We Had An Awesome Adventure Rock Climbing!

After some mingling and instructions, we we're ready to climb! Most of us starting out on the easier runs up the wall, but even those were a lot of work! Some went straight for the tougher climbs. We were doing amazing! Everyone really pushed themselves and it seemed like almost everyone made it to the top of a wall by the end of the night. There were even a few races to see who could climb the fastest! Overall, a really fun event!
Events and Adventures Chicago

New Member Ice Breaker and Trampoline Dodgeball!

 Friday night was our New Member Ice Breaker for the month and we welcomed some awesome new people to our group! We first got to know a little bit about each other such as what sports we played in high school and places we’ve traveled…and then it was time to jump! We certainly used up a lot of energy that night! We were bouncing all over the place, from one trampoline to the next. Not to mention our intense games of trampoline dodge ball. And flying through the air into a foam pit (some of us face first)! By the end of the night we worked up a good sweat and had so much fun as a group! Events and Adventures Chicago

Tuesday Night At Millennium Park!

Tuesday night we enjoyed a relaxing evening of watching the Wizard of Oz and having a wine and cheese picnic at Millennium Park. We had a great turn out! With a blanket to spread out on, tables, and chairs (not to mention all the food and wine), we we’re set! Although a classic seen by everyone, The Wizard of Oz never gets old and it was even better to watch with new friends! This night definitely beat your typical Tuesday!
Events and Adventures Chicago

The Great Love Debate!

And what a debate it was! This event was truly interactive, interesting, and informative! This was no “teacher to class” lecture, but rather a true discussion in which much of the audience controlled the conversation. We were divided, men on one side and women on the other. Both sexes asked amazing questions and made some really thought-provoking points. All around the room, everyone was completely engaged, including our members. I saw a lot of laughs and some scowls at times, but everyone was actively listening. After the debate we moved as a group to a nearby restaurant where we continued the discussion in smaller groups on the patio. I really enjoyed hearing what each member thought of the debate and heard new points that were not covered. Overall, everyone really enjoyed the show and of course the mingling afterwards! Events and Adventures Chicago

4th of July....Music, Ribs, Fireworks and Fake Mustaches!

This year we celebrated Independence Day at Ribfest in Naperville! There were so many ribs to try, we had a hard time deciding which award winning vendor to choose from! Luckily there was a lot of sharing going on, so we we’re able to sample a good variety! It was definitely a relaxing day, hanging out by the South stage enjoying the music and good conversation. As the day went on, lots of silliness seemed to happen, which included fake mustaches! We later headed up to the North stage to enjoy some lively jazz music and found a great spot to watch the fireworks. We ended the night with an awesome fireworks displays and had an amazing day together as a group! Events and Adventures Chicago

New Member Meeting & Friday Night Mingle!

Friday night at Bar Forza was an amazing mingle! First our new members (and we had a lot!) arrived to go over E&A policies and get to know one another. Once the regular members joined us, the real party started. We were spoiled with our own private room and even a surprise buffet! The new chef delighted us with parmesan French fries and bruschetta, what a treat! The food was a clear hit with everyone as it was gone in about 5 minutes! As the night went on and the music got louder, people started to put on their dancing shoes and bust some…very interesting moves. Overall the night was a huge success with the mingling of old and new members. For our first event members, we hope you had an amazing night and can’t wait to see you at another event soon! Events And Adventures Chicago

Live From Greece!!

After nearly 30 hours for flights and transfers we all got to Athens !!!
Even with the travel/jetlag we are all exited to be in Greece and starting our adventure.

The first night we had a welcoming dinner in the heart of Athens old town and not far from the Acropolis, the restaurant that was picked by our guides was perfect. a true Greek favorite as the photos on the
walls of the owner and his family with so many of Greece's famous and other well known world wide bid shots showed us.

