Tag Archives: chicago

Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Travel

You don’t have to blow a hole in your budget in order to have a blast with your entire clan on St. Patrick’s Day.  There are a slew of family-friendly events being held across the country this weekend to celebrate the Irish in all of us.  And the best part—most are free to attend, including: Chicago:  For more than four decades, the city of Chicago has been honoring St. Patrick by coloring the town green.  On Saturday, March 16th, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers will head out in boats to dye the Chicago River green prior to the kick-off of the … Continue reading →

Save on St. Patrick’s Day Travel

The luck of the Irish is on the side of frugal travelers this month. Several hotels are offering money-saving deals on St. Patrick’s Day themed packages.  Meanwhile, some cities are featuring holiday fun for the entire family for free, including: California:  Go green in sunny San Diego this year.  On Saturday, March 16th the city will be hosting an Irish bash like no other beginning with a massive St. Patrick’s Day parade.  It features more than 120 marching bands, towering floats, dancers, bagpipe contingents, singers, drill teams, clowns and a variety of other entries.  The parade kicks off at 10:30 … Continue reading →

Having Fun in Chicago

My family always has fun during our trips to Chicago. The Windy City offers dozens of kid-friendly attractions that are as educational as they are fun-filled. If you have never visited the Midwestern metropolis or you are returning sans wheels this spring, then consider taking advantage of one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Chicago Neighborhood Tours allows you to sit back and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the sights on themed bus rides. This year the city’s Office of Tourism has added several new themed half-day bus tours to its offerings. Take a look: HYDE PARK … Continue reading →

R.I.P. Rocky Mountain News

It seems as if the invention of the Internet is killing traditional print newspapers. For years now, I have been reading that subscriptions were down and that papers were in the red. Now, another “victim” has bitten the dust – Denver’s Rocky Mountain News. After almost 150 years in the business, the Rocky Mountain News sent out its last issue on Friday. What did the final headline read? It said “Goodbye, Colorado.” The articles went on to say “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to you today. Our time chronicling the life of Denver and Colorado, the … Continue reading →

New Details in the Jennifer Hudson Case

As the country still mourns for Jennifer Hudson’s loss, there are new findings in the case. Wednesday, police found a handgun they think was involved in the slayings. The handgun, which was in a box, was found in an alley about a block away from where the police found the white SUV that contained the body of Hudson’s nephew, Julian. There is speculation today that Julian was shot in the SUV after being taken from the house where his grandmother and uncle were killed. The .45 caliber handgun a was sent to the Illinois State Police to see if it … Continue reading →

More on the Jennifer Hudson Case

So far, no one has been charged in the killings of Jennifer Hudson‘s mother Darnell, brother Jason, and nephew Julian. The bodies of Darnell and Jason were found Friday in her house while Julian’s body was not located until Monday in the back of a white SUV. His death was ruled a homicide as he was shot multiple times. Police do have William Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson’s sister Julia, in custody as a “person of interest.” Balfour is out of prison on parole, after serving 7 years for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking, and possession of a stolen car. … Continue reading →

Body of Jennifer Hudson’s Nephew Found?

It seems as if there may be no good news at all in the case of the Jennifer Hudson family attack. After the Oscar winning actress’ mother Darnell and brother Jason were found shot to death in their home on Friday, authorities announced that her seven year old nephew Julian was missing from the South Side home in Chicago. Police put out an Amber Alert for Julian, saying that it was believed the child may have been taken away in a white Suburban SUV with the license plate number X584859. Jennifer, who had to identify both the bodies of her … Continue reading →

More End of the Summer Travel Destinations

Where have you gone this summer? Did you finally take that family trip to Hawaii or were you able to scrape up enough cash to jet off to Europe? With the economy in a slump many families have opted to stay closer to home this summer and it has paid off. You needn’t take a long flight or drive 300 miles to have the vacation of a lifetime; rather if you live near popular tourist attractions you can simply make the most of what’s in your own backyard. Miami, Florida The ritzy neighborhoods on the north end of Miami Beach … Continue reading →

Vacation Packages for Overworked Moms

Perhaps it’s because the new school is fast approaching and kids will be heading back to class after being home with mom all day or maybe hotel marketing people simple know that the words “slave labor” and “mother” are easily interchanged. Regardless of the reason, lodgings around the country are running some outstanding deals on travel packages that cater to women who need a break from their chaotic lives. Take a look: PALM SPRINGS The snazzy Parker Palm Springs is offering a great deal on a “Rest and Rejuvenate” package. It includes two nights in a king room, breakfast daily, … Continue reading →

More End of the Summer Hotel Deals

It’s hard to know what’s worse these days the sky-high price of airline tickets and insane luggage fees or the record-breaking cost of gasoline. Either way any help the travel industry is willing to provide families so they can take a last-minute summer vacation is greatly appreciated (by mine anyway). A number of hotels across the country are offering package deals to aid cash strapped families the chance to travel during these tough economic times. Take a look: CHICAGO The Windy City is looking even more inviting than usual with the “Escape! Family Getaway” package being offered by the Renaissance … Continue reading →