Andy’s Art Antiques & Oddities

The hidden garden behind the Lincoln Park Conservancy is a must-visit spot. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, situated in this garden, is designed to resemble a river flowing through a prairie. Walking along the stone path that encircles the lily pool, you'll come across a pavilion, a council ring, and native plants seen from mid-April to mid-November. As soon as you enter through the Prairie-style Fullerton gate, you will find yourself surrounded by a serene and beautiful garden filled with the soothing sounds of birds chirping and a gentle waterfall. Alfred Caldwell, a landscape architect, designed this garden as a hidden treasure for the people of Chicago. The gravel pathway on the east side of the Lily Pool site is partially accessible for those with disabilities. However, the stone pathway on the west has some steps up and down, making it less accessible. Visitors should also be aware that both sides of the path have a slight incline and decline, which should be considered while exploring the garden.

AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago provides a unique spa experience where you can see the building's exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and industrial columns. Inside the AIRE walls, you can immerse yourself in a journey through a traditional and exclusive bathhouse inspired by the ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman cultures. This journey will take you through a range of sensations in a  serene space that promotes the peace of your mind and body, where time seems to stand still. You can treat yourself to the thermal baths, steam rooms, jet baths, and Flotarium, all set at different temperatures. You can enjoy a full-day spa experience or a relaxing couples massage. So, come to AIRE and immerse yourself in relaxation.

The Hideout is not your typical bar; it's a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of whether they fit in. This prohibition-era bar may be small, but it's been a community space for independent music and performance in Chicago for over 25 years. On Saturdays, you can enjoy live music and dancing at The Hideout. It's a hub for music, art, performance, plays, poetry, rock, and rebellion. The bar is rooted in complex, hard-playing, creative artistic expression and intellectual freedom. It's more New Deal than New Age, and while it's not for everyone, it's for anyone who wants to experience something unique and authentic.

The Northcenter neighborhood of Chicago hosts Ribfest Chicago, an annual three-day food festival during the summer. It has been celebrating the love for BBQ for 23 years and has gained immense popularity. Ribfest Chicago attracts over 60,000 visitors yearly who feast on an average of 50,000 pounds of pork. The festival has been featured in both local and national media, and BBQ experts from all over the Chicagoland area compete for awards such as "Best Ribs" and "People's Choice." But Ribfest Chicago is not just about delicious ribs but also a nationally recognized indie music festival. The event features top local and national acts on two stages, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music. Ribfest Chicago is not only for adults but also a family-friendly event. The festival offers a "Kids Square" that provides three fun-filled days for children, including sliding, climbing, jumping, riding, dancing, and live entertainment.