As a kid in school you learn about Greek history and it some how seen so unreal, but when you get to walk right up to the pillars of the Parthenon and hear from our guides just how this was all made and what they were thinking at the time this was being built it becomes a image
that will be with you for the rest of there life.
I can't wait to write more next week about the Greek islands we are heading to. Events And Adventures Travel

Have Your Cake And Eat It Too.....Our 1 Year Anniversary In Chicago!

Over the weekend E&A celebrated their 1 year establishment in Chicago! The party took place at the same location downtown where we held our very first event ever, The Castle. We partied in the historic stone building which was built in 1892. The entrance is dressed with a large pair of winged gargoyles and the inside is decorated with a fashionable, gothic style.  We had a private area all to ourselves where we mingled and talked about our favorite events the past year, and boy were there tons! Pictures were on display which gave us all some good laughs. We watched a video compiled of the great times we’ve had and reminisced together. Nobody could believe how fast the time has gone by. It was an important reminder that you have to live your life to the fullest! It is so important to have fun and surround yourself with awesome people! We talked about some of our favorite events that we can’t wait to do again. We also made a list of new things we want to try. The night carried on with eating, drinking and of course…dancing! We were the first ones on the dance floor and even up on stage. Whenever I need to get the party started I know I can always count on the Chicago members. We have the best group of friends and I can’t wait to see what memories year 2 has in store for us! Bring it on! Events And Adventures Chicago

An E&A Ski Trip!

Chicago has seen over 60 inches of snowfall this winter season! So we bundled and headed to the slopes! Usually the most dreaded part is the road trip, but not with E&A. We started the morning off with coffee and donuts and all piled in a bus together. We sat back and relaxed as we were chauffeured to the lodge. When we arrived we geared up with our skis and snowboards and had a private instructor awaiting us for lessons! We spend the whole day admiring the views from the lift and atop the mountains. The sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. There was nothing that got in the way of us snow bunnies! Although, we did break for some hot cocoa and shared some laughs about the latest stories on the slopes. In our group, we had some beginners as well as some experts, but at the end of the day we all had wonderful winter day of fun together!  Events And Adventures Chicago

What’s The Worst Part About Living In Chicago?

 The WINTER of course!  But not when you’re a member of E&A!  We took that 17 degrees and ran with it, all the way to rooftop of the exclusive Dana Hotel.  The Dana Hotel is the home of Vertigo Sky Lounge, a bar with an incredible outdoor lounge nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago.  But it would be a shame to let this view go to waste because of the winter cold, so Vertigo created an ice bar for the outdoor area.  That’s right!  A whole lounge made entirely out of ice!  We got a few cocktails from the ice bar and admired the incredible view of the city.  Huge fire pits kept us warm and gave a beautiful glow to the intricate ice sculptures that inhabited the rooftop.  We sat on couches made of ice that were topped with cozy fur blankets.  Even though our bodies were cold that night, spending the evening with each other warmed our hearts. Events And Adventures Chicago

Trapped In A Room With A Zombie.......

The night was cold, the air was crisp and the moon was full. This makes for a perfect evening to be trapped in a room with a zombie! Us E&A members really got to know each other as we put out heads together in order to fight for our lives! (not really). We had one hour to work together to solve a series of riddles and puzzles in order to reveal the key that opened the door to freedom. Doesn’t sound too difficult, right? Wrong! I forgot to mention we only had 1 hour and there was a  live zombie that was out to get us! Even though he was chained to the wall, he was struggling to get his rotting hands on us any way that he could!  To make things worse, every 5 minutes a link in the chain was released allowing the zombie to inch closer and closer.  The team work was amazing! We solved every clue but one… that meant we were zombie meat!  All in all this adventure was totally awesome and it was my favorite event yet.  Next time E&A is takin’ that zombie down!   Events And Adventures Chicago

What’s Better Than A Saturday Night And A Rockin’ Piano?

