Adult Kickball?

A growing trend throughout cities and other locales, adult kickball, is a perfect example of an activity that would be perfect for a Postgrad in the Chicagoland area.  A cheaper and easier start-up than other sports; this could become the future of suburban casual gaming.

I say this, because after an experience of joining a softball league full of teams more cohesive than that of an MLB team; I believe that playing kickball in the suburbs would allow people to start with a clean slate.  How many of you have played kickball in the past 5 years? 10 years? Who wouldn't want to join other Postgrads in Suburbia for a bit of friendly competition that ends at a local restaurant or bar?

With at least 5 leagues in Chicago at the moment, all of which sponsored by local bars and played at neighborhood parks; a new kickball league in the suburbs would make a perfect opportunity to meet new people, discover new bars, and even network with other industry professionals.

Look at it this way.  A kickball costs less than $20. A field is free (Or we could organize through a city).  Can you think of options here that would provide interesting experiences on a Saturday afternoon any cheaper than this?

Rizzo's Naperville

Next in my trip through Downtown Naperville comes my experience with a bar that has definitely left me with some high tabs and crazy experiences.  Through my postgrad experience, I have seen few bars with better specials and more interesting dynamics than that of Rizzo's in downtown Naperville.

Not the place that I would choose driving, Downtown Naperville bars are some of those that I do not frequent.  However, when I can secure a DD or indulge in a two stop train ride, my first choice in bar is that of Rizzo's; especially for Mondays or Thursdays, in which dollar drafts or $5 buckets bring in some of the craziest times fueled by blatant disregard for societal norms.

Mondays have a special meaning to me, especially at Rizzo's, as this is the location where I witnessed the Chicago Blackhawks score two goals in 17 seconds to take the lead in game 6 of the Stanley Cup Championships.  Whereas not an "Official Blackhawks Bar," Rizzo's features a few TVs and will turn on sound for important games, so long as there is not a DJ or live music.

Thursdays feature $3.99 burgers (any variety), a DJ and the downhill excursion that is $5 buckets of Miller or Coors.  Many a night this summer have I indulged in the craziness, and look forward to trying this location during the school year; as the dynamic seems to change when North Central is in session.

From what I've heard, Wednesdays are the best night to partake if you are looking to enjoy liquor.  With no cover and prices that match or beat Saddle Up, Rizzo's has the best potential for increased performance on Wednesday nights.

Unfortunately, as with every Naperville bar, weekends are crowded with blatant tryhards, more Ed Hardy than a South Jersey shopping mall, and the high prices that match the demand.  This is nothing against Rizzo's, as the entire city of Naperville can charge as it sees fit, and people will go.

All in all, with free overnight parking in Naperville on weekends; I believe that visiting this location could make for a crazy experience.  Naperville features a plethora of taxis (as opposed to St. Charles), and once the money is there (along with the 9-5 M-F job), I feel that I will be indulging in these nights a bit more often.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a bar in which you can get drunk on weeknights relatively cheaply, dance to decent DJs, or listen to acceptable live music; look no further than Rizzo's Naperville.  Also, I recommend that you try the VeeV shots/drinks/pitchers.  Rizzo's has an exclusive partnership with the company, and has drinks made especially for the bar.

PS. The posters highlight $1 pints on Mondays... You get 12 oz. cups. This is an issue I look to bring to the attention of Euclid Beverage (Their distributor who made the poster)

Too Much Thrifting? Never.

Frequented by hipsters, families in need, and one hit wonder artists alike; one of the most interesting hobbies that I have found myself indulging recently is that of thrift shopping. With so many random items, a possibility for turning a profit, and something to take my mind off the current job search; I have made my way to various Savers, Goodwills, and private stores over the course of the past 8 months. 

Now you may ask yourself, "why would you waste your time touching used goods, while knowing that none of the leadership really cares about the causes they support?" Well, how often can you find a record player from the era records were popular, a blender that will last the rest of your life, or things as random as a fire hose? 

My favorite place, albeit a location I may never buy something, would have to be Thrift and Dollar on Route 31 (lake street) in Aurora. The aforementioned fire hose? Found it there. Speakers that are going to destroy anything on the market today? They have 15 sets. They even throw in an apothecary counter and 1940's soda shoppe coke fridge for good measure. If I continue my tenure in suburbia, there is a good chance I will be furnishing my apartment with items found there. 

Other than this, I will generally stop at a Goodwill if I see it, regardless of attire. This being said, I can honestly admit that I've shown up to many a thrift shop in a full suit.

Great weekend idea? Head to a local Goodwill, pick up a game or two (generally priced at $1.99), buy a case of beer, and enjoy some creative jurisdiction regarding the rules of Candy Land. 

All in all, I would have to say that this hobby has become my cheapest way to spend a lot of time while spending absolutely no money. Maybe if you're lucky, you can find an old school Nintendo.

