Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago harbors a rich tapestry of history and vibrant culture. As we delve into the lesser-known tales of this enigmatic city, here are six intriguing facts that contribute to Chicago’s unique identity. 1. Chicago’s Monikers Unraveled: The city’s name, “Chicago,” traces back to the Algonquin word “shikaakwa,” signifying … Continue reading Chicago Unveiled: Six Fascinating Facts About the Windy City
Chicago’s Milwaukee Avenue, and other…
Chicago’s Milwaukee Avenue, and other diagonal streets in Chicago were originally Native American trade routes, which gives them their askew paths.
The post Chicago’s Milwaukee Avenue, and other… appeared first on Crazy Facts.
In 2003, the mayor of Chicago illegally…
In 2003, the mayor of Chicago illegally bulldozed the only runway at Meigs Field Airport to make a park. This stranded 16 aircraft on the ground, caused 1 plane to be diverted, and the city was fined the maximum $33k allowed by the FAA.
The post In 2003, the mayor of Chicago illegally… appeared first on Crazy Facts.
In 2003, the mayor of Chicago…
In 2003, the mayor of Chicago illegally bulldozed the runway of a downtown airport in the middle of the night to create a park. This stranded 16 planes on the ground and required an inbound flight to be diverted. The FAA fined the city $33k – the maximum allowed at the time.
The post In 2003, the mayor of Chicago… appeared first on Crazy Facts.
Illinois Sold More Than $3 Million Worth of Marijuana on the First Day of Legalization
As a former Chicagoan, all I can say is…why the hell didn’t this happen when I lived in Illinois? I know, I know, things are moving along and more and more places are legalizing marijuana, but it sure would’ve been nice…
And now I live in North Carolina, and I really don’t think legalization is coming anywhere near this state anytime soon…
But back to the story. Though it was passed into law in 2019, it became officially legal to purchase marijuana for recreational use in Illinois on January 1, 2020.
And apparently, people were pretty fired up about it (who could have expected?).
On January 1st, the first day of legal sales, the state sold nearly $3.2 million of weed. The exact numbers were 77,128 transactions totaling $3,176,256.71. Not bad for a one-day haul, huh?
If you’re curious, the state hasn’t yet released figures for how much tax revenue that will work out to.
Customers spent almost $3.2 million on legal weed in Illinois on Wednesday, officials say. More than 77,000 customers bought products at dispensaries on the state’s first day of recreational marijuana sales. https://t.co/WrpBamnmb1
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) January 2, 2020
Toi Hutchinson, senior advisor to the governor for cannabis control, said:
“As we start a new decade, Illinois has achieved a monumental milestone, launching the legalization of cannabis in a way that includes communities left behind for far too long, creates good jobs and expunges thousands of records for those who have lost out on opportunities and ends prohibition.”
Illinois became the eleventh U.S. state to legalize weed, joining Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.
You have to be 21 years old and have a government-issued ID to buy weed in Illinois. Non-residents of the state can also buy marijuana but in smaller quantities. And keep in mind that all purchases must be made in cash, because cash is king baby!
And also because weed is still illegal at the federal level, and banks are wary about working with an industry that is both illegal and legal at the same time.
Time for a road trip?
The post Illinois Sold More Than $3 Million Worth of Marijuana on the First Day of Legalization appeared first on UberFacts.
The Largest Starbucks in the World Is Opening on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile This Fall
Move to the side Tokyo, there will soon be a new claim to the largest Starbucks in the world. On November 15, the coffee chain will open its largest location on Earth on the Magnificent Mile (that’s Michigan Avenue by the way) in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
If you’ve ever spent any time on Michigan Avenue, you know it is a bustling street lined with stores, restaurants, and bars. And during the holiday shopping season, it’s ALWAYS PACKED.
The world’s largest @starbucks will open Friday, November 15 in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is one of six Roastery…
Posted by ChicagoChica on Friday, September 13, 2019
The new Chicago location will be Starbucks’ sixth reserve roastery after Seattle, Shanghai, New York City, Milan, and Tokyo and will occupy 43,000 square feet in a former Crate & Barrel. Starbucks announced that Chicago would be home to the sixth reserve roastery back in 2017, but a lot of the specific details about the location are still unknown.
