Blog Posts

Underrated Coffee Shops in Chicago Near River North-image

Looking for a cup of joe beyond the predictable chains? Craving a cozy nook with an aroma of freshly ground beans?  It’s time to explore some of the hidden gems in the bustling River North area!     Trying new coffee shops isn't just about finding your next caffeine fix; it's a way to connect with your local community. Here's 3 reasons why you should step outside your coffee comfort zone: Flavor Exploration - Each coffee shop has its unique blend and brewing techniques. Trying new places means expanding your palate and experiencing a diverse range of flavors, from rich and bold to delicate and nuanced.  Everything from harvesting methods, geological location, roasting temperature, and more, can change the taste of your coffee.  Supporting Local Businesses - Behind every local coffee shop is a passionate team dedicated to their craft. By patronizing these establishments, you're supporting small businesses and contributing directly to your community. Cultural Immersion - Coffee culture varies from place to place, reflecting the unique history and traditions of each region. Trying new coffee shops allow you to immerse yourself in different coffee cultures, whether it's sipping espresso at a European-style café or enjoying pour-over in a hipster hotspot. In essence, trying new coffee shops is about embracing curiosity, supporting local communities, and enriching your coffee experience one cup at a time. So why not venture off the beaten path and discover the world of coffee delights that awaits you? Here’s four coffee shops in the area that we recommend trying:  Sawada Coffee (Photo Credits: Sawada Coffee, 2024) Sawada Coffee, nestled in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, is a haven for coffee enthusiasts and a testament to the art of Japanese-inspired coffee culture. Founded by renowned barista and latte art champion Hiroshi Sawada, this unique coffee shop combines Japanese precision with American coffeehouse culture, resulting in a memorable experience for customers The moment you step into Sawada Coffee, you're greeted by a warm ambiance with industrial elements and artistic touches. Vintage arcade games and a ping pong table add a playful vibe, making it an ideal spot not only for coffee lovers but also for those seeking a unique and fun place to unwind. The menu at Sawada Coffee offers a great selection for all preferences! Their signature drink, the Military Latte, is a must-try – a delightful blend of matcha, espresso, vanilla, cocoa powder, and milk that perfectly balances bitter and sweet flavors. Another standout is the Hojicha Latte, featuring roasted green tea that provides a smoky, earthy twist on the traditional latte. For those who prefer classic options, their expertly brewed pour-overs and espressos are top notch.  The Wormhole Coffee Next time you’re on Milwaukee Ave., swing by The Wormhole Coffee for a fun 80s inspired atmosphere.  This coffee shop is known for its creative theming, delicious specialty drinks, and a welcoming ambiance.  Plus, they’re open till 7pm; making it a perfect stop for morning commuters and night owls alike.   The Wormhole Coffee isn’t just about the aesthetics, though. Their specialty drinks are a true highlight, crafted with precision and care.  Favorites like the “Honey Bear Latte” blend rich espresso with honey and cinnamon for a sweet treat, while the “Peanut Butter Koopa Troopa” offers a playful mix of peanut butter and espresso. Currently, they partner with and source their beans through Halfwit - a local roastery in the Chicago area.  This collaboration ensures that every cup of coffee served at The Wormhole is fresh, ethically sourced, and of the highest quality. Halfwit’s commitment to sustainability and excellence aligns perfectly with The Wormhole’s mission to provide an exceptional coffee experience.  Wormhole represents Chicago through and through! Crepe & Bean Crepe & Bean has a wide variety of food, drinks, and seasonal offerings!  Whether you’re on the mood for a refreshing smoothie, healthy protein shake, or a delicious crepe – you’re bound to find something delicious.  Their interior is modern, spacious, and bright, and the diverse menu makes it worth a try. The crepes come perfectly packaged for aesthetic pics and filling-focused bites. The best part: all their crepes are gluten free!    In addition to their signature crepes, Crepe & Bean offers a range of smoothies and protein shakes that are perfect for a post-workout boost or a nutritious snack. Their seasonal offerings keep the menu exciting and fresh, with rotating options that highlight the best flavors of each season. Move Along Coffee (Photo Credits: Move Along Coffee (Instagram), 2024) Lastly, Move Along Coffee, a charming gem in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, has quickly become a beloved spot for our team.  This independent coffee shop exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meticulously crafted cup of coffee and relax. Move Along Coffee takes pride in sourcing high-quality beans from renowned roasters, ensuring that each cup is both flavorful and ethically produced. Their menu boasts a variety of expertly brewed coffees, from robust espressos to smooth pour-overs. Signature drinks like the Cardamom Latte offer unique flavor profiles that delight the palate, while traditional options like the Flat White and Cappuccino are crafted with precision and care. For non-coffee drinkers, the café also offers a selection of teas, fresh juices, and delectable pastries that pair perfectly with any beverage. In addition to its exceptional coffee and inviting ambiance, Move Along Coffee is deeply committed to the Pilsen community. The shop frequently hosts events such as local artist showcases, live music performances, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of connection and creativity among its patrons. This dedication to community engagement has solidified Move Along Coffee's reputation as not just a café, but a vibrant hub where culture, creativity, and coffee converge. - These are just a few of the hundreds of amazing, local coffee stops in Chicago.  What are your favorites – let us know in the comments! 

