To hell w/the NATO Summit! You CAN do stuff in Chicago, yo!

So, aside from that ridiculous news coverage about how horrible the NATO Summit is here for us Chicagoans due to so many protesters making their way by the bus load to our fair city and to "ground zero" which is McCormick Place, there is no WAY I will venture out to the downtown area...but then we have to be on watch for our areas as what's even more ridiculous the "protest" that occurred on May 15th which leaked into our neighborhood; infuriating all of us to the point where an 80 yr. old senior citizen punched one of the unruly and disruptive protesters for knocking down his garbage cans.....so my point?

There's plenty to do in the city w/out having to go to the downtown area or to one of the many casinos Michigan and Indiana have to offer. This will also give you a chance to wander around your neighborhood, see what you've been missing...and patronize the small businesses in your area.

First of all, the entire Museum Campus will be closed for the NATO Summit.

The Field Museum will be closed Sunday and Monday, The Shedd, the Planetarium and Art Institute will be closed the entire weekend.

The Glessner House Museum, Culteral Center and Clarke House Museum will be closed only on Sunday.

The Lakefront Trail will have alternate routes this weekend: Northbound-you'd take 39th to State, State to Balbo then off to the rest of the trail; vice-versa for southbound.

Now for what's open and things to do, well; see below!

Do a pub crawl! Get your momma/dad friends or if you're single, get your homies out together and hit them bars off each Metra or CTA stop. Just make certain you have a DESIGNATED DRIVER or scratch to get your butt home whether you use a cab or public transportation. When I get the chance I'm going to figure out all the bars/clubs, etc...that are off Metra and CTA lines so you can plan your own pub crawl. As of now, I'm aware of several bars off the Burlington Northern line starting with the Harlem stop w/James Joyce Irish Pub just east of Harlem. Irish Times and Phil's Sports Bar is off the Brookfield Metra stop. The LaGrange stop has lots of options such as Palmer's and Al's Chophouse along restaurants, spas and shopping.

Speaking of "pub crawl" and bands, a friend of mine who's band is called "Delivery Point" will play their fusion of jazz, blues and R&B covers at Outriggers at 15917 S. Harlem in Tinley Park. There is no cover, free parking, an extensive seafood menu and full service bar. "Delivery Point" will be playing Friday and Saturday starting at 7:30PM. CHECK 'EM OUT! I'm gonna try to make it so if you see me, "hollar" at me!

The Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture will be open, located at 6500 South Pulaski; admissions- adults-$5, kids-under 12/$2, seniors and students w/ID-$4. Were you even aware we (IE, Chicago) has the largest population of Lithuanians outside of...Lithuania? Bet ya didn't know that....

Lincoln Park zoo...free and open! Check it out!

Brookfield Zoo is easy to get to via Metra or car.

As of now, from what I've researched the Chicago History Museum is open.

If it's not sold out the White Sox will be playing the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Since I live in the McKinley Park area of the city, it's not too bad re: what to do. We have a great big park to hang in, Lindy's Chili is on Archer and Western and they've just revamped not only their menu but their facility. There are several taco joints all up and down Archer Avenue as well. We're right off the CTA Orange line and have a diverse community that's safe to walk around. Plus, with the 62 Archer running often we can make a bus trip to LaGrange to go to a movie....

In fact, there are also several local movie houses to check second run movies; good price and good trip away from downtown. These locations are readily available via CTA or Metra:

The LaGrange Theater Easy to get to via Burlington Northern Metra or CTA.

The Logan Theater Off the CTA Blue Line's Milwaukee stop.

The Music Box In the Lakeview neighborhood.

The Davis Theater in Lincoln Square; off both the Metra and CTA as well.

Along with these theaters you're bound to find great places to eat, shop and in particular, walk around and just discover a new area/neighborhood of our fair city...as the weather forecast states it'll be well over 80 degrees F and sunny this weekend, get thee out there and walk! You'll feel like you've discovered something new and at the same time you'll be far FAR away from the chaos of the confused NATO Summit protesters, who cannot seem to answer nor wish to answer the simplest question due their so-called 1st Amendment right:

What are you protesting?

So, if all else fails, and the jackass protesters decide to come to your 'hood; stay home and arm yourself with a couple of baseball bats and just chill w/a nice supply of beer, brats, dogs and your family jamming to tunes in your yard. That's actually what we'll be doing since my ball and chain is working. Whatever you do, have fun, be safe, watch your back and laugh at the idiots on TV!