What we do know is that the reserve beans will be roasted inside the store, tubes will run over customers’ heads transporting beans to be packaged (cool), and the store will employ 200 people. The food and drink menus are much more elaborate than typical Starbucks locations, and a Princi bakery inside will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
There will also be a bar that serves craft cocktails “inspired by the culture and traditions of Chicago.” The city holds a special place in Starbucks’ heart: the first location the company opened outside of Seattle was in Chicago, back in October 1987.
Just another reason to visit the Windy City! Hot dogs, pizza, great sports, music, the lake, and now the largest Starbucks in the world!
The post The Largest Starbucks in the World Is Opening on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile This Fall appeared first on UberFacts.
The “Windy City” name has nothing…
The “Windy City” name has nothing to do with Chicago weather. Chicago’s nickname was coined by 19th-century journalists who were referring to the fact that its politicians were “windbags” and “full of hot air.”
The Secrets to Getting In to 5 Real Chicago Speakeasies
Picture yourself in 1931 – the height of prohibition. You’re a young fella getting off a hard day’s work and hitting the streets of Chicago. You’ve got a fat new paycheck in the back of your pocket and you’re lookin’ for a good time and a stiff drink tonight. But how do you find it if alcohol has been outlawed? You find a speakeasy, of course.
Illegal drinking dens, or speakeasies, were some of the only places you could buy booze during the Prohibition Era of 1920-1933. Anyone who came to buy alcohol had to whisper a code word to enter. That’s how the name “speakeasy” came about.
During that time, Chicago was a hotbed of hooch bootlegging, and, as a result, this rich history has been part of the city’s fabric for decades. To capitalize on the fun, modern bar owners there have embraced the idea of a tavern that’s difficult to find and even harder to get inside.
Below are five of Chicago’s best speakeasies with a few of their secrets revealed. Just be sure to make tracks if the coppers show, ya hear?
1. Milk Room
Photo Credit: Milk Room
The Milk Room is ultra private, ultra exclusive and was once a genuine speakeasy during Prohibition. Located on the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, this 8-seat microbar will only let you in if you make advance reservations. If you’re lucky enough to get on that list, throw back a whisky or two from their selection of rarities.
2. The Drifter
Photo Credit: Instagram
Under the historic Green Door Tavern (River North) is what was once a genuine speakeasy called The Drifter. The revolving menu of cocktails is presented on Tarot cards. Burlesque dancers shimmy nightly for your pleasure. It’s so popular, there’s actually a waiting room to get in at the bottom of the stairs somewhere in the back of Green Door Tavern.
3. Chicago Magic Lounge
Photo Credit: Chicago Magic Lounge
You know those nights where you need a place to launder your money, have a drink and catch a magic act? Proceed through a working laundromat somewhere in south Andersonville to enjoy a Sleight of Hand while you watch some sleight of hand at Chicago Magic Lounge.
4. The Ladies Room
Photo Credit: Mark Much
Back in the day, speakeasies were often hidden behind other, more respectable-looking businesses. The Ladies Room lounge is in the back of Fat Rice bakery. Powder your nose in the ladies room here and you may find yourself with a One Way Ticket to Bangkok.
5. The Violet Hour
Photo Credit: Instagram
You’ll find the door to this secret establishment somewhere within an ever-changing mural on Damen Avenue in Wicker Park. If you make it inside, reward yourself with a Woolworth Manhattan.
While these watering holes are no longer so secret, for those looking for a quirky, boozy night on the town, these establishments will fit the bill…dollface.
The post The Secrets to Getting In to 5 Real Chicago Speakeasies appeared first on UberFacts.
Martin Luther King Jr….
Martin Luther King Jr. said he experienced far more hatred in Chicago than he ever did in Alabama or Mississippi. King took part of the Chicago Housing Movement in August 1966 with thousands of local whites jeering, throwing bricks, and displaying Confederate and Nazi signs all over the city. 00
Chicago is America’s top city… in the prevalence…
Chicago is America’s top city… in the prevalence of bedbugs, for the fourth year in a row.