For events, things to do, places to eat and drink in Chicago:

http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/

www.chicagoscene.com

www.golfcourse.com
Search and explore over 2,000 courses worldwide!

http://www.harborsidegolf.com/

http://www.michigan.org/travel/golf/?m=8;2

http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/city.asp?dest=Chesterton+IN

http://www.northwestindiana.com/golf_courses.htm

My Favorite Hotels/Resorts in Chicago and Harbor Country:

Chicago:

http://chicago.peninsula.com/

http://parkchicago.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

http://www.thedrakehotel.com/

New Buffalo and Harbor Country:

http://www.marinagrandresort.com/   Brand new Hotel/Condo comlplex in New Buffalo in the Marina, close to everything !

http://www.gordonbeachinn.com/  Nice little B&B in Union Pier just north of New Buffalo in the thick of Harbor Country

http://www.harborgrand.com/        Cozy hotel of the New Buffalo Marina, right in the heart of town and close to the beach!

http://www.fourwindscasino.com/   Great New Casino and Hotel in New Buffalo!

Looking to Really Get Away:

My Recommendation for someplace warm: Rent yourself a nice condo in the heart of Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Penninsula for a quick and inexpensive getaway.  Check out the following websites for more information on condo rentals in this International Paradise:

http://www.elimarproperties.com/ My friend Elizabeth Gregg was a local Chicago Realtor until she got tired of the rat race and became the envy of her friends when she picked up and permanently moved to Playa del Carmen and opened her business Elimar Properties.  Elizabeth is involved in Sales and Vacation Rentals.

http://lauraprealty.com/  My friend Laura Pentecost is not only a Local Chicago Realtor but also is a regular fixture in Playa del Carmen and a great resourse for renting and buying property in Playa del Carmen. 

http://www.bricrental.com/ Bric is a full service Realty/Rental and Management firm in Playa del Carmen.

My Favorite Restaurants (this week!!):

Buona Terra
One of my favorites in Chicago!! 2535 N. California, just south of Logan Blvd. See Chepe (the old Head Chef from Tuscany on Taylor) or Eileen for some great Italian Food and fantastic customer service. If you look real hard, I might be there too.  Check out Thursday nights for their "Price Fix Thursday", appetizer, dinner and dessert for $19.95!

My Favorite Places for Home Furnishings:

www.Smithe.com

Some more misc. helpful info:

http://www.homestore.com/Move/Tools/CityReports.asp?poe=homestore
See how one city stacks up to another with these side-by-side comparisons.

See the census demographic and tract information for the property you are looking at.  Low to moderate income tracts may qualify for lower rates. Click on the following link and enter the address in question:

http://www.ffiec.gov/Geocode/default.aspx