Illinois
State Pride|Need to Know

9 Hidden Gems In Chicago Most People Don’t Know Even Exist

Discover hidden gems in Chicago, from unique hotels to secret parks and bookstores.

Published Aug 15, 2017

Written by 

Elizabeth Crozier

Big cities are full of little-known, back-alley, underground secrets - and Chicago is no exception. From restaurants to parks, you may be surprised to find that there is so much more to do here than you originally thought. If you've already done all the popular attractions, try these hidden gems. Whether you've lived here all your life or just enjoy the occasional visit, you're about to find something you didn't know about the Windy City. Keep scrolling as we share with you more thoughts on what we think are some of the best hidden gems in Chicago!

1. ACME Hotel Company

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Facebook/ACME Hotel Company

Located in River North, this hip hotel features a fresh and modern design and is located close to downtown. Guests enjoy free coffee delivered to their rooms in the mornings and have several different sleeping options.

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2. Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder

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Facebook/Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co.
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Facebook/Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co.

Opened in 1972, Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder is a much-loved restaurant ibest known for its pizza pot pie, which is served in a bread bowl-like crust filled with homemade sauce made from fresh tomatoes and peppers, then topped with melted cheese. They also serve grinders, which are like pizza sandwiches.

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3. The Neo-Futurists

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Facebook/The Neo-Futurists

This budget-friendly Chicago venue embraces that thing Shakespeare said about the world being a stage. Actors play themselves and tell their own stories, so the shows are authentic, unique, and excellently unpredictable.

4. Chicago Pedway

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Wikimedia Commons/Jaysin Trevino

Located in Chicago's business district, the Chicago Pedway is trail of bridges, concourses, and tunnels and a magnificent part of the city. It helps people get to work, restaurants, shops, and attractions, especially in rain or snow.

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5. Maggie Daley Park

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Facebook/Maggie Daley Park

Like most Chicago parks, Maggie Daley Park is a fabulous place and open daily until 11:00 p.m. It is a project that continues to expand to include new play equipment regularly. It features several playgrounds, gardens, mazes, and other fun things to climb on and slide down.

6. 9th Level of the Harold Washington Library

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Wikimedia Commons/Giovanni-P

This lovely glass top atrium at the Harold Washington Library is the perfect spot to spend a morning or afternoon in contemplation or reading a good book. It can also be rented out for events like weddings and corporate meetings.

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7. Myopic Books

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Zachary Zawila/Google Maps

Myopic Books is an award-winning used bookstore boasting more than 70,000 books for sale at any given time. It also hosts fun events like readings and live music.

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8. 57th Street Books

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Facebook/57th Street Books

Located inside an old brick building, this large stock of literature, children's books, magazines, and newspapers is a hidden gem worth regular visits. 57th Street Book also has a sister location that sells scholarly titles.

9. Baha'i House of Worship

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Wikimedia Commons

As one of only eight structures of its type, this temple is the oldest surviving Baha'i House. It is popular for its incredible architecture, stunning dome, and intricate carvings, and is one of the many houses of worship in Chicago.

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Which of these hidden attractions have you been to? Would you agree that these are among the most fascinating hidden gems in Chicago? Do you know of other awesome Chicago best kept secrets to explore? Share your experiences and photos with us below!

For more interesting attractions, check out these 16 things everyone in Chicago must do before they die.

Interested in making a weekend trip to Chicago? Then be sure to consider the JW Marriott Chicago.

If you’re still in the mood for more Illinois adventures, take a look at this video:

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Food|Restaurants

Dine for Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Hot Dog Stand in Maine

A visit to Flo's iconic hot dog stand in Cape Neddick is always a must stop. The steamed dogs with famous relish sauce are affordable and delicious.

Published Oct 4, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

Travel is not only about discovering new places but also about revisiting the comfort and familiarity of favorite spots. The coast of Maine is one destination my family and I vacation year after year. Although we are only an hour away from home, we feel like we are in a different world when we visit the area's beautiful beaches and quaint coastal towns. Each year we make sure to hit must-see beaches, shops, and restaurants. As we make our way off the highway, Flo’s Steamed Hot Dogs In Cape Neddick is always our first stop.

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Rex Hammock/Flickr

Flo’s is an assuming hot dog stand located right on Route 1. It is easy to miss but hard to forget. The delicious dogs are only available to go, and will probably be consumed before you make it to your next destination. Flo's highly-ranked franks are some of the best in the state, and they are also affordable.

