Near West Side

FRENCH MARKET
 
Today we are heading to some of the neighborhoods directly west of the downtown Loop. for some of the things that are Free For All!  If you follow my directions you will make a big loop, but you can certainly choose to visit as many of the locations as you wish.

On the north end of the Ogilvie train station you will find a charming French Market. Ground level entrances to the French Market are located on Canal and Clinton Streets between Washington and Randolph Streets. Inside you will find a collection of more than 30 small local food and merchandise sellers offering such specialties as chocolates, wines, fresh flowers, meat, fish  and produce. You can also grab a made-to-order snack or meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. No, the goods are not free, but the French Market hosts lots of FREE events throughout the year. Besides, it’s worth taking a stroll through the unique market. Stop by any Wednesday or Thursday between 4:30 PM (16:30) to 6:30 PM (18:30) for the FREE Rush Hour Concerts,.In addition, Monday through Friday lots of Happy Hours Specials are offered. For a list of events check out the French Market website and click on Events and News  While you are enjoying the events and the shops you can get FREE WIFI.  Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and check out their reviews on TripAdvisor.

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​HAYMARKET MEMORIAL
 
Just a bit farther west along Randolph head to DesPlaines Street and turn right. There you will see the memorial to the Haymarket Riot an event on May 1, 1886 that change labor around the world. Check out the Encyclopedia of Chicago for more detailed information about the event. 


Both the French Market and the Haymarket Memorial are within walking distance of The Loop, But to see the rest of the sites you will need a car or  use public transportation.

OPRAH

Now, keep heading west on Randolph Street and go about 1 mile and turn left of Carpenter Street. On your left is Oprah's former studio. Although she recently sold the building, it still looks exactly as it did in her day (without the "O" logo). Behind the building on Randolph Street is the parking lot where in 2004, 276 cars were parked for the her infamous give away.

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UNITED CENTER

Sports fan? Then go south to Madison Street and head west 1 mile to the United Center - also known as the "Madhouse on Madison". This is the home of the Chicago Bulls basketball team and the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. Along Madison are several statues of former players. The Michael Jordan statue is currently in storage while a new practice facility is being built.

GARFIELD PARK & CONSERVATORY

Now head west on Lake Street (2 blocks north of Washington Street) about 2 miles and you will come to the expansive Garfield Park and the Garfield Park Conservatory. The winding paths, lagoons and spectacular gold-domed field house are among the sites to enjoy in the Park. 

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The Conservatory opened to the public in 1908 and today is still the largest in the country. The Conservatory is open every day of the year. Not only is it FREE to tour (although donations are welcome) but they offer lots of FREE activities. The Conservatory is a great place to visit all year long as the plants in the show house change for each season. Both the Garfield Park and Conservatory are easily accessed by public transportation, but if you drive, parking is FREE.

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HULL-HOUSE
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On the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago is Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Founded by Jane Addams, the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, it was the first “settlement house” in the United States serving immigrants. Addams was also a force changing public policy around the world. A tour is offered at 1 PM (13:00) The Museum is closed on Mondays and Saturdays. A "suggested" donation is $5, which includes the tour but no one is turned away because of lack of contribution.  The Museum is located at 800 South Halsted Street.

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CHICAGO ARTS DISTRICT

South on Halsted is a unique neighborhood known as the Chicago Arts District. This neighborhood is a work-live environment for artists of all kinds. Once a month is a FREE event called 2nd Fridays Gallery Night featuring the opening receptions in 30 some art spaces around 18th Street and Halsted. The monthly events are FREE and run from 6 PM (18:00) to 10 PM (22:00).  Once a year the artists open their homes/studios for visitors to tour. You can sign up on their website for their FREE enewsletter.

MAXWELL STREET MARKET
 
This outdoor market is open every Sunday from 7AM (7:00) to 3PM (15:00)  all year long. Along DesPlaines Avenue around the 800 block, you can find just about anything you want to buy and it’s a great place for ethnic food too. But you don’t have to buy -- it’s an experience just to walk up and down the street and enjoy the music and dance  performances for FREE!  This market has existed for almost 100 years. There is also some limited FREE parking in the area.

FIRE ACADEMY
 
How about going to see where the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 started? You may have heard the story the fire started when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern. Today no one believes Mrs. O’Leary or her cow had anything to do with it, but we do know the fire started in her barn.
 
On the site today is a large gold flame and inside the current building is a plaque where her barn once stood. But wait; there’s more! Today the building on the site is the Chicago Fire Academy. They welcome visitors to see the small museum inside. You can see an old, horse-drawn fire truck, a miniature replica of a fire station, a history a Chicago fires in text and photos and a memorial to Chicago's fallen firefighters.
 
The Fire Academy is located at 558 W DeKoven Street between Jefferson and Clinton Streets.

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This week we made a little tour to sites west of The Loop where there is always something that is Free For All.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please  check the website to get the most up-to-date information.
 
Thanks, again, to volunteer Chicago Greeter Bill Feldman for his feedback.
 
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If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at chicagofreeforall@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at 
 
Next week I’ll tell you about the Free publications you should check out when you are here. Until then, I hope to see you in Chicago!