While the masses attended the first showing of the new Star Wars movie, I celebrated the intergalactic phenomenon in another way and enjoyed some time in my former living area of Oak Park, located just west of downtown Chicago.
My day started at The Book Table, an independent bookstore in Oak Park. I could spend days there roaming and checking out their books. In this digital age, my heart longs for pulp, and The Book Table’s more than 50,000 titles provide plenty of hard copy.
Oak Park is home to many houses designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who resided there for about two decades. Despite seeing the structures many times, I always marvel at their beauty. Plenty of tasteful holiday lighting displays highlighted their magnificence.
For a late lunch, I enjoyed a delicious portabella mushroom fries appetizer and a turkey burger at Avenue Ale House. It would be hard to cram more flavor into one lunch. I love this place.
Award-winning parodist Paul Erickson hosted a Star Wars party at Defiant Comics. Erickson is the author of several parody books, including his latest, Jar Jar Wars, which spoofs the Star Wars series. While I hesitate to admit I am not a huge fan of Star Wars, I find Erickson’s Jar Jar Wars to be immensely entertaining.
On my way home, I made one last stop and picked up a pizza from Geppettos, my old favorite place. I always get a pizza there whenever I am close. There are so many great places to visit in the Chicago area, with Oak Park as one of my favorites that I try to visit several times a year.
— John Wroblewski, online contributor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 25, 20243 “Detour Destinations” to Check Out on Your Next European Getaway
In Expedia’s recent Unpack ‘25: The Trends, detour destinations are on the rise, with more travelers seeking unique daytrip destinations to add on to original trip itineraries. Sixty-three percent of participants reported they want to visit a detour destination on their next vacation. Are you one of them? Here are four popular destinations to add to your next European getaway:
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
Airlines
Nov 23, 2024Avelo Extends West Coast Schedule Through Spring 2025
Avelo Airlines extends its Western U.S. flight schedule through April 29, allowing travelers to book spring break travel to 14 popular West Coast destinations. One-way fares start at $57.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Daily
Nov 20, 2024Le Massif de Charlevoic, Québec, Announces Winter Ski Season Festivities
Ski fever? This year, skip the long flight over the water and stay a little closer to home at four-season Le Massif de Charlevoix resort in Québec. Snow fun kicks off Nov. 30 when skiers and snowboarders carve the first tracks of the season. The resort, about an hour from Québec City and 20 minutes from Baie-Saint-Paul, is the location of North America’s first Club Med mountain village.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Nov 20, 2024Celebrate the Holidays at This Hotel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Spend the holiday season in Italy with a stay at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Hotel. The only 5-star hotel in the area hosts festive experiences from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
ShareThis