What we’re about
🎉 Welcome to Windy City Wanderers! 🌆
We’re so excited to have you here!
Whether you’re new to Chicago or a lifelong local, this group lets you explore the city in fresh, unforgettable ways. Think of it as being a tourist in your own town—discovering hidden gems, fun facts, and unique experiences across Chicagoland. 🗺️✨
This group is the sister to our original, "1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die," and we’ll be hosting lots of joint events together! 🤝
🎟️ Membership Info:
- Enjoy a 90-day FREE trial
- After that, it’s just $12/year
- Want to skip the dues? Host an event, and your annual fee is waived! 🙌
🚇 Most events happen in the city or nearby suburbs like Oak Park, Evanston, and Park Ridge—and all are CTA-accessible.
❗Group Policy: We have a “3-strikes” no-show policy. Miss three events without updating your RSVP, and you'll be suspended for 3 months. This keeps things fair and respectful for everyone.
🎉 This is a year-round group—winter won’t slow us down! We’re all about meeting new people and having fun through one-of-a-kind outings all over the Chicago area.
💬 Got questions or ideas? Want to lead an outing? Message us anytime—we’d love to hear from you!
Let’s stay connected:
📘 Facebook Page
👥 Facebook Group
📸 Instagram
🌟 Sister Group on Meetup
Can’t wait to wander with you!
Giovina R.
Organizer, Windy City Wanderers 🌬️🚶♀️🚶♂️
🌆🌿 Step Into The Villa: Prairie Homes & A Century of Stories 🏠🌸
Let's explore Irving Park’s Hidden Prairie-Style Treasure on the northwest side on a lovely fall Sunday afternoon!
📆 Sunday, September 28, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
👣 Approx. 2 hours of walking 1.5 miles
💵 Cost: $20 per person | Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle accepted (pay at start)
🌦️ Outdoors | Casual pace | Rain or shine
✨ Come explore a hidden treasure on Chicago’s Northwest Side! 🌆 The Villa neighborhood is a landmarked district and a true Prairie-Style gem. I’ve arranged a private architectural walking tour so you can discover one of the city’s most picturesque areas—filled with early 20th-century Craftsman & Prairie-style homes, leafy parkways, and charming stone planters. We’ll even step inside a house or two to see the interiors! 🏠🌸 Perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about a part of the city few ever see.
✨ The tour is led by Villa residents trained as Chicago Architecture Center docents. Our walk will be led by long-time Villa resident, Ruth Mugalian. Along the way, you’ll hear about the district’s 1902 origins, its connection to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style, and the work of architect Clarence Hatzfeld (who later designed the Portage Park fieldhouse & natatorium).
✅ Tour Highlights
· 🏡 Craftsman & Prairie style homes (inside views of 1–2!)
· 🌳 Parkway streets with distinctive stone planters
· 📖 Stories of The Villa’s development as the “Villa addition to Irving Park”
· 🏘️ Homes by Hatzfeld & Knox, and other Wright-influenced architects
· 🎉 A neighborhood featured in books, tours, and even its own centennial festival
📍 Tour Route & Logistics
· Start: NE Corner of Addison & Pulaski — 3950 W. Addison, Chicago
· End: About 2 blocks from where we started
· Length: ~2 hours, outdoors, 1.5 miles 🌞
🎒 What to Bring
· Water 💧
· Comfy walking shoes 👟
· $20 tour fee 💵 (Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle)
· Umbrella/rain jacket just in case ☔
🍽️ After the Tour
After the walk, join us for a late lunch nearby! Options include 🔥🍗 Brasa Roja Pulaski, 🍻🏈 Brudder’s Sports Bar, or 🍕❤️ La Villa Pizzeria—a local favorite since 1972.
