Yerkes Observatory is called the “birthplace of modern astrophysics.” This architectural masterpiece houses echoes of celestial giants. Founded in 1892 by astronomer George Ellery Hale and businessman Charles T. Yerkes (pronounced YER-KEYS), it took a mere two years to construct this landmark institution. From 1897 to 2018, the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and … Continue reading Yerkes Observatory
Sushi is revolving while our tastes are evolving. From traditional sashimi, nigiri, and makimono, to contemporary blends of flavors across cultures, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar will keep you guessing, “What’s next?” What’s good is everything. Just tap the lid to open the dome or touch the screen to feast first with your eyes. The robot … Continue reading Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
This is not a coffee blog, but this is a post about coffee. Every now and then we need to blow off some steam and recharge. Here and there are some choice destinations to keep us on track. All serve fresh-roasted coffee and panini. Our next stop is Cary, one of several locations of Conscious … Continue reading Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters
“Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.”—Neil Armstrong; July 20, 1969 “I want to fly like an eagleTo the seaFly like an eagleLet my spirit carry me”—Steve Miller; August 13, 1976 Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock. “The hike up Starved Rock was a great … Continue reading Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock
We’re past New Year’s Day, so may I take a moment to break: a) A forgotten pumpkin on your porchb) That turkey wishbone you dropped on the floorc) The crisp $100 bill you got as a giftd) Your New Year’s resolutione) All of the abovef) None of the above It always comes full circle every … Continue reading Joe Donut
A distillery is not a brewery. But we did visit a brewery last time! Inside joke. Scroll down to see more photos and read more about North Shore Distillery. “Ooohhh, this is something special!” A distillery is not a brewery. Spirits or beer, we put one pajama pants leg on at a time in this … Continue reading North Shore Distillery
Not long ago, I thought that Two Brothers was a coffee roastery. It is! But it’s moreso a brewery—when it’s not actually roasting tea leaves or distilling spirits. Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Two Brothers Artisan Brewing. “Has a sharp bite to it!” If only I could bring to you … Continue reading Two Brothers Artisan Brewing
Last month, Lisa and I stopped in Middleton, Wisconsin to visit Grace Coffee Company and National Mustard Museum. This second leg of our journey would take us to New Glarus where we experienced: Swiss + German fine dining, the origin of “Only in Wisconsin” beer, world champion cheese, fresh original pizza like we remember, coffee … Continue reading New Glarus
It’s the traditional back-to-school month, so let’s start with a pop quiz. What should you never put on a hot dog?a) Hershey’s Chocolate Syrupb) Black coffeec) Elmer’s Glued) Bactinee) Ketchup or Catsupf) All of the aboveg) None of the above It’s true that you could answer correctly with choice (f), but that wouldn’t cut the … Continue reading Grace Coffee x Mustard Museum
I was going to Milwaukee County Zoo. I pocketed my disposable cardboard and plastic camera. My nylon wallet’s Velcro closure secured paper but no plastic. The radio dial pulled in more static than music. Air conditioning from the Old World—let’s call it— buffeted through the vents and open car windows. It was hot, sunny, and … Continue reading Milwaukee County Zoo
The Simple Luxuries 