Flo’s has been in operation since 1959 and is now a second-generation family-owned business. Guests come from all around New England for Flo's steamed hot dogs and signature relish topping (which is dark, chunky, and slightly spicy).

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Rex Hammock/Flickr

Flo’s isn’t the easiest place to order a hot dog. Parking is tricky and the lines are often long. You must also time your visit to fit into Flo’s limited hours. However, even with these challenges, a stop at Flo’s is well worth it. The key to making a quick in and out visit is being prepared and knowing how to order before you get to the head of the line. 

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Pat M/Flickr

Flo’s has a very limited menu consisting of hot dogs, chips, and drinks. If you want burgers and fries, you will have to go elsewhere. You can order the Loaded Dog (Flo's Relish, green relish, mustard, onion, and celery salt), the House Special (Flo's Relish, mayonnaise, and celery salt), or have your franks made to order. Be ready with your order and specify how many dogs you want. These directions are posted on-site in case you forget.

Flo’s is cash only, so be prepared. Although $10 will be plenty to get you a drink and a dog or two, you will probably be tempted to eat more. My husband once had eight in one sitting, but I do not recommend doing this.

The unassuming hot dog stand also sells its famous relish, which is great to have on hand at home for hot dogs, burgers, and steaks. If you can’t make it to Cape Neddick, you can also purchase Flo's Relish online. I have found it to be an extremely well-received holiday gift.

Have you made a stop at Flo’s? How do you think it compares to other local hot dog stands? More information can be found on the Flo’s Steamed Hot Dogs website. While you are in the area, check out nearby York’s Wild Animal Kingdom and then take a stroll (and walk off all those hot dogs) down the scenic Marginal Way in Ogunquit. If you are looking for a great place to stay overnight, I highly recommend the Sea Rose Suites in Ogunquit.

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Nature|Weather & Natural Phenomena

You Might Be Surprised to Hear the Predictions About Pennsylvania’s Cold, Snowy, and Slushy Upcoming Winter

Are you ready for the winter predictions for Pennsylvania? Will we need to bundle up, or will it be a mild one?

Published Sep 13, 2023

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

While we’re used to experiencing all four seasons in a day, we all know the best way to survive a Pennsylvania winter is to expect the unexpected. That means having supplies – a shovel, rock salt, and sufficient toilet paper, bread, and milk at home – for those snowy days. The Farmer's Almanac Winter Forecast for Pennsylvania for 2024-25 have been released, and it looks like Pennsylvania’s in for a little bit of everything.

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Hodge-podge might best describe what we can expect for the upcoming winter, but the Farmers’ Almanac predictions warn that Pennsylvania’s in for a “frosty, flaky, and slushy,” season, and it all begins with a chilly Halloween.

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Flickr/Nicholas_T

While we’ll want to bundle up for Halloween, which is predicted to be unseasonably cool, we won’t have to worry too much about snow until mid-November when heavy rain and snow are forecasted.

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Flickr/Public Domain Open Grid Scheduler/Grid Engine

However, prepare for the unexpected in the final days of November when the weather’s going to be at its most finicky as we experience wet snow, sleet, and rain.

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Flickr/Jon Dawson

That’s just a glimpse of what we can expect in December with the first week showing snow, beginning with a storm that could produce heavy snow between Dec. 1-3. Light snow is expected the four days following.

As we get into the holiday spirit and finish our Christmas shopping, we’ll likely have to deal with wintry precipitation from Dec. 20-23. If you’re hoping for a white Christmas, we might not get it unless the snow from the previous days sticks on the ground.

A chance of snow will lead us into the New Year with much of the month bringing with it cold temperatures. Snow could appear, according to the Farmers’ Almanac’s predictions, from early in the month until mid-month.

February promises a hodge-podge of weather with the biggest threat for a snowstorm from Feb. 8-10, 2024. More than a foot of snow may fall.

As we head into March, the forecast for Pennsylvania calls for a chance of snow early in the month. We might just welcome spring with a snowstorm, so keep those warm clothes and shovels nearby. That’s the final mention of snow for the year, too.

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Flickr/Jack

Read more about the 2024-25 winter predictions on the official website of Farmers’ Almanac. Or, stop by the Facebook page of Farmers’ Almanac.

What do you think about the winter predictions for Pennsylvania? Do you go by the Farmers’ Almanac predictions? Let us know in the comments! Now is the perfect time to start preparing for the long winter ahead. Be sure to buy a sturdy shovel, and get some helpful hints on how to survive a Pennsylvania winter.

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