Welcome to the Newto News for March of 2026. My name is Zack Cockfield, and my team and I created Newtomedia as a way for visitors or new residents to get information about a city. Each month we bring together resources that will update you on the history, amenities, culture, future opportunities and all other things inside a city that make it unique. We also hope to be a resource for connecting you with people and businesses that can help you live a better life. If you find our efforts useful, please click on the links to get more information!

For more information, Go to newtomedia.com

Chicago, Illinois, known as the “Windy City,” has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Founded in 1833, Chicago quickly grew into a bustling hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on Lake Michigan. The city’s rapid expansion was fueled by the construction of railroads and the opening of the Erie Canal, which connected Chicago to the east coast. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chicago became a major center for industry and innovation. The city was home to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, which showcased the latest advancements in technology, architecture, and culture. Chicago also gained a reputation for its vibrant culture, with the rise of jazz and blues music, as well as the birth of improvisational comedy at The Second City. The city has faced challenges over the years, such as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and organized crime during the Prohibition era. Today, Chicago is a diverse and dynamic metropolis known for its iconic architecture, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene.

1-

  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Technology
  • Hospitality
  • Finance
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Government
  • 2-

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Golfing
  • Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Wine tasting
  • Camping
  • Sightseeing
  • Shopping
  • 3-

  • Average Low Temperature: 50°F
  • Average High Temperature: 75°F
  • 4-

  • Average Precipitation: 1.5 inches
  • 5-

  • Elevation: 2,500 feet
  • 6-

  • Average Home Price: $350,000
  • 7-

  • Average Household Income: $60,000
  • 8-

  • National Park
  • Historic Downtown District
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Art Museum
  • Local Wineries
  • Zoo
  • Waterfront Park
  • Science Center
  • Historic Landmark Tours
  • Outdoor Music Venue
  • The top 10 restaurants:

    Alinea

    Lincoln Park

    Alinea is a world-renowned restaurant known for its innovative approach to modernist cuisine. Diners can enjoy a multi-course tasting menu that combines artistic presentation with creative flavors.

    Oriole

    West Loop

    Oriole offers an elegant and intimate dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients and meticulously crafted dishes. The tasting menu brings a blend of contemporary American with global influences.

    Girl & the Goat

    West Loop

    Girl & the Goat, founded by Chef Stephanie Izard, offers an eclectic menu featuring bold flavors and shareable plates. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.

    Smyth

    West Loop

    Smyth is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a unique farm-to-table experience with a changing seasonal menu. Expect inventive dishes that focus on quality ingredients and refined flavors.

    Next

    Fulton Market

    Next is known for its rotating menu, which offers a different culinary theme every few months. Dining here is an adventure, with innovative and creative dishes that transport guests to another time and place.

    Avec

    West Loop

    Avec is a casual, small-plates restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The warm, wood-accented space complements the hearty, communal-style meals.

    Nobu

    West Loop

    Nobu Chicago offers a modern Japanese dining experience with a fusion of traditional Japanese dishes and Peruvian ingredients. The sleek and stylish setting creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

    The Publican

    West Loop

    The Publican focuses on hearty, rustic fare with a strong emphasis on quality meats and seafood. The communal dining setup encourages guests to share and savor every dish.

    El Ideas

    Douglas Park

    El Ideas combines fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere, where guests are encouraged to interact with the chefs. The ever-changing tasting menu highlights inventive and playful dishes.

    Boka

    Lincoln Park

    Boka, which holds a Michelin star, offers contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The sophisticated ambience and artful presentation make for an exceptional dining experience.

    Current Events:

    Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour
    Mar 19
    Thu • 8:00pm

    Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour

    The Chicago Theatre

    The Bald and the Beautiful LIVE: Very Bald, Very Beautiful
    Mar 20
    Thu • 7:30pm

    The Bald and the Beautiful LIVE: Very Bald, Very Beautiful

    The Chicago Theatre

    Brahms, Shostakovich, and Schubert
    Mar 25
    Thu • 7:30pm

    Brahms, Shostakovich, and Schubert

    Harris Theater

    AC2: An Intimate Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen
    Mar 26
    Thu • 8:00pm

    AC2: An Intimate Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen

    The Chicago Theatre

    AC2: An Intimate Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen
    Mar 27
    Thu • 8:00pm

    AC2: An Intimate Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen

    The Chicago Theatre

    The Chicago Theatre Tour Experience
    Mar 29
    Thu • 1:30pm

    The Chicago Theatre Tour Experience

    The Chicago Theatre

    The Wiz (Chicago)
    Mar 30
    Thu • 7:00pm

    The Wiz (Chicago)

    James M. Nederlander Theatre

    The Wiz (Chicago)
    Mar 31
    Thu • 1:00pm

    The Wiz (Chicago)

    James M. Nederlander Theatre

    The Wiz (Chicago)
    Mar 31
    Thu • 7:00pm

    The Wiz (Chicago)

    James M. Nederlander Theatre