‘Tis the season to get out and explore. Whether you’re hunkering down in the city for the long term, plan to make a leap to suburbia in the new year, or simply want to get a sense of what’s out there, the holidays are a great time to get a feel for different communities.

Our advice? Start with some of these must-see holiday events and experiences. Scattered throughout Chicagoland, these annual go-to’s attract locals and visitors, giving you a chance to get in the mix. And when you’re done? Grab a quick bite, check out some area shops, or drive through nearby neighborhoods and get a feel for what life could be like if you made a move.

Cheers!

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If you have a friend or relative who recently moved into a new home in the Chicagoland area – or maybe you’re looking to treat yourself with a little something for your own home – the holidays are a great time to shop for a nice home décor gift. To make your search a bit easier, @properties has compiled a list of Chicago-area businesses where you might find the perfect item for the plant lover, vintage fanatic, art connoisseur, or remote worker in your life.

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It’s easy to understand why Glenview is such a popular suburb. Located less than 20 miles from downtown Chicago, the Village of 48,000 residents mixes big-city amenities, traditional suburban features, and remnants of its early days as a farming community. Glenview’s history is also tied to the former Naval Air Station Glenview. During the 1930s and 40s, this was home to the U.S. Navy’s largest primary flight training program, which trained pilots like President George H. W. Bush.

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From the shores of Lake Michigan to the north woods of Wisconsin, the Midwest is known for its scenery and beauty, and there’s no better time to embrace that beauty than right now. Here are three luxury fall weekend getaways in the Midwest, where you can enjoy the outdoors and get some rest and relaxation in lavish comfort.

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Have you ever walked past a stunning building and wondered what it looks like inside? Or perhaps you’ve been curious about the history behind some of Chicago’s iconic landmarks? If so, then Open House Chicago, the city’s free annual architecture festival, is a can’t-miss event. Open House Chicago is back this Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, giving you the chance to take a sneak peek behind the closed doors of some of Chicago’s most captivating buildings.

During this weekend’s event, visitors will have behind-the-scenes access to more than 170 architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites across 20 Chicago neighborhoods, some of which are rarely open to the public. Here are a few interesting sites to get you started this year.

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Chicago is always a magical city, but the fall season takes that magic to a whole new level, with golden leaves, the crisp lake breeze and more fall-themed events than you can count in the Windy City. Between spooky cocktails and never-ending corn mazes, you’ll have no trouble staying busy this autumn. Keep reading for @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s list of must-visit Chicago events happening this fall. 

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It’s hard to believe, but it’s already been eight years since the 606 trail opened. Built along an old train line, the 606—a namesake for Chicago’s zip code prefix— is a 2.7-mile trail and elevated park that runs east-west through some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, including Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square and Humbolt Park.

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It’s that time of year. Pumpkin spice and apple flavors are everywhere. As summer heat fades, crisp autumn air arrives and so do fall colors.

Fall in Chicago is magical, like a breath of fresh air. But before too long, fall and all its splendor will be a distant memory. So, if you’re hoping to truly savor the colors and beauty of autumn in the Midwest, here’s a roundup of great – and sometimes unexpected – places to see fall foliage in the city and suburbs.

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Supporting Chicago’s vibrant arts scene, iconic architecture and rich cultural history are a number of world-class museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, Field Museum, DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center and the Museum of Science and Industry. And while these institutions are certainly must-visits, the city also has a collection of museums that are a little more off the beaten path…and in some cases downright weird.

If you’re looking for a different adventure this fall, here are Chicago museums that delve into the macabre, the impossible and everything in between.

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In search of a venue larger than their previous home of Wrigley Field, the Chicago Bears moved into Soldier Field full-time in 1971. Since then, Soldier Field, and its classically columned façade, has become a symbol of the Bears, with 61,500 fans pouring into the stadium on game days to watch their favorite team.

But after more than 50 years at Soldier Field, which has become the smallest-capacity stadium in the NFL, the Bears have started to search for a new home. They first declared their interest in moving by purchasing the former Arlington Park race track in Arlington Heights. But as negotiations with that suburb have dragged on, the Bears have received several overtures offers from other towns eager to have (or, in the case of Chicago, keep) the team.

As the Bears season gets underway, we’re taking a look at potential new homes for the team…and nearby homes for you if you’d like to follow in their footsteps.

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