Fall Into a Chicago Condo at Lakeshore East

Fall is one of the best times to live in Chicago, and living in a condo or Parkhome at Lakeshore East situates you and your family right in the heart of it all.

While there are the expected haunted houses and pumpkin patch visits, there are a number of activities unique to the downtown area, including the Chicago Theater District 2011-2012 season, featuring plays and shows by award-winning artists and producers. In addition, the Bears play right around the corner at Soldier Field – pro football games are happening practically in your backyard if you live in Lakeshore East.

Also nearby is the Betrand Goldberg retrospective at the Art Institute of Chicago (a fitting cultural companion to the beautiful architecture of Aqua and the rest of Lakeshore East), and the Field Museum’s exhibition Chicago: Around the World, a tasty way to learn more about the history of your Halloween treats.

Speaking of Halloween, living at Lakeshore East puts you right around the corner from Daley Plaza, which is transformed into Franken Plaza for three days, including a Monster Bash for trick-or-treaters, hayrides, and a costume contest. Just to the south, brave souls can visit Shadows on the Street: Haunted Tours of Historic Prairie Avenue during Halloween weekend and discover some of Chicago’s spookiest history.

Of course, there is nothing scary about the Chicago condos available in Lakeshore East. Current listings include several beautiful Parkhomes on extra-wide lots, rooftop terraces, private elevators, high end appliances, and spa bathrooms. Homeowners also have access to the fabulous amenity deck next door at Aqua. Speaking of Aqua, there is also a variety of units on the market in Chicago’s most amazing new skyscraper, including a penthouse with thirteen foot ceilings and several fabulous two and three bedroom condo with Aqua’s signature floor-to-ceiling windows and uniquely shaped balconies.

Autumn in the heart of Chicago is truly a special experience, and no where puts you in a better location than living in the center of it all at Lakeshore East.

Girl and the Goat

Saveur – “America’s best new restaurant”

Girl and the Goat has occupied a spot on Randolph Street in the West Loop for just over a year. Executive Chef Stephanie Izard gained national fame with her first place finish during the fourth season of Top Chef. Running with the momentum generated by her win, she opened small-plates restaurant Girl and the Goat, where many ingredients are sourced from local farms. The restaurant is open daily for dinner and features fresh-baked bread, seafood dishes such as sautéed Hawaiian sunfish, meat entrees such as wood oven roasted pig face, and vegetarian options such as squash blossom rangoons. As you’d expect, there is also a selection of goat dishes available, like goat carpaccio and goat legs. If you don’t have reservations, expect a long wait. Arriving when the doors open (4:30) is your best bet for snagging a table quickly.

Bistronomic

Chicago Magazine – “Best New Restaurant 2011”

Located on the Gold Coast, Bistronomic is a French restaurant led by Chef Martial Noguier. You’ll find a nice selection of small plates for sharing as well as full-size entrees. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are served daily. For dinner, try Bistronomic’s renowned charcuterie or flights of cheese to start. Entree highlights include the tartine of the day, oxtail ravioli, and pan roasted duck magret. Reservations accepted.

Lillie’s Q

Food & Wine – one of the “Best New Barbecue Restaurants”

Chef Charlie McKenna opened Lillie’s Q in July of last year. Since then, this restaurant has become a top destination for barbecue in Chicago. Chef McKenna has won acclaim on the competitive BBQ circuit, and his Bucktown eatery offers a solid selection of classics such as the tri-tip sandwich, baby back ribs, and shrimp & grits. Reservations are not accepted, but if your large party provides a couple of days’ notice, Lillie’s Q will prepare a whole hog for your dinner.

Chicago Cut

CBS Chicago – “Best of Chicago”

Chicago Cut is making a big splash in the high-end steakhouse scene. Its North LaSalle Street location is prime downtown Chicago real estate, and has become an instant hit for power lunches. Chicago Prime also distinguishes itself by offering breakfast, which is uncommon for a steakhouse. Diners love the open indoor atmosphere and the two levels of outdoor seating. Also drawing praise is the service, quality of food, and iPad-based wine menu. For dinner, most eyes will wander to the selection of dry-aged, USDA Prime steaks, which includes a bone-in filet, Delmonico, and Chateaubriand.

prasino

prasino opened its third area location last month in Wicker Park. With a name derived from the Greek word for “green”, prasino emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients, organic produce, and eco-friendly architecture. This establishment is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Features include a selection of kombuchas, sodas, juices, and smoothies, as well as items such as lobster stuffed avocado and grilled fish tacos. Reservations are accepted.

Photo©Flicker/creativecommons/John-Morgan

Chicago’s fall foliage typically is at its most vibrant in mid-October. Just outside your Chicago luxury condo, public parks provide a calming and colorful respite against the backdrop of the city. Chicagoans are also within striking distance of some spectacular autumn landscapes that lie outside the city. Here are your best bets for enjoying the transition from summer to fall:

North Branch Trail

The North Branch Trail is a Class I bicycle trail that begins at Devon and Caldwell Avenues in northwestern Cook County. The trail traces the north branch of the Chicago River for 20 miles, through wildlife-filled forests, golf courses, and open fields, remaining mostly isolated from suburbia’s traffic and noise. Fall colors are everywhere thanks to the variety and abundance of vegetation. Most of the trail is paved, and the unpaved portions are well-kept.

Chicago Botanic Garden

The North Branch Trail terminates at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Lake County, another great place to take in the autumn atmosphere. The garden is open year-round and fall is a wonderful time to take in the nearly 400 acres of natural landscapes. There are 24 display gardens to explore, many of which will be awash in fall color during October. From September 30^th to October 2^nd, the garden will host its annual Fall Bulb Festival. At the festival, local vendors offer a variety of seasonal food and drink. There are plenty of fall family activities, such as live music and a straw bale maze. There will be 242 types of bulbs for sale this year.

Morton Arboretum

For viewing the Chicago area’s fall colors, there may be no better place than Morton Arboretum in Lisle. This outdoor museum has 16 miles of hiking trails winding through 1,700 acres of gardens and nature preserves. This is truly a place where you can surround yourself in autumn’s display for hours. The arboretum’s two-month-long AutumnFest has already started. AutumnFest features theater hikes, bird walks, gourd art demonstrations, and a glass pumpkin patch. In October, there will also be taffy apples, kettle corn, and wine to enjoy.

Kettle Moraine State Forest

Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine State Forest is named after its most prominent feature: a large moraine (accumulation of glacial debris) that is dotted with kettles (shallow bodies of water) of varying sizes and shapes. The forest is divided into five units and stretches out over 100 miles. There are many opportunities to enjoy the fresh fall air at Kettle Moraine—hiking, boating, fishing, and biking are just some ideas. You might also enjoy embarking upon all or part of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, which traverses all five units over its 115-mile course. From downtown Chicago, Kettle Moraine State Forest is about a two-hour drive.