🌟 About The Villa
A century-old neighborhood on Chicago's Northwest Side, The Villa is characterized by parkway streets, stone planters, and distinctive examples of early 20th-century residential architecture. The district was built in 1902 by several architects, many visibly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style. Most notable are the bungalows by Hatzfeld & Knox, whose partner Clarence Hatzfeld went on to design the Portage Park fieldhouse and natatorium. Originally developed as the “Villa addition to Irving Park,” it showcases unique Craftsman and Prairie-style homes fronting on picturesque boulevard-style streets.
The Villa has been featured in magazines and books, and is a regular stop on Chicago Architecture Foundation tours. In 2007, the neighborhood celebrated its 100th anniversary with period costumes, horse-and-carriage rides, and recorded oral histories. 🎉📖
🚇 Transportation & Parking
CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚇 Street parking available on Addison, Pulaski & side streets (watch for permit parking signs). 🅿️
***
📸 While not a strict photo walk, there will be plenty of opportunities to capture homes, gardens & historic streets! 🌆
🙌 It’s a multi-meetup group event—please keep your RSVP updated and don’t be a no-show!
❗ No-Show Policy:
3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month freeze from future events. Please update RSVP by start time or message host if late.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 🏙️⚓ Scenic Riverwalk Walk: Centennial Fountain ➡️ Island Party Hut 🌆🍹Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, Chicago, IL
🏙️⚓ Scenic Riverwalk Walk: Centennial Fountain ➡️ Island Party Hut 🌆🍹
Walk the Chicago Riverwalk: Centennial Fountain to Island Party Hut
We’re not done with summer just yet! ☀️ Join us for a late Friday afternoon walk along Chicago’s beautiful downtown Riverwalk — from Centennial Fountain in McClurg Court to Island Party Hut — followed by food & drinks at one of the many spots along the river.
Options include Chicago Brewhouse, Beat Kitchen, The Northman, Tiny Tapp, City Winery, or even Island Party Hut itself. We may also hop across to the other side for Porter Kitchen, River Roast, or Legal Seafoods. Lots of possibilities! 🍹🍴
***
## 📅 Event Details
- Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM
- Distance: ~2.5 miles (easy pace)
- Weather: 🌦️ Weather dependent
- Important Note: The walk does not end where it starts. If you drive, you’ll need to walk/bus back to your car. Strongly suggest public transit! 🚇
***
## 📍 Route & Meeting Point
- Start: Centennial Fountain & Water Arc, 400 N. McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
- End: Island Party Hut, 355 E. Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
(We may not eat at Island Party Hut — check back for updates if meeting just for the food portion.)
***
## 🅿️ Parking & Transit
- Parking: Limited street parking. Use SpotHero / ParkWiz for best rates near the end point.
- Transit: Many CTA bus & train options. Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps.
***
## 🗺️ Scenic Stops Along the Way
- 🏖️ Centennial Fountain & Water Arc
- 🐦 Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
- ☕ Apple Michigan Ave
- ⛳ The Langham Hotel
- 🌳 Legal Seafoods
- 🐦 River Roast
- 🗿 Blue Bottle Coffee
- 🐕 Merchandise Mart
- ⚓ Sweet Home Gelato
- 🌈 Tiny Tapp
- 🌿 City Winery
- 🍻 Chicago Brewhouse
- 🍔 O’Briens Riverwalk Café
- 🎶 Beat Kitchen
- ⚓ The Northman Riverwalk
- 🌴 Island Party Hut
More info: Chicago Riverwalk
***
## ✅ What to Bring
- 💧 Water
- 🧴 Sunscreen & hand sanitizer
- 👟 Good walking shoes
- 👕 Dress for Chicago’s summer/fall weather
- 🚻 Plan ahead — washrooms are limited along the Riverwalk
***
Food/Drink Options include:
- 🍻 Chicago Brewhouse (https://www.chicagobrewhouse.com/)
- 🎶 Beat Kitchen on the River (https://beatkitchen.com/riverwalk/)
- 🍏 The Northman Beer & Cider Garden (https://www.thenorthman.com/riverwalk)
- ☕ Tiny Tapp & Café (https://www.tinytapp.com/)
- 🍷 City Winery at the Riverwalk (https://citywinery.com/chicago/riverwalk)
- 🌴 Island Party Hut (https://islandpartyhut.com/)
We may also hop across to the other side for:
- 🍽️ Porter Kitchen & Deck (https://porterchicago.com/)
- 🐟 River Roast (https://riverroastchicago.com/)
- 🦞 Legal Sea Foods (https://www.legalseafoods.com/locations/chicago/)
## 📌 No-Show Policy
- 🚫 3 no-shows (without updating RSVP) = no sign-ups for 3 months
- ⏰ Cut-off to update RSVP = event start time
- 📱 If you miss the start, message the host directly
- ❌ Not checking in with the host = counts as a no-show
***
💫 Come for the scenery, fresh air, and great company — and stay for a relaxing meal & drink on the river to toast the end of summer!
