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City Cast Chicago

Tips and tricks by Chicago locals, for locals.

Elizabeth Kauma

The weather this March has been, in a word, madness.

In just 48 hours, Chicago went from temperatures in the low 60s and some of heaviest rainfall on record since 1943 to several inches of snow with temperatures in the low 20s.

While volatile weather is common in March as the seasons transition from winter to spring, this March has been particularly unpredictable as climate change makes extreme weather conditions more common.

But how do you plan for a city where all the seasons can happen in one day? The City Cast Chicago Team has some ideas.

Surviving All Four Chicago Seasons In a Day

Simone, City Cast Chicago Executive Producer

 They are a mix between being indoor and outdoor, highly climate controlled, and free!

☝️ Simone’s pro tip: Don’t drive into puddles. You don’t know how deep they are.

, ducking into Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s 

 when the weather gets windy and rainy, before ending his day watching the snow while snacking on short rib at 

☝️ Jacoby’s pro tip: Keep a hat and pair of gloves in your coat pocket — you don’t know when you might need them!

, is getting through the rapid weather changes by hanging out in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. She can enjoy the sun by 

 while it is nice, pop into the conservatory to avoid the wind, get cozy during a rainstorm with a book at 

, and keep her spirits high (and body warm) during a snow storm by watching 

☝️ Emmi’s pro tip: Carry a baseball cap always! It will save your hair 

Is Chicago REALLY the Windy City?

How to Survive All Four Chicago Seasons In a Day

Tips and tricks for living your best Chicago life, by locals, for locals.

Chicago Life Hacks

Chicago farmers markets aren’t just a place to shop. They’re a playground. An event. (Personally, I go to the Logan Square market just to show off my outfits.) But the fun doesn’t have to stop just because it’s cold out!

Indoor farmers markets are increasingly popular in Chicago, and there are several coming up.

For you fellow Logan Squarers missing the comradery (

 at 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave. every Saturday through March 28. Vendors include 

 is every Saturday through March 28 at the Roosevelt Collection Shops and every Sunday

at Water Tower Place. Similar to a summer market, it’s a place to hang (in addition to buy food) with 

 continues its indoor farmers market Feb. 14, March 14, and April 11. 

 produce (including lots of pears), organic vinegar, fresh meat, sorbet, pure maple syrup, and vegan treats.

 is occurring Jan. 24 and 31 and Feb. 7 and 14. Trying to meal prep? 

🍅 Still dreaming of tomato season?

Winter farmers markets offer fresh produce and a place to hang during Chicago's coldest months.

Chicago's Indoor Farmers Markets

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season

Emily Mack

Sidney Madden

Chicago airports will be busy this week as travelers fly to see loved ones for the holidays. So whether you have time to kill before takeoff or are facing an unexpected delay, here’s what to do at O’Hare and Midway airports.

 for a quick stretch at the Terminal 3 Rotunda.

💪 Grab a day pass to squeeze in a workout, swim, or sauna session at the connecting 

 in Terminal 2 to let off some steam and to occasionally catch some live entertainment.

 for mass and worship — including holiday services.

cheap flights guru Scott Keyes swears by Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera

. (I can attest — the chorizo breakfast torta is solid before a red-eye takeoff.)

, which the airport was named after, near the entrance to Concourse A.

, located in Concourse C, for travelers to unwind.

🍽️ For food, I have a hot take: the 

 in Midway serves better burgers than any other location in the city. I don't know why.

, the official Midway lounge, is now open to all travelers. Entrance costs $60. 

Best of luck to everyone flying over the holidays!

Whether you have time to kill before takeoff or are facing an unexpected delay, here’s what to do at O’Hare and Midway airports.

The Chicago Travelers’ Guide to O’Hare, Midway 

My friend Nicole P. recently wanted a custom kitchen island. Only problem? She didn’t have tools.

Enter the makerspace: a special kind of third space specifically for, well, making things. 

, these workshops offer carpentry and/or tech equipment for member use.

Nicole headed to Pumping Station: One, but there are several makerspaces around Chicago.

Founded in 2008, Pumping Station: One is the city’s oldest hackerspace. It’s also a volunteer-run nonprofit, with members aiming to buy the building from its landlord by March. To make that happen, 

Equipment includes: laser cutters, metal cutters, welding tools, soldering tools, sewing machines, a knitting machine, 3D printers, drill bits, and a woodworking saw

Before you can become a member, South Side Hackerspace requires a two-visit policy. This allows prospective makers to check out the space before committing. There are also open houses every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Equipment includes: welding tools, woodshop tools, fabric-working tools, a vinyl cutter, 3D printers, soldering irons, and a laser cutter

BitSpace is specifically for youth makers, with 

 welcome anyone aged 9 to 18. Educators can also learn about 

: hand and power tools, laser cutters, 3D printers, milling machines, professional-grade design software, and video and sound production software

 at Harold Washington Library in the Loop

Anyone with a library card can access the Maker Lab on the third floor of Harold Washington Library — that makes it Chicago’s first free, public maker space with 

Equipment includes: digital design software, 3D printers, laser cutters, electronic cutters, a button maker, sewing machines, and knitting machines

Where to borrow tools in Chicago 🛠️

There are several makerspaces and hackerspaces around Chicago, including one that's free.

