Features

The Call of the Wild, by Geoffrey Johnson
From Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks to the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana, outdoor adventures abound in the Midwest. Spread across five states, these wilderness destinations will satisfy hikers and bikers, climbers and anglers-as well as laid-back lovers of awesome scenery and rustic B&B’s.

The Lost World of Kup, by Carol Felsenthal
When Irv Kupcinet, the legendary gossip columnist of the Chicago Sun-Times, died last year, it marked the end of a remarkable era of glamour and intrigue.

Biography of a Gun, by David Bernstein
Tracking the history of a gun used in a recent Chicago shooting provides a revealing account of how guns get into criminals’ hands, and how unapproved purchases easily evade the state’s gun-control laws.

Three Good Ideas, by Michael Austin
Feel-good concepts to add color and culture to the city: Sell books and show movies along the river; brighten up those boring beige buildings. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

A Civilized Union, by Kevin McKeough
For nearly half a century, Bill Frederick and Ralph Arnold have stayed together in an often disapproving world, building a life for themselves marked by love and fidelity.

At Home: Green Lake Effect, by Christine Newman
A Highland Park couple settle down beside the water in Wisconsin in a cozy modern getaway.

Departments

Letters

Contributors

Frontlines
The Field Museum’s curator of meteorites; a local landscaper gives Soldier Field park a fresh look; the Art Institute celebrates Seurat’s La Grande Jatte; a new boutique for the hip over-30 crowd; the Check, Please! effect on local restaurants; Ravinia turns 100; fine dining for vegetarians; more

Style Sheet, by Stacy Wallace-Albert
Hit the beach in flirty sandals and sand dollar and starfish necklaces in sterling silver, or carry it all in a street-smart and seaworthy tote.

How We Spend | Bum Deals, by Clare La Plante
From hair transplants to cheeks implants, here are the latest trends in cosmetic surgery. Short on funds? We explore options for getting cash fast. How gas conscious are we? Find out where Chicago ranks.

Business | Nice Is Not Enough, by Robert Reed
Can American companies nurture a convivial corporate culture and thrive? Harry Kraemer’s experiment in office atmosphere at Baxter suggests that, on Wall Street, nice guys finish last.

Excursions | Ye Olde Hot Spot, by Cassie Walker
That well-preserved mementos of Naperville’s past-Joseph Naper’s home, a 19th-century settlement, the town’s historic district-are merely prelude to a lavish parade of thoroughly modern shopping, dining, and entertaining delights.

Deal Estate, by Dennis Rodkin
A Magnificent Mile aerie sets a sales record at 900 North Michigan, while Bolingbrook successfully juggles housing and jobs. Plus condo news from North Center, Libertyville, and the West Loop.

Nightspotting, by Sarah Preston
DJs sound off at Sound-Bar, River North’s hip new luxury nightspot. And a stylish tavern opens its doors in the Gold Coast this June.

The Closer, by Jeff Ruby
Every classified ad tells a little story, though a lot of the details are missing. Here’s a sampling of colorful classifieds we’d love to see (and you can fill in the blanks).

On the Town

Events

Prime Time
During June: Trees frame the Markus Collection and Garden, one of several showcased by the Garden Conservatory’s Open Days Program.

Food & Drink

Dining Out | Morning Glories, by Dennis Ray Wheaton
Who says breakfast is the most important meal? Our dining critic speaks out in favor of Sunday brunch.

On Wine, by Dennis Ray Wheaton
There’s a $5 wine out there that will make your summer barbecue a smash hit.

Restaurants
The city’s definitive guide| This month: New listings include Boka and Japonais; re-reviews of Spiaggia; more

Short Takes
Budget Beat| Barbecue guaranteed to warm the hearts of carnivorous yuppies
Chef Power| When two talented chefs join forces, the result should be one amazing restaurant.
Brand New| Wicker Park is ripe for a reasonably priced northern Mediterranean bistro.
Street Beat| Summer and sundaes go together . . . well, like ice cream and hot fudge
Bistro| Gabe Viti has proved he can do chic, but can he do it on the cheap?