What are your favorite thrift shops in the suburbs? What is the craziest item that you've seen?

Where Are the Cheap Nights?

Let's face it, you may be like me, broke on a Saturday night.  You're a few months out of graduation; rent is due, student loans need to be paid on Tuesday, and your bank account is looking more similar to a start-up tech firm's IPO than you would like.  Such is the lifestyle of being Postgrad in Suburbia.

The real question, what can you do?  It's still a bit too cold for a bonfire, and doing something like that definitely takes you back to your awkward high school days, without the entire sneaking alcohol in backpacks.  Plus, your apartment complex (or parents if you are in the unfortunate situation that many of us live) frowns upon or flat out bans fires, no matter how controlled.

You could go to a bar, and enjoy the dearth of specials, winding up dropping a few dollars more than you would like for a bottle of beer that you need to wait 10 minutes to acquire.  Don't get me wrong, I love the bar scene.  I just cant afford to go out with my unemployed/underemployed friends, because their tabs somehow find their way onto my credit card.

You could follow my advice and go to Pride of the Fox Riverfest.  It's mostly free, it's this weekend, and you at least can get a good start to your night.  That will at least get you out of your house until 10 pm.

So now what? Do you hit up your local Steak and Shake, feel far too old when you see class of '13 shirts, and slowly delve into your plate of fries thinking about how easy kids have it these days? Well, if that's the case, I can meet you on Monday at a cash-only bar at 5:30 pm for a glass of whiskey on the rocks.  We can shake our canes at the skater kids in unison.

Okay, enough complaining.  This is a little bit of saying what you could do this weekend for cheap, and asking any of my readers: What do you do in Suburban Chicago if you don't want to spend a lot of money?

A few of the upcoming posts will hopefully touch base on some decent alternatives to dropping a $50 spot at a bar.  I look to be visiting Sky High Sports in Naperville, a trampoline site with dodgeball available by the hour; a few local hookah bars (North Aurora Hookah Lounge, Exhale Hookah Lounge, Oasis Cafe, and Mr. Shesha); and maybe I'll even check out the Cascade Drive-In over in West Chicago, hopefully with a date.

Swedish Days and Geneva's Downtown

Throughout my experiences growing up in the suburbs, one of the biggest events each summer has been the mid-June tradition in Geneva, Swedish Days. From the carnival themed area and daily music events to the local vendors and businesses showcasing the latest installments, Swedish Days has grown through the years and has really helped to put Geneva, Illinois on the map.

At a minimum, the musical offerings on the Main Stage on Third Street downtown provide entertainment for many individuals; with acts such as American Idol's Nick Lynch, the Swedish American Children's Choir, and various cover acts providing entertainment to the vast expanse of visitors passing through the main Swedish Days area.  For those looking for a bit more intimate musical experience, the Concerts on Lawn area offers various acoustic acts throughout the festival.

If food is your thing, Swedish Days has anything you need. From standard fare offered by local restaurants to authentic Swedish Cuisine, if you look around, you will find some enjoyable dishes throughout the festival.  Many of the offerings come from local non-profits, so you can get good food while helping a worthy cause.

And now the best part of the week-long event, and something I have missed due to age-related issues the prior years: The Swedish Days Beer Gardens.  Although many local restaurants are offering normal bar service, venues such as the American Legion Post 75 and Gratto Italian Tapas will be serving beers in fenced-off areas on Third Street.  If you are looking for a more bar friendly area, just walk north of Main Street, and you can find bars that will hopefully be offering late night and post-festival drinks.  A personal favorite, Geneva Ale House, offers rotating taps and knowledgeable servers for the beer connoisseur.

Finally, many local businesses from the Kane County Cougars to Charlestowne Cinema 18 will be offering samples, sweepstakes, and giveaways.  I actually may or may not be legitimately excited for my free chair massage and wellness score provided by The Chiropractic People

For more information, check out the Swedish Days Brochure, provided by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

Postgrad In Suburbia

What does it mean to be postgrad in Suburban Chicago?  Well, it could mean a lot of things.  You could have been here the entire time or just returned from a college halfway across the US. You could have your own house or apartment, or be stranded in your parents basement while you wait for that big-boy or big-girl job to get you out.  Hell, you could be new here because you wanted to live for a lower cost than the city, and have no clue what happens here.

Needless to say, you're stranded in one of the most seemingly boring places in the Midwest, if not the United States.

So now what? Do you sit home and think up interesting money-making schemes like blogging on Friday nights? Do you go out to the same bar you've been frequenting since your 21st birthday? Or do you actually go out and try to do something out of the ordinary?

There are apparently many benefits of living in the suburbs, or else our ancestors never would have moved here in the first place.  This blog will cover some of the random happenings in suburban Chicago: Including bars, restaurants, pool halls, concert venues, and coffee shops.