Novelty Golf has been in Lincolnwood for more than 50 years and (thankfully) it seems to be the exact course it was back then. Basically, it’s exactly what the miniature golf experience should be. And at $8 a round, it’s quite a deal.

In addition to miniature golf, Novelty Golf and Games also has batting cages, video games, and a restaurant. And it only took us about 30 minutes to get there by car from downtown Chicago.

Hours: Mon. - Sun., 10am to Midnight

Novelty Golf and Games
3650 West Devon Ave.
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 679-9434

One of my favorite things to do when the weather starts getting nice (nice, yet unpredictable) is to head to the Kane County Flea Market, where over a thousand vendors set up each month to sell their antique, vintage, and sometimes just plain interesting wares. what could be better than getting out of the city and spending the day hunting for treasures to make my small apartment feel a little more unique and like home?

My favorite objects to hunt for are serving platters, dishes, glasses, mugs, and all other food and drink-related items. However, you can find anything at the Kane County Flea Market from furniture to fabric to tools and artwork.

The Kane County Flea Market, operated at the Kane County Fairgrounds, is open the first weekend of every month (year-round), and it does not close for any reason. Even during the rainy and snowy months you’ll find indoor vendors. The hours are Saturday from noon to 5p.m., and Sunday from 7a.m. to 4p.m. Check out their website (link below) to find out more information about selling at the market, and about their annual all night flea market in September.

Kane County Flea Market
Held at the Kane County Fairgrounds
Randall Road
(Between Route 64 and Route 38)
St. Charles, IL

Eppy’s serves everything from salads to sandwiches to bagels, but is famous for its “temperature soup.” Thirty degrees outside? Your soup cost 30 cents! Sixty out there? Then, hey, your soup is 60 cents. And it’s good soup, too (try the chicken chili)! (I do think Eppys must have been paying customers to eat the soup last week, though… it was that cold!).

Just as well-known as its temperature soup, Eppy’s owner, Larry Epstein, is known by all patrons for his quirky style. Compared by some to Seinfeld’s infamous soup nazi, Epstein is one of the things patrons enjoy most about the deli… but don’t take it personally if he gives you a hard time. He’s just as likely to laugh and say, “You’re the boss” the next time your in there and ask for something off-the-wall. The staff at Eppy’s is also known to heckle each other behind the counter. But, here’s a little-known fact: Eppy’s is staffed with actors from Chicago improv theaters, so maybe we’re just getting a sneak peak at the next big thing.

My recommendation: Although I occasionally switch it up, I’m a creature of habit and usually order the chicken salad sandwich, which is delicious and doesn’t include any crazy ingredients like raisins or nuts that so many restaurants are serving these days. The sandwich comes with your choice of two sides (I love the “sour & salty” chips and the fruit cup) and a drink - all for under $7.

Eppys also has free wi-fi, so pull up your computer and read Girls Guide while you’re having lunch!

TIP: Eppys gives discounts for students, as well as those who live and work in the area (just let them know at check-out which one applies to you). And you might as well grab a “preferred customer” card while you’re there because you’ll definitely be back (ten stamps and you get a free sandwich or a free bagel and coffee).

Eppy’s Deli
224 E. Ontario (Lower Level)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 943-7797

Bubble Tea is milky tea featuring tapioca balls floating at the bottom of the glass, which not only makes this versatile drink pretty, but also a light snack, as the tapioca can be sucked up through the oversized straw of the cold tea drinks. The Coconut Black Tea, which I tasted served hot, is creamy and indulgent and so perfect on a chilly fall afternoon.

“Integrating eastern flavor with a western twist,” Saint’s Alp offers over 70 types of tea drinks, which can be served hot or cold. If Bubble Tea isn’t your thing, there is definitely something on the menu for you. For example, the Strawberry Black Tea, served over ice, is a refreshing and deliciously fruity energizer. Not sure what to order? Check out the array of pictures on the menu, or ask the staff - they are very friendly and quick to fill you in on their personal favorites.

Considering that much of the menu is devoted to the tea drinks, I expected the food at Saint’s Alp to be an afterthought, but was pleasantly surprised that the pan-Asian food is delicious and cheap. Aside from the “rice sets” (combo meals that include rice, sides, and a tea drink for a whopping $7.50), nothing on the menu is over $5.00. Selections range from Crispy Squid with Salted Spices to spring rolls and dumplings. I recommend the Yakitori Chicken.

Saint’s Alp Teahouse
2131 S. Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-1886

Here is a little-known secret to seeing Chicago’s current “hot” show from the first row at a price that won’t give you a nosebleed.

The hottest show in Chicago right now is Wicked, the Musical. Wicked follows the Wizard of Oz’s infamous Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch as they grow up in the Land of Oz and become unlikely friends. If you loved the classic movie Wizard of Oz growing up, Wicked is an exciting and entertaining look at what happened “before Dorothy dropped in.” My husband surprised me with tickets for my birthday, and we both loved the show. It is a must-see for anyone who loved (or loves) the classic story of the Wizard of Oz.

If you haven’t seen it, don’t worry! Wicked has just been extended in Chicago indefinitely, and with a little luck you can sit in the front row on the cheap! You can register to win Wicked tickets in the first two rows for $25 each!! Here are the details:

Sign up for discounted tickets on the day of the performance Tuesday through Thursday at the Ford Oriental Theatre Box Office, and Friday through Sunday at the Borders at 150 N. State St. Two hours prior to each performance, random names will be drawn. If your name is drawn, you can purchase one or two tickets at $25 each. You must be present at the time of the drawing to win.

TIP: If you have read Gregory Maguire’s novel, “Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” don’t go see the musical expecting it to mirror the book. They are VERY different stories, although they are both very good!

Wicked Chicago
Ford Center for the Performing Arts
Oriental Theater
24 West Randolph
Chicago, Illinois
(312) 902-1400 (Broadway in Chicago)

In fact intriguing is probably the best word to describe the entire Fan Si Pan menu. A quick glance at its offerings is all your taste buds need to begin buzzing with wild anticipation. The restaurant’s concept is simple: fresh (as in not fried) spring rolls. Ordering is not simple, however, even though there are only four different spring roll types. With options like aromatic chicken with papaya, rice noodles, mint and cilantro, to five star beef with green onion, mango and peanuts, to veggie, to shrimp with basil, how is a girl to choose? The fried green beans served with wasabi dipping sauce are addictive and the coconut sweet potatoes are rich and flavorful served in a portion big enough to share. End your meal with a bowl of fresh fruit or a mochi on a stick.

It seems that everyone is talking about Fan Si Pan. My neighbor raves. The salesman at the store where I recently bought a new pair of boots exclaimed before even helping me with the shoes, “You must go to Fan Si Pan!” And just yesterday I overheard two women talking about the place while waiting for the bus. The food is great, but I think all the rage must have at least a little something to do with the exponential size of that straw.

Fan Si Pan
1618 W Chicago
(312) 738-1405

Logan Theater
2646 N Milwaukee
(773) 252-0627