- 🍻🥨 Oktoberfest @St. Alphonsus – Beer, Brats & Bands 🎷🍂 🎶St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Chicago, IL
🍻🥨 Oktoberfest @ St. Alphonsus – Beer, Brats & Bands 🎷🍂🎶
Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 5–10 PM
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church – Lakeview, Chicago
Website & Info
***🍺🎉 Oktoberfest Chicago @ St. Alphonsus – Celebrate German Heritage! 🥨🎶
📜 Origins of Oktoberfest
- On October 12, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
- 40,000 people attended the five-day festivities in Munich, ending with horse races in front of the Royal Family.
- Annual celebrations grew from this event, creating the world-famous Oktoberfest — now attracting over 6 million visitors annually! 🇩🇪🍂
🍂 Celebrate German Heritage, Chicago Style!
- 19th year of St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest — Chicago’s favorite fall festival!
- Expanded from a small parking lot to multiple streets in West Lakeview.
- Enjoy:
- 🍺 Beer gardens with local and imported brews
- 🥨 Bratwurst, pretzels, and traditional German fare
- 🎶 Live music on two stages: I-Pop, Hello Weekend, Dancing Queen, School of Rock, Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band, Bratwurst Brothers
- 🎉 Festive decorations, family-friendly activities, and a lively community atmosphere
***
🎟️ Entrance Fee- $10 per person
***
🎵 Tentative Itinerary
Main Stage:- I-Pop ┈ 2:30–5:15 PM (optional early arrival)
- Hello Weekend ┈ 5:45–7:45 PM (high-energy party band!)
- Dancing Queen: ABBA ┈ 8:15–10 PM (40+ ABBA hits!)
Parking Lot Stage:
- School of Rock ┈ 2:30–4:15 PM
- Sgt. Sauerkraut’s Polka Band ┈ 4:45–7:30 PM
- Bratwurst Brothers ┈ 8–10 PM
***
🍻 What’s Brewing
- Lively festival vibe with the aroma of bratwurst and pretzels
- Perfect for beer lovers, families, and festival-goers
- Ceremonial keg-tapping of the Golden Keg by Fr. Bauer with Ein Prosit 🎶
***
🎉 Family Fun
- Kinderfest area: face painting, games, and activities
- Don’t miss the oktoBEARfest mascot 🐻
***
🛍️ Limited Edition Swag
- Tyrolean hats, Oktoberfest gear, and Commemorative 1L Steins
***
🎶 Featured Bands
- Hello Weekend – nonstop hits from Gaga → Guns N’ Roses → Bruno Mars → Beach Boys More info
- Dancing Queen: ABBA Salute – Midwest ABBA tribute performing classics like Waterloo & Mamma Mia More info
***
🎉 With multiple meetup groups joining in, it’s the perfect chance to mingle and make new friends over beer & brats! 🍻🥨🚇 Getting There
- Public Transit: CTA bus/train → CTA Trip Planner
- Driving/Parking: Metered spots on Diversey, Southport, Belmont; limited side streets. Watch for permit-only signs. Parking can be tricky.