How about two rockin’ pianos!
Throw in some friends and now we’re talking great fun! Over the weekend we hit the town and enjoyed live dueling pianos and danced the night away. We had plenty of food, drinks and laughs. It was the perfect night to unwind and let loose. Plus, there were so many new members to meet! You know you’re having fun when you check your watch and 3 hours have passed in the blink of an eye. We could have sang and danced until the sun came up (especially those of us who ended up on stage). E&A definitely showed that crowd who’s boss! Only some of us left with sore feet, but we all left with new friendships! Events And Adventures Chicago

2013 Went Out With A Bang!

2013 sure went out with a bang for Events & Adventures in Chicago! Our New Year’s Eve Midnight Masquerade Party was the most extravagant event yet with over 100 members! The evening was magical as we were dressed to impress from head to toe, showing off our elaborate masks. From feathers to sequence to lace, everyone looked fabulous! The atmosphere was decorated with bright, bold colors and funky oversized furniture. Enormous light fixtures hung from the ceiling casting a soft glow upon us. Our private lounge was warm and cozy. We enjoyed floor to ceiling windows as a blanket of snow covered our beautiful city . The champagne bubbled, the excitement was contagious and the dance floor was the place to be. As the clock struck Midnight, smiles and hugs filled the room. It was the perfect setting to celebrate with friends, old and new. It is amazing to see how far we have come and it only continues to get better! We simply cannot wait to see what new friends and memories 2014 has in store for us!
Events And Adventures Chicago

Helping Others On Christmas!

What do most people do on Christmas Eve morning? Last minute shopping? Relax? Wrap presents? Not some of us E&A members here in Chicago. We spent half of our day volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a nonprofit distribution center. We came together as a group of friends and recognized the needs of thousands of individuals and families during this special holiday. We packaged, sorted and organized food. These items went out to 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in Chicago and the surrounding county. It was a nice opportunity to spend time together while sharing the common interest of helping others. Events and Adventures can proudly say that we assisted in feeding 150,000 hungry people a delicious Christmas meal. What an amazing accomplishment! Plus, some of us even caught a few minutes of fame as the FOX news Station reported alongside us as we were hard at work! Events And Adventures Chicago

Lions And Tigers And Bears (And Lights)....OH MY!

A little cold weather didn't stop us! We bundled up and strolled amongst the animals, right here in the heart of Chicago! With the city skyline as our backdrop, we walked around Lincoln park zoo sipping hot apple cider and looking at thousands of glittering lights. This tradition happens only once a year and boy is it a sight to see! 
From walkways, to animal exhibits, to tiny tree branches, the zoo is beautifully illuminated with every color imaginable. We made new friends and enjoyed each others' company as we viewed musical light shows, watched live ice carvings and even did a bit of holiday shopping together! Oh and don't let me forget...we kept our Christmas spirit alive by visiting Santa! (You're never too old to believe.) Events And Adventures Chicago

Tis The Season...For New Friends!

And what a better conversation starter than ugly Christmas sweaters?! We donned our knits all night, both tasteful and tacky. We talked about where we found our sweaters or how we made them. Someone even borrowed their granny's sweater just for the party. Also, not to mention any names, but one gentleman told his hilarious story of shopping is the womens section to find his perfect outfit! Our first Holiday party here in Chicago was off to a great start! The drinks were the size of fish bowls and the straws seemed as long as fishing poles. It was quite a sight!  To add to the evening, it was nice to have our own area reserved because it gave us some space to do our first annual gift exchange. The anticipation was overwhelming as each of us opened our gifts one by one for all to see. Who would have guessed that a tin of cookies would be the most demanded present. After the gift was stolen a few times, some lucky person went home and indulged in a delicious treat (you know who you are). We also had a donation box designated to Toys for Tots. It was nice to see how many members brought gifts in hopes to make the Holiday special for children near and far. This was just a simple reminder to me how awesome our Chicago members truly are. All in all, the evening was great! We even started making plans for our Holiday party next year! 
Events And Adventures Chicago

Shopping For The Holidays?

