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1 month ago | 
chicagostarmedia.com | Ashlea Hearn
Last week, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise aboard First Lady kicked off its 2025 season; the premier architecture cruise returns for its 32nd season as one of the country’s “2025 Best Boat Tours,” being named so by Newsweek. The 90-minute iconic cruise is one of Chicago’s largest tourist attractions each year, gaining several awards just last year, including being named #1 boat tour in the U.S. in 2024 USA Today 10 Best.
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1 month ago | 
chicagostarmedia.com | Ashlea Hearn
Lincoln Park Zoo has welcomed three new female meerkats called Clover, Violet, and Dahlia, who will now be on display in the zoo’s Regenstein African Journey habitat. The three juveniles are approximately 1.5 years old and form their own group, which is known as a mob. According to a press release by the Lincoln Park Zoo, the meerkats were born at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin before being brought to Chicago.
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1 month ago | 
chicagostarmedia.com | Ashlea Hearn
The United Center has an epic concert schedule that’s ready to rock Chicagoans and visitors throughout 2025. Here are the most anticipated performances coming to Chicago this year, including fan favorites like Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Linkin Park, and Tyler, The Creator.
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1 month ago | 
chicagostarmedia.com | Ashlea Hearn
Chicago’s top business expos have continued to attract millions of visitors to the Windy City’s flourishing economy since the end of the pandemic, and provide unmatched opportunities for business owners and professionals to network. Mark your calendar for these exciting and educational expos coming up this spring and beyond for 2025 across various industries.
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1 month ago | 
chicagostarmedia.com | Ashlea Hearn
To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, Friday, March 21, GiGi’s Playhouse is putting on events at over 50 locations around the country, including downtown Chicago. The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge starts on Saturday, March 15, through Sunday, June 29, and raises awareness and acceptance through fitness-based fun activities. This initiative will help GiGi’s Playhouse raise funds to continue providing free services.
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1 month ago | 
chicagostarmedia.com | Ashlea Hearn
Ready for the ultimate date night, Chicago? The Omakase Room by Kanemaru provides an unforgettable dining experience for a romantic date night any time of year, right in the heart of Chicago’s bustling River North neighborhood. Our team recently had the most exquisite time reviewing The Omakase Room’s 16-course menu. This intimate dining experience only seats 10 guests at a time and is led by the magnificent Executive Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru.
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2 months ago | 
chicagostarmedia.com | Ashlea Hearn
Wedding planning just got a lot more glamorous for Chicago’s North Side. This weekend, the first-ever North Side Wedding Walk will take place on Sun., March 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inspired by the West Loop Wedding Walk, this event will showcase a curated selection of stunning wedding venues in the area. During this experience, future brides and couples will get to learn about the newest wedding trends and savor tastings from some of Chicago’s best wedding vendors.
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2 months ago | 
gvltoday.6amcity.com | Danielle Johnson |Stephanie Freeman |Ashlea Hearn |Kyle Steadings
When the craving for something sweet hits, we have the perfect new spot for a unique treat: Mak & Cheesecakes — a New York-style cheesecake shop with a Southern twist — opens its second location next to Sun and Soil on Augusta on Saturday, Feb. 15. We’re giving you your very first peek inside. Owner Lisa Forbes returned home to the Upstate after a trip to New York determined to create the perfect cheesecake recipe. After three years of trial and error, she nailed it, and Mak & Cheesecakes was born.
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2 months ago | 
gvltoday.6amcity.com | Stephanie Freeman |Ashlea Hearn |Danielle Johnson
We just checked our watch, and it’s sweet treat o’clock. If you’re feeling the love bug and want to celebrate with a snack, you’re in luck. We rounded up nine spots to grab a Valentine’s Day treat in Greenville. Scout’s Doughnuts | The only ring better than a diamond ring, Scout’s is offering four Valentine’s Day doughnuts from chocolate covered strawberry to raspberry rosemary — pre-order online.
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2 months ago | 
gvltoday.6amcity.com | Anne Weber |Danielle Johnson |Stephanie Freeman |Ashlea Hearn
The Upstate is brimming with groundbreaking technology and innovation. From companies like Inveterate and Stark to our parent company, 6AM City, it all started here. Local tech companies now have another ally as they seek success: Upstate Upstarts,an entrepreneur ecosystem launched in 2024 to foster growth for vibrant early-stage companies based in and around Greenville. Upstate Upstarts facilitates an evolving list of tech “upstarts” in the region.