***
⚠️ No-Show Policy
- 🚫 3 no-shows without updating RSVP = 3-month freeze from events
- ✍️ RSVP cut-off = event start time
- 📩 Late? Message host directly
- Not checking in = no-show
- Continual no-shows = removal from group
***
✨ Come enjoy beer, brats, live music, and festive Oktoberfest vibes — Prost! 🍺🥨🎶
- 🌆🌿 Step Into The Villa: Prairie Homes & A Century of Stories 🏠🌸NE Corner of Addison & Pulaski, chicago, IL
🌆🌿 Step Into The Villa: Prairie Homes & A Century of Stories 🏠🌸
Let's explore Irving Park’s Hidden Prairie-Style Treasure on the northwest side on a lovely fall Sunday afternoon!
📆 Sunday, September 28, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
👣 Approx. 2 hours of walking 1.5 miles
💵 Cost: $20 per person | Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle accepted (pay at start)
🌦️ Outdoors | Casual pace | Rain or shine✨ Come explore a hidden treasure on Chicago’s Northwest Side! 🌆 The Villa neighborhood is a landmarked district and a true Prairie-Style gem. I’ve arranged a private architectural walking tour so you can discover one of the city’s most picturesque areas—filled with early 20th-century Craftsman & Prairie-style homes, leafy parkways, and charming stone planters. We’ll even step inside a house or two to see the interiors! 🏠🌸 Perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about a part of the city few ever see.
✨ The tour is led by Villa residents trained as Chicago Architecture Center docents. Our walk will be led by long-time Villa resident, Ruth Mugalian. Along the way, you’ll hear about the district’s 1902 origins, its connection to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style, and the work of architect Clarence Hatzfeld (who later designed the Portage Park fieldhouse & natatorium).
✅ Tour Highlights
· 🏡 Craftsman & Prairie style homes (inside views of 1–2!)
· 🌳 Parkway streets with distinctive stone planters
· 📖 Stories of The Villa’s development as the “Villa addition to Irving Park”
· 🏘️ Homes by Hatzfeld & Knox, and other Wright-influenced architects
· 🎉 A neighborhood featured in books, tours, and even its own centennial festival📍 Tour Route & Logistics
· Start: NE Corner of Addison & Pulaski — 3950 W. Addison, Chicago
· End: About 2 blocks from where we started
· Length: ~2 hours, outdoors, 1.5 miles 🌞🎒 What to Bring
· Water 💧
· Comfy walking shoes 👟
· $20 tour fee 💵 (Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle)
· Umbrella/rain jacket just in case ☔🍽️ After the Tour
After the walk, join us for a late lunch nearby! Options include 🔥🍗 Brasa Roja Pulaski, 🍻🏈 Brudder’s Sports Bar, or 🍕❤️ La Villa Pizzeria—a local favorite since 1972.🌟 About The Villa
A century-old neighborhood on Chicago's Northwest Side, The Villa is characterized by parkway streets, stone planters, and distinctive examples of early 20th-century residential architecture. The district was built in 1902 by several architects, many visibly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style. Most notable are the bungalows by Hatzfeld & Knox, whose partner Clarence Hatzfeld went on to design the Portage Park fieldhouse and natatorium. Originally developed as the “Villa addition to Irving Park,” it showcases unique Craftsman and Prairie-style homes fronting on picturesque boulevard-style streets.The Villa has been featured in magazines and books, and is a regular stop on Chicago Architecture Foundation tours. In 2007, the neighborhood celebrated its 100th anniversary with period costumes, horse-and-carriage rides, and recorded oral histories. 🎉📖
🚇 Transportation & Parking
CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚇 Street parking available on Addison, Pulaski & side streets (watch for permit parking signs). 🅿️
***
📸 While not a strict photo walk, there will be plenty of opportunities to capture homes, gardens & historic streets! 🌆🙌 It’s a multi-meetup group event—please keep your RSVP updated and don’t be a no-show!
❗ No-Show Policy:
3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month freeze from future events. Please update RSVP by start time or message host if late.