Can’t find the perfect present? Who doesn’t love a handmade, one of a kind, gift?  Our Chicago members got a jump start on the holiday season at one of the coolest events yet, glass blowing!  We made our very own glass ornaments! Our two awesome instructors walked us through the delicate process.  We were each given a glob of melted glass at the end of a pipe, we rolled it in all sorts of different colors of broken glass, and then it was time to turn up the heat.  We had to keep our glass constantly rotating in a huge furnace to melt the colored glass shards evenly, turning our little blob into a rainbow of swirling colors.  When it was finished in heat, our instructors kept the pipe rolling as we blew with all our might to fill our colorful glass blob with air.  We pinched them off, and there you have it!  A beautiful, unique ornament, a perfect holiday gift for a loved one, or for yourself!  Glass blowing was definitely one of the most interesting and fun things the Chicago club has done yet! This event was on fire, literally! Events And Adventures Chicago

Another Awesome Trip To New York!

 Traveling with E&A is awesome. Not only do they do all the planning work, but we get to hang out with members of the other cities. I had such a great time! For many of us it was our first time in New York City. I got to experience the city with friends not only from Dallas but also Minneapolis, San Jose and Vancouver. I met a bunch of new friends from other cities too. I love that E&A scheduled the best stuff for us. Carnegie Deli, Radio City and the Rockettes, Hop on & off bus tour, boat tour around Manhattan Island with a fabulous narrator that knew, well, everything about the city’s history. The holiday lights are awe-inspiring. We had time to do our own thing, too. We got discount tickets for Broadway shows. Spiderman Rocked! Visited the Empire State & Rockefeller buildings-WOW. Sat in the audience of my first TV show. Really cool. We ate all kinds of delicious food (think I’ll be paying for that for a while). How can you stop when it’s EVERYWHERE? Thank you so much for a great trip! I’ll remember it forever!
Events And Adventures Travel

In Case You Are Unaware, Chicago Loves Its Food!

So each month we head out and try a new (or old) restaurant in the city. We usually choose a place that has been reviewed on a local station or in a newspaper. Sometimes we go big and check out places that are even on national TV shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. We like to see what the chefs and critics have to say and then go in and rate it ourselves. This week we definitely found a hidden gem! Nestled between two buildings and just below the ‘El’ train tracks is Macello. The street is dimly lit and the noise of the train every few minutes echoes for blocks. From the store front it looks like your average Italian butcher shop. But as you step inside and walk toward the back you are taken in by delicious aromas. The atmosphere is rustic with wooden beams and bright, boldly colored artwork. The brick oven definitely adds a cozy touch. We had a private section reserved just for E&A. The menu had so many scrumptious choices that we all had a hard time deciding what to order. Everything was made fresh right in the restaurant! Most of us ended up sharing and sampling eachothers delicious dishes. We also were in luck because it was ½ off wine bottle night! It’s so nice to meet up after work and share dinner and drinks and talk about our day. We decided that events like this make a long day at work worthwhile when we have something to look forward to at the end of it. There’s nothing like spending an evening with good food and good company. (Especially when the owner sends over a round of delicious limoncellos “on the house” for dessert!) Events And Adventures Chicago

Very Cool Event.....Glass Blowing!

Shopping for the holidays?  Can’t find the perfect present? Who doesn’t love a handmade, one of a kind, gift?  Our Chicago members got a jump start on the holiday season at one of the coolest events yet, glass blowing!  We made our very own glass ornaments! Our two awesome instructors walked us through the delicate process.  We were each given a glob of melted glass at the end of a pipe, we rolled it in all sorts of different colors of broken glass, and then it was time to turn up the heat.  We had to keep our glass constantly rotating in a huge furnace to melt the colored glass shards evenly, turning our little blob into a rainbow of swirling colors.  When it was finished in heat, our instructors kept the pipe rolling as we blew with all our might to fill our colorful glass blob with air.  We pinched them off, and there you have it!  A beautiful, unique ornament, a perfect holiday gift for a loved one, or for yourself!  Glass blowing was definitely one of the most interesting and fun things the Chicago club has done yet! This event was on fire, literally!  Events And Adventures Chicago