Happy Mother’s Day! Chicago Events 5/8 – 11

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” Abraham Lincoln

It always feels to me that summer in Chicago starts right around Mother’s Day. Sure, the weather’s a bit chilly and the kids are still in school, but there are more and more fun outdoor activities and we can actually start planning which festivals to go to, which movie to see in Grant Park, and choose a patio to meet friends at on a Saturday afternoon.

Since Mother’s Day is this Sunday, I should probably point out a few activities that are a great way to say “Thanks Mom.” If your mother likes to explore the city, there are a couple of tours offered by the Chicago History Museum, one through Lincoln Park, and the other visits some of the city’s historic churches. For moms that like wine, Kinzie Chophouse is hosting a Spring wine dinner, and Just Grapes is highlighting Italian wines. If her maternal instinct extends beyond her children, help her exercise that philanthropic heart with the 19th Annual Parks Ball Let’s Play!, which benefits Friends of the Parks. There are also two benefits specifically for women. One is HOW Very Stellar at the Adler (don’t you just love these names?), which benefits Housing Opportunities for Women. The other is the Y-ME Race to Empower, which takes off from Grant Park. If you park in the Millennium Garages on Sunday, they’ll donate $1 to Y-ME.

Jewelry’s a traditional gift for Mother’s Day, but you can make sure you get something as unique as she is by checking out two different trunk shows from Chic Gems, etc. One is being held in the Loop, and the other is at East Bank Club. Brunch is also a traditional way to celebrate, and you can find a spot and make reservations on the website.

Keep an eye on TLT the next few days. I interviewed Ted Wulfers, a bona fide beer drinking woman chasing musician, and will have that posted soon. I also visited hot new restaurant Shochu last night and will tell you all about it.

With that, I’m off. Thursday’s my birthday and us old people need our rest. Have a great weekend!

Theresa

p.s. Mark your calendar for next Thursday, May 15th! That’s my official bday bash at Fado (100 W Grand). We’ll be upstairs from 6 until they kick us out.