Things to Do in Bellwood

Through rich photographs and incisive articles from a wealth of contributors, each glossy issue of Home & Cabin explores the physical, social, and cultural minutiae of home and cabin owners in Newfoundland and Labrador. Articles in the quarterly's March, June, August, and December issues profile the businesses, builders, decorators, and landscapers that create the abodes, the individuals who inhabit them, and the structures themselves. The magazine's do-it-yourself pieces walk readers through projects such as room redesigns and floating-deck construction, and its eco-friendly tips encourage sustainable cleaning methods and uses for rainwater other than filling your basement shark tank.

Thanks to the innumerable breweries strewn throughout its iconic neighborhoods, Chicago has grown into a craft beer hot spot. During the 2nd annual Chicago Craft Beer Festival, the metropolis’s brews shine alongside regional and national beers beloved for their unorthodox flavor notes, subtle malt flavors, and Brooklyn accents. As participants traverse the grounds of St. Michael’s Parish—accompanied by live music from performers such as Tyrone Wells and Marcia Ball—they can sample more than 75 distinct beers, comparing ales, pilsners, and Belgian-style suds.

Skydeck Chicago whisks visitors up to the 103rd floor of Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, for incredible views from 1,353 feet above the city. On the way up, interactive touchscreens and a nine-minute movie about Chicago architecture fill noggins with cloud-scratching trivia and inside info about the historic tower. From the deck, ocular orbs can spy city landmarks such as Soldier Field, the Shedd Aquarium, and the John Hancock Center. Far-sighted pupils can glimpse up to four states or spot sailboats playing badminton near the marina on Lake Michigan. The Ledge—a transparent glass box that extends more than four feet from the tower—offers brave visitors unobstructed views of the city streets directly below, as well as the spine-shivering sensation of walking on air. Visitors descend back to earth armed with unique snapshots of magnificent views, renewed appreciation for the building's 80 miles of elevator cable, and any loose pieces of masonry they pry off the building’s exterior.

On Wednesday, October 3, independent distillers set up shop at the Warehouse at Carmichael's Chicago Steak House to display and sample their small-batch, artisanal wares for the second annual Independent Spirits Expo. The exhibitors come from all over the country, from Breckenridge Distillery in the Rockies to Ravenswood’s own Koval. Koval will showcase their smooth and organic spirits, including single-barrel oat and millet whiskeys, New Holland—taking a break from beer brewing— will also show off their small-batch whiskeys, and Templeton Rye struts its stuff with its eponymous spirit.

It’s tough to know where to start when it comes to backyard or vacation-home renovation, but the experts on hand at The Cottage & Backyard Show are able to help. Over the course of the weekend, guests engage more than 200 exhibitors in shoptalk that may span topics from decorative concrete installation to landscape architecture. More than a dozen presenters also share their life’s work with the crowd during talks that walk people through project execution and making good choices when it comes to renovations and decor choices. The show will also feature builders and cottage designers, paving the way for participants to pick up on ideas for weekend cottages, as well as power-tool, chain-saw, and septic-system exhibitors.

Wines for Humanity's professional wine advisers lead in-home tastings that teach guests the finer points of a five-point wine-tasting technique, all while raising funds for local charities. As students sip several exclusive vintages, they learn to judge wines' colors, aromas, and voting records, as well as pick out suitable food pairings. Wine Advisors will arrive half an hour before the tasting begins bringing the tasting glasses and wine. Hosts are encouraged to prepare suggested cheese pairings and crackers to complement the wines. Wines that are selected for tasting run at an average of $20 per bottle. A portion of every bottle selected for your own enjoyment generates a donation for UMOM New Day Centers, a charity that supports the prevention of homelessness for families with children in Maricopa County.