Skechers operates a lot of factory outlet stores, including one in Austin that I visited recently. The selection was large; you'd probably find something in your size, even if it's an unusual one. The selection is the draw. The prices are not. With few exceptions, the prices were no better than … [Read more...] about Skechers Factory Outlet Store
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Top Ten: Fun things to do in Lincoln Park
The Lincoln Park neighborhood is just north of downtown and full of lots of great free things to do. At one time, it was ground zero for Chicago's yuppies. That's less the case than it used to be, but as the home of both DePaul University and some gorgeous old apartments, you'll see a great mix of … [Read more...] about Top Ten: Fun things to do in Lincoln Park
Leo’s Dancewear Factory Store
Leo's Dancewear used to have an outlet store in Chicago. That closed; the replacement, in River Forest, is more of a retail store that receives some deep discount items, especially unsold products from past catalogues. The front of the store has a standard array of leotards and tights. Women's … [Read more...] about Leo’s Dancewear Factory Store
Further Afield: Bailey’s Discount Center
If you're returning to Chicago from a trip out east, you may have seen the billboards in Northwest Indiana directing you to Bailey's Discount Center. Chicago on the Cheap correspondent Ally Gercken checked it out. The drive was definitely worth it if you are looking for furniture. They had so … [Read more...] about Further Afield: Bailey’s Discount Center
Chicago Outlet Store Review: Alexandra’s Pierogis
Are you in need of some serious comfort food? The kind that will keep you warm no matter how much arctic air is pressing down on us? Well, then: make a trip to the Alexandra's Pierogi outlet. Alexandra's makes pierogi, blintzes, and such Polish specialities as uzka, pyzy, and Silesian dumplings. … [Read more...] about Chicago Outlet Store Review: Alexandra’s Pierogis
Chicago Outlet Store Review: Belmont Home Decor – Plankroad Home Outlet
Belmont Home Decor makes throw pillows, bedding, table runners, and other home decorating items. Almost everything is made from its factory on Belmont near Pulaski in Cragin. The finished items are then sold to decorators, boutiques, and high-end retailers. In the past, the company held a … [Read more...] about Chicago Outlet Store Review: Belmont Home Decor – Plankroad Home Outlet
Chicago Outlet Store Review: Bargains in a Box
When you walk into a Bargains in a Box store, you take a box with a string of nylon rope attached. You pull it through the store. It's weird but effective. The box is easier to maneuver than a shopping card, and not heavy like a basket or tote would be. Once you get the box, you add the bargains. … [Read more...] about Chicago Outlet Store Review: Bargains in a Box
Cheap and free improv at the Playground Theatre
Want to see who's new and what's happening in improv? Looking for a cheap night out seeing the performing art most associated with Chicago? The Playground Theater in Lakeview is a cooperative theatre that hosts improv every night of the week. Some shows are experimental, others traditional, and … [Read more...] about Cheap and free improv at the Playground Theatre
Further Afield: Door County on the Cheap
Last May, I took a press trip to Door County. I didn't write about it until now because Door County is not exactly a cheap destination in the summer. The bargains there are in the off-season: fall, winter, and into the spring. Door County it is a great, low-cost long weekend destination from … [Read more...] about Further Afield: Door County on the Cheap
Paying for college: The Northwestern Academy
Chicago's institutions of higher education are among the best - and the most expensive - in the world. However, there is hope for Chicago students! Last year, the University of Chicago announced the UChicago Promise, an initiative to prepare Chicago Public Schools students for competitive … [Read more...] about Paying for college: The Northwestern Academy
Improv Toolbox show is $5 on Sunday night
***7/12/15 Improv Toolbox is off for the summer***Check back in fall.*** Improv Toolbox is a new series of improve shows. It's held on Sunday nights, 9:00 pm, at the Bughouse Theater in North Center. Admission is $5.00, and you get a free beer when you give the week's free password. (It is … [Read more...] about Improv Toolbox show is $5 on Sunday night
Further afield: Urban Evolutions outlet in Appleton, Wisconsin
Urban Evolutions is a furniture manufacturer in Appleton, Wisconsin. Some of its products are sold by different high-end catalogue retailers; others are used a fixtures in different high-end stores. The furniture is gorgeous and well-made, in America, using a mix of reclaimed materials and newly … [Read more...] about Further afield: Urban Evolutions outlet in Appleton, Wisconsin
Chicago Outlet Store Review: Nine West Outlet in Lincoln Park
The Nine West outlet on Clark near Diversey is closed, but the one at Halsted near Dickens is open. This review is based on the shuttered Clark Street store, and it was good. All the shoes were at least 1/3 off of retail, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $69.99 (and most seemed to be $29.99). … [Read more...] about Chicago Outlet Store Review: Nine West Outlet in Lincoln Park
Factory tour: Quincy Street Distillery tour
One of the country's best new artisanal spirits companies is Quincy Street Distillery in Riverside. The company makes gin, moonshine, and other botanical liquors. It offers tours on Friday, Saturday, and some Sundays. For $10, you can see the still operations, learn about the company's products, and … [Read more...] about Factory tour: Quincy Street Distillery tour
Further Afield: The Company Store Outlet in Madison, WI
Some recent business took me to Madison, Wisconsin, and I had some extra time in my schedule. What better way to spend it than checking out an outlet store? The Company Store, purveyors of high-end comforters and linens, is based in Wisconsin. The outlet featured a good selection of colors and … [Read more...] about Further Afield: The Company Store Outlet in Madison, WI
