around the house from our Christmas tree removal back in December, so it truly is a surprise to be approaching the weekend that unofficially kicks off summer! There are many celebrations throughout the city and suburbs to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving our country. We have the pleasure each year of meeting up with Meg, Tony and the twins to view the Memorial Day Parade in Norwood Park. This year, on Monday, May 28th the parade will kick-off at 11am. You can find more information about the event as well as the parade route at http://www.norwoodpark.org/memorial-day-parade/.
While it truly is important to take time to remember those who have served our country during the upcoming holiday weekend, many also look forward to this weekend to spend time with family and friends! I know many of us in Chicago will be setting up our outdoor furniture, planting gardens and getting our grills ready to start enjoying the arrival of summer!
If you don’t have plans for the weekend yet, and want to venture out for a few hours with the family, I suggest checking out Southport Corridor. Often times this area on weekends is bustling – and if the Cubs are up to bat at home, it’s even more festive! If you don’t happen to have tickets to any of the games this weekend, but want to be a part of the baseball fun, I have a suggested itinerary to fill a morning or afternoon this weekend with a bit of fun!
First, head over to Margaret Donahue Park at 1230 W. School Street. If you and your kids are Cubs fans, you will love this place due to the large turf area showcasing the Cubs logo! The playground equipment is awesome, and if the temperatures rise, the splash zone will be a great place to cool off. The playground honors the work of Margaret Donahue, one of the first women executives in major league baseball. You can check out her story here
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/margaret-donahue-park
After playing for a bit, the kids will probably be ready to eat! Head west on School Street to arrive at Southport Avenue. One of Eleanora’s favorites for lunch or dinner is locally owned and operated by 4 Star Restaurant Group, Tuco and Blondie! EVERYTHING on the menu is great and all kids meals are only $6 and include a drink, fruit and an ice cream cone for dessert. If you end up at Tuco and Blondie between 4:30pm and 6:30pm, your kids will eat for free! Eleanora is a big fan of the guacamole made with avocado, lime and pico de gallo. Moms and dads should definitely try one of the margaritas! Tuco and Blondie is located on the corner of Southport Avenue and Roscoe Street. http://www.tucoandblondie.com
However, if Mexican food isn’t what you are hankering for, Eleanora also gives a big thumbs up to Crosby’s Kitchen located at Southport Avenue and Cornelia Avenue. This is another super kid-friendly restaurant owned and operated by 4 Star Restaurant Group where you will find outdoor seating allowing for the fun pastime of people watching. I love the Wrightwood Salad made with the restaurant’s rotisserie chicken. The menu also offers great options for kids, and again, if you dine here between 4:30pm and 6:30pm, kids eat free. When we eat here, it is a must to end our dining experience with the skillet cookie!
However, if Mexican food isn’t what you are hankering for, Eleanora also gives a big thumbs up to Crosby’s Kitchen located at Southport Avenue and Cornelia Avenue. This is another super kid-friendly restaurant owned and operated by 4 Star Restaurant Group where you will find outdoor seating allowing for the fun pastime of people watching. I love the Wrightwood Salad made with the restaurant’s rotisserie chicken. The menu also offers great options for kids, and again, if you dine here between 4:30pm and 6:30pm, kids eat free. When we eat here, it is a must to end our dining experience with the skillet cookie!
So now that you have played with the kids and had a bite to eat, there is one more thing visitors to Southport Avenue experience – shopping. It isn’t always easy to shop with kids in tow, but you may want to pop into M2 Boutique and have them help you pick out a Father’s Day gift or grad gift you may need. This cute little corner shop owned by Melissa Nelson, is a great place to find unique and affordable gifts. With Father’s day around the corner, you may find something for your sports fan hubby, accessories for the traveling dad, or fun bar accessories for the thirsty guy! However, if Father’s Day shopping isn’t on your radar yet, I am sure you can find a little bauble for yourself!
I could go on and on about restaurants and shops to visit while on Southport, but the ideas above will give you a little taste of what the area has to offer. And, if you are planning to cook or grill this weekend and host friends or family, you definitely should pick up the ingredients to make the appetizer below. I found this great recipe last year that seems like the perfect way (although a bit unhealthy!) to begin the summer holiday celebrations. Even if you don’t get around to firing up your grill this weekend, you can still enjoy this hot dog! Everyone was shocked when I showed up with the chili cheese hotdog bread to a family gathering last year because I often try and stay on the healthy side when it comes to snacking. It was a huge hit and I definitely could have doubled the recipe! Credit for this appetizer goes to Delish!! Check out the recipe here: http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53418/chili-cheese-dog-bread-recipe/
What ever you do this weekend, I hope it is fun, safe and spent with people you love! Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
xo,
Holly
What ever you do this weekend, I hope it is fun, safe and spent with people you love! Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
xo,
Holly
RSS Feed
