Our blog is filled with fun stories and little-known facts about special places.
Come learn about those places and the people who made them unique, as well as highlights of our Adventures.
Photograph credits: @ChiCitiGirl
LATEST BLOG POSTS
- Culture
Chicago’s Legendary Jazz Musicians
Jazz arrived in Chicago at the start of the Great Migration, as musicians from New Orleans made their way up north, settling in Bronzeville on the South Side. This included Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and Joe “King” Oliver. Louis Armstrong joined them in 1922. They were complemented by locals, such as pianists Lil Hardin, whom Armstrong would marry, and Albert Ammons.
January 22, 2026
- Sports
Chicago’s History With Professional Men’s Basketball
In 1925, a group of NFL owners decided to branch out into basketball by bringing nine independent teams under the umbrella of the American Basketball League. George “Papa Bear” Halas had founded the Chicago Bruins the year before, and installed himself as coach. For the first ABL season, the Bears’ quarterback, Laurie Walquist, served as player-coach, and the team went 6-10 in the first half of the split season, and 3-11 in the second. The Bruins’ tallest player was center Edward “Stretch” Miller, who stood 6’3.
January 15, 2026
- Food & Drink
Chicago’s Wintertime Delectables: Hot Chocolate in Chicago
Chicago has a storied history with chocolate and was once known as the “Candy Capital of the World.” eATLAS’ Chocolate Scavenger Hunt visits eight stops that explore the city’s past and present with the delicious treat.
January 8, 2026
- Iconic Chicago
The Story of Chicago’s Picasso Sculpture
eATLAS’ free Sculpture Art in the Loop Adventure visits Chicago’s Picasso and many other pieces of public art in the heart of downtown.
January 1, 2026
- Activities
How to Ring in New Year’s Eve 2025 in Chicago
Per tradition, thousands will congregate at Navy Pier where the New Year will be greeted with 10 minutes of fireworks. Prior to midnight, you can check out the Winter Wonderfest, and several of the pier’s restaurants—Bar Sol, Lirica, Margaritaville, and Harry Caray’s Tavern—all have special events planned for the occasion.
December 26, 2025
- City
eATLAS’ Guide to More Chicago’s Historic Neighborhoods
In 2024, we published recommendations for those wishing to venture outside of downtown Chicago to its neighborhoods. Today, we offer five more.
December 18, 2025