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Celebrate March Madness From Your Chicago Apartment-image

We take our sports seriously in Chicago, and that energy is just as strong for college sports. Avid basketball fan or not, March Madness tends to be on everyone's radar. Competition is high across the United States as the top NCAA teams compete for the winning title. Essentially, in the world of American college sports, there is not much (if anything) more popular than March Madness.  For starters, let's look at the logistics of this tournament and its ties to Chicago. What Is March Madness? March Madness is a single-elimination tournament that takes place every March, with games all over the United States. Watchers enjoy the tournament because of the exciting wins, loses, and underdogs. The tournament always has a major upset, and there has never been a verified perfect bracket in NCAA history. How Do I Celebrate March Madness? Sports bars, communities, and households across the city will host events during this time. The Chicago community is lively, and you can always find something to do. Coast residents- keep an eye out to see if our community hosts any March Madness events this year. Otherwise, our community is a short drive from downtown Chicago and other popular spots! Renting in Chicago has some major social perks. Think about throwing a party in your own home! Our apartment community loves hosting, and apartment living does not hinder that. Utilize your apartment space to host an epic March-Madness themed get together! March Madness Party Ideas Create A Bracket First, the classic option is to throw together a bracket with your friends, family, or coworkers. While there has never been a winning bracket, there is always a chance that the first could be you! With brackets, you can lean into the competition or choose to collaborate. Digital or paper brackets are readily available online. Activities like brackets are simple to start, and it pairs well with different activities. Brackets are also an excellent way to connect with people remotely. Get connected with your friends across the nation-or even the world-from the comfort of your apartment home. In a lot of ways, brackets have the same level of fun as fantasy football leagues but without a lot of the pressure. Another important aspect is buy-in vs. no-buy-in. No-buy-in competitions can lower the stakes and appeal to more casual fans. However, a lot of people enjoy participating in a more competitive bracket. Consider the different fun options and pick something that works best with your circumstances, people, and setting. Host a Watch Party Watch parties are a fun, easy way to theme a get together. The fun thing is - they can be super simple or elaborate! As long as you have access to watch the game, your watch party is a guaranteed success. Potluck style dinners can help distribute the workload. Themes can also help bring an element of fun. From Bring-Your-Own-Pizza topping, finger foods, dip night, or Taco Tuesday - the options are endless. Virtual watch parties are another fun option if space or location is an issue. Also, consider checking with your apartment community. Residents can sometimes use clubhouses, conference rooms, or other community spaces to host private events. Play Some Games Keep your night interesting with some party games! If you're with basketball fanatics, NCAA basketball trivia could be the perfect way to spend time. You could make your own trivia questions or utilize some online content/articles. If your group isn't into trivia, try some classic or basketball themed party games! From adults-only to a family-oriented, you will definitely be able to find some creative, fun party games. Outdoor games can even be a fun way to spend time before or after a game. At the Grand Venetian, we have a sand volleyball court and a clubhouse! Reach out to the leasing center if you have any questions about setting up your own lawn games. Have Fun This March Overall, get creative and find a way to enjoy March Madness! Let us know how you decided to partake in the tournament this year.

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4 Ways to Celebrate National Pancake Day-image

February 28 th is the official date for 2024’s National Pancake Day, and this delicious holiday should be on every breakfast lover’s radar.  Due to their simplicity, pancakes have been around longer than you may expect.  Some estimate that pancakes originated as far back as the Stone Age , and it was a dish enjoyed by Ancient Romans, Shakespeare, and more! Pancakes are loved by many and carry a lot of relevance in different cultures around the world. In fact, they’re so loved that IHOP carves out a separate day each year to celebrate – this means two chances each year to indulge in National Pancake Day activities!  There are so many ways to enjoy pancakes that everyone is sure to find a way to take part in this holiday.  Below are just a couple of ways to celebrate this year.  Find A Restaurant With Pancake Deals While IHOP won’t have their special discounts till their brand’s recognized Pancake Day, that doesn’t mean that other breakfast locations won’t have special deals.  Local breakfast spots in West Loop like Stax’s Cafe and the Wishbone both have amazing pancakes on their menu.  It’s always great to shop local and celebrating National Pancake Day might create the perfect opportunity to try a new -or return to a local favorite- restaurant.  Throw A Pancake Day Party From an extensive pancake bar, an adorable charcuterie board, or a simple get together, the opportunities are endless for a pancake party!  Get the kids, coworkers, or besties involved for a fun breakfast-themed meal.  Enjoy An Alternative Pancake Option From protein-packed to Nutella-filled, the world of pancakes has never been so diverse.  Head to Pinterest or social media for inspiration, and consider trying a brand-new take on the classic pancake.  For example, this cinnamon bun pancake recipe looks like a delicious way to try something different.  Try A New Way of Topping Your Pancake Syrup and butter might be a classic that can’t be beat, but there are a ton of different ways to top your pancake.  From covered in candy to savory, consider trying something new!  It might even be educational to learn how countries around the world top their pancakes.  Ultimately, we hope you take some time out of your week to indulge in this fun holiday.  Pancakes may be simple at their core, but National Pancake Day can help you enjoy time with loved ones, reimagine a childhood classic, and learn more about cultures around the world.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. and His National Day of Service-image

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s contributions, the third Monday of January is celebrated as a "National Day of Service." This day serves as a reminder that we all play a role in creating a better world, whether through volunteering, raising funds or participating in small acts of kindness.  In Chicago and at our Morguard communities, there are numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful service on MLK Day and year-round.   Finding Ways to Give Back Volunteer Websites Websites like VolunteerMatch allow you to search for volunteer opportunities based on location, cause, and skills. VolunteerMatch makes it easy to find projects that align with your interests and availability.   Connect directly with Local Nonprofits Many organizations welcome volunteers and can provide information about ongoing projects or specific needs on their websites.   Consider Participating In Echelon Chicago’s Charitable Initiatives Our Morguard communities nationwide actively engage in initiatives such as holiday donation drives and fundraising for organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Connect with our team to discover how residents can participate in these meaningful initiatives.   Remember that every small action has the power to create a lasting impact in our neighborhoods. Together, we can continue to build a community that reflects the values that Dr. King advocated for throughout his life.  

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