Where to Make Things in Chicago

If you’re looking to take your workout outdoors, why not try joining a 

, led by instructor Olivia Santelli, meets most summer Friday mornings at sunrise at Oak Street Beach. It’s quickly become one of the most popular options for exercise al fresco. 

But if you’re looking for something a little less crowded, here are a few more options to check out this summer.

Whether you’re interested in salsa, samba, or cumbia, 

 has got you covered! The free classes take place on Wednesdays at various parks and are suitable for all skill levels.

Move your salutations into the sun with free yoga classes that are part of the 

 program. Or try Zumba, pilates, or kickboxing! Classes are Saturday mornings at the Great Lawn and Wrigley Square.

, a bike club that explores the city once the sun has gone down. The group meets 9 p.m. Mondays at the Lincoln statue at North Avenue and Dearborn Street.

 on Aug. 31! It’s the 40th anniversary of the Active Transportation Alliance’s fundraiser to support safe infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit.

Early-birds should check out the free classes offered by 

, which combine body weight training and running. Classes start bright and early at 6:06 a.m. at Jane Addams Park on Wednesdays and Millennium Park on Fridays.

Want to be more surrounded by trees than buildings? Check out the 

 for hikes, bikes, nature walks, yoga, and kayaking. Their next fitness hike is coming up on July 23 in Yankee Woods.

 at 10 a.m. Sundays at Harrison Park to get your heart pumping and hit your step goal!

’s strength training and conditioning workouts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, or Saturday mornings.

Our recommendations for outdoor exercise classes and groups available this summer in Chicago.

Ways to Work Out Outdoors in Chicago 

 than just books!? We’re revisiting a conversation on all the resources available in Chicago’s libraries and 

why they are the city’s “main community hub.”

Whether you want to home in on a research topic for school, search your family history and genealogy records, or look through dozens of global magazines and newspapers, the 

 at your local library are a great resource. Your library card will grant you access to major databases like EBSCO and JSTOR.

If you’re planning a trip, check out the Culture Grams, where you can look up the lifestyles of people around the world. Looking to continue your education? Check Brain Fuse (which is also available for teens.)

 is a great resource to pick up seeds to plant your herbs, flowers, vegetables, and more. Plus, branches will also have books on gardening so you’re fully equipped to create your ideal garden.

 that come pre-programmed with educational materials.

Libraries also put together grab-and-go kits for a variety of interests, such as art or science. At the library’s computers, you can find software for a variety of interests, such as graphic software.

 can do their homework, learn something new, or just hang out. They can play video games on the Nintendo Switch, try out the 3D printing machine, and more. Select locations also provide access to hands-on STEM learning, musical instruments, sewing machines, and a recording studio.

You can access resources from the comfort of your home through the 

, the Chicago Tribune archives, eBooks, magazines, TV shows, movies, and more.

✅ Ready to get your hands on these great resources? 

💉 Plus, the life-saving med at your library

Did you know that your local Chicago Public Library branch offers so much more than just books!?

Free Things to Get With Your Chicago Library Card

Do you, like me, have dreams of “living off the land”? Of bringing beauty and sustainability to everyday life? And maybe even saving money at the grocery store?

Well the dream might actually be much more attainable than you ever thought. The City Cast Chicago podcast recently spoke with 

 Bonnie McDonald and Michael Johnson, who started their home garden in 2015.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What are some easy tips for beginning home gardeners?

 “Some of the easy tips would be: What space do you have that just has some light? You have a window, you can grow something. It’s as simple as getting a pot, some dirt, start growing. Try it out. It doesn’t have to be perfect.”

“A great place to start to feel successful are herbs. Herbs, they’re very prolific. Oftentimes they are perennial, they come back on their own. Another easy one, green onions. What you can do is essentially chop off the bottom and plant the bottom of your green. You don’t even need seeds to do that.”

How do you explain the cost benefit, especially for a new gardener, of growing your own food versus buying it from the grocery store?

“When you think about the specialized equipment, it can be a lot of upfront cost. But you can step up and grab things over time. And don’t forget that Goodwill has some amazing appliances.”

“But if you’re looking to replace a lot of your food, you need space for that. In our yard … in the summer it replaces maybe two thirds of our grocery bill.”

