So, the deals are done. Maybe you scored something good, or avoided it. I’ve scoured the Twittersphere to relax and unwind:
@ChicagoPrime: Come to “Black Friday Specials all weekend long” Friday, November 25 at 3:00 pm until Sunday, November 27 at… http://t.co/8VMwWpeS
@Sunda: Heading out for Black Friday? Bring in a shopping receipt and receive $15 off of lunch!
@PinstripesBBB: BLACK FRIDAY shopping?!?! Bring in your holiday shopping receipts during lunch or dinner and receive a… http://t.co/6Gx8KQzN
@CarlucciRest: Get ready to eat & shop! It’s our Black Friday Menu! $25 3-course dinner menu. Friday thru Sunday (11/25-11/27)
@GooseClybourn: BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE: http://t.co/A6iaANK1 Join us for the exclusive release of King Henry at our brewpub! #Chicago #craftbeer
Chocolate!
I have been meaning to attend the Long Grove Chocolate Fest but every year something comes up or I find out about it too late…but this may just be the year! In 2011, this chocolaty fest will be from 29 April- 1 May. Long Grove is in the northwest suburbs, about 10-15 minutes from Rt. 53 and Lake Cook Road.
While entrance to this fest if free, you will be in great danger of spending money (if my experience with their Strawberry Fest is any indication)– so maybe buy mom a Mother’s Day present while you are there and then put the wallet away.
My favorite places in Long Grove are the Long Grove Apple Haus, and the Irish Boutique. Also, after a free browse through the gallery and Irish Boutique, make one tiny splurge on a chocolate strawberry from The Long Grove Confectionery.
Since 1986, the Naperville Art League has held the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, which is a free¬†art exhibition held along Naperville’s riverwalk.¬† In 2010, this fair will be held on 18-19 September 2010.
I’ve never been, so if anyone attends, I’d like to hear about it.
The Long Grove Strawberry Fest is a tradition in the northwest suburbs.  People may not make it every year, but most people manage to go every few years.  Not surprisingly, The Long Grove Confectionery is a draw at this eventРtheir chocolate covered strawberries are expensive but worth a splurge.
Entrance is free, but hide your wallet while you browse through the rest of the shops.  The are galleries, vendors, kitschy stores, and lots to see in this historic district.
This year the event is from 25-27 June 2010.  Not far from Rt. 53 and Lake Cook Rd., this is a great time of year for a little sceneryРin particular, the daffodils on the side of the road.
There are a lot of festivals in the Chicago area, so I’m going to try to highlight the free or cheap ones by month.¬† If I miss any, please share!
The Latino Book and Family Festival,  17-18 April 2010, Unity School, Cicero
The Festival of Colors, 24 April 2010, Knock Knolls Park,  336 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville (Admission is free, but you have to buy your own colors to throwРso this could be as cheap or as expensive as you like.)
Long Grove Chocolate Fest,   30 April-2 May 2010, Long Grove
(I really wanted to add Whiskey Fest, but it is $110 per person…)
Brrrrr!!!!!  The problem with ice and snow is that it has to be cold outside!  But a lot of people (other than me) enjoy ice skating outside.  If you are one of these people, then know that there are rumors of a free outdoor ice skating at Lagoon Dawes Park in Evanston.   (This has been reported in the Suntimes and on CenterStage.)
Once you are done skating, you are near several restaurants and coffee shops where you can warm up. (My favorite is The Italian Coffee Bar at Grove and Sherman Ave.)