“All of Chicago has community gardens around the city. So you can rent a space if you have resources to do that. Or, ask a friend.”

You also have bee hives! What’s the benefit of bringing bees into your ecosystem?

“We read that having bees increased production of many of the foods in the garden by about 25%. So this was a sustainable, natural way to increase production because the bees are close at hand to pollinate everything that needs to be pollinated.”

“It also benefits our neighbors who have flowers or other plants. So it’s good for the neighborhood. Bees can actually forage up to 10 miles, so they’re not just staying in our yard. They’re going all over the city. “

Back to your fruits and vegetables, what items do you think are most reliable to grow?

“Our tomatoes are very consistent. Our bell peppers are very consistent. Most of the things are pretty rewarding. When you’ve had an apple fresh off the tree, it’s incredible. When you dig up a carrot and they’re sweet, they’re incredible. Sugar snap peas right off, are just amazing.”

🐝 Hear the bees buzz

4 Tips For Starting a Garden in Chicago

How to Start Your Own Chicago Garden

As someone who just paid way too much to get my couch steam cleaned, I wish I’d researched this list sooner. Did you know you can borrow lots of devices — 

 — from the Chicago Public Library? And that’s not the only route to get useful gadgets on loan.

The nonprofit operating out of 4015 W. Carroll Ave. offers tool loans at both the individual and organizational level. To take advantage, you must become a member.

 is pay-what-you-can and grants access to 3,000+ tools. There are no extra fees for individual members. 

 is between $150 and $500 per year and includes access to 5,000+ tools.

 is also an option! That costs $100 per year and offers nature lovers a selection of 200+ items, including tents, sleeping bags, and cookware.

The Library of Things is exactly what it sounds like: a little broad, a little random. On shelves at Chicago Public Library’s Uptown Branch, you can find a 

 among other items. Use the Library of Things to inspire activity ideas, especially with kids, or test out a product before you decide to purchase.

Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange in Auburn Gresham

"Trash is just a failure of imagination." That’s the motto of 

, a nonprofit operating out of a warehouse at 2124 W 82nd Place. CCRx accepts donations of a range of materials that are too good to toss — especially school items, including whiteboards, microscopes, and binders — and redistributes them to teachers and community groups at little-to-no cost. While it’s not technically a borrowing service, 

💸 More free recs in Chicago

You don't always have to go out and buy gadgets for your hobbies and projects.

Where to Borrow Tools and Gadgets in Chicago

Things You Didn't Know You Could Borrow in Chicago

You know it’s spring in the city when street sweepers are out and orange reminder signs are plastered around neighborhoods. Street sweeping started April 1 — here’s how to avoid tickets.

To keep the streets clean and functional, the city uses mechanical street sweepers to pick up debris and litter that collects near the curb.

How Do I Know When My Block is Being Swept?

Don’t try to outsmart the sweeper. Someone always waits and swears they’ll move their car by 9 a.m. Just move it the night before and save yourself the heartache (and money).

What to Know About Street Sweeping in Chicago

. But the question is, how do you identify someone is from Chicago? Here are just 10 ways to know someone is a Chicagoan. How many of these things do you do?

🏫 Ask others what high school they went to (No. 278)

Specifically, when a young graduate from Whitney Young gives a little grin before they answer.

🌭 Have strong food alliances and judge others’ (No. 198)

Chicagoans are particular about their food. Do you like Uncle Remus or Harold’s? Which Harold’s? Deep-dish or tavern-style? From where? And let’s not get into 

🧥 Insist on several thin coats instead of buying a big winter coat (No. 894)

Why buy a big coat when many layers do the trick?

📖 Know to ignore the State Street Preacher (No. 949)

Samuel Chambers, known as the State Street Preacher, has been a fixture in Chicago since 1969. He often preaches for up to eight hours a day, six days a week. True Chicagoans know that if he tells you to go to hell, there’s no need to take it personally.

🏈 Your parents took you to Gately Stadium for high school football games (No. 451)

It’s where young kids may get their first lesson in school sports rivalries.

🦖 Took field trips to see Sue (No. 539)

 and can be found in the Field Museum. You most likely saw her for the first time on one of your many school field trips.

🛋️ Scored a couch in a Chicago alley (No. 98)

As Chicagoans, we love a good alley and it can often be a great spot to 

🏙️ Call it the Sears Tower, not the Willis Tower (No. 638)

🎵 Know the Empire Carpet and Andriana Furs jingles by heart (No. 530)

🏖️ Think concrete beaches are better than sandy ones (No. 867)

No mess, no stress on a concrete beach! And you could even try a 

Here are just 10 ways to know someone is a Chicagoan. How many of these things do you do?