Tis’ The Season:
Hidden Gems
By Jessica Pagan
All around the world there are Starbucks Reserves and these reserves are no ordinary Starbucks. Located right on the Chicago Magnificent Mile is the world's largest Starbucks. Yes, you heard it right. This Starbucks has four long floors. The workers and brewers pride themselves on developing a unique and different taste with coffee. They experiment with age, blend, brewing, and infusion to create a wonderful experience with coffee.
On the first floor, enjoy handcrafted coffee, fresh pastries, and some of the rarest coffee Starbucks has to offer. Walking up to the second floor, you can breathe in the fresh, authentic Italian bakery and cafe. Throughout the third floor, pieces of art and science designs are displayed all around. The third floor gives you a different look of coffee. You can enjoy an experimental brewery, nitrogen infused gelato, along with some coffee classics.The fourth floor includes a barrel aged coffee bar and a cocktail bar. If you are a coffee enthusiast, this is a must. This is a coffee experience you are for sure going to savor.
Throughout the town of Casey, you can find multiple giant statues, and most of them hold the World Record. In this town you’ll see anything from a giant golf tee to a huge mailbox to the world's giant rocking chair. This is a fun and different trip to go on this Spring Break or a good stopping point during a road trip. Go on a little scavenger hunt and count how many giant things you can find. Enjoy the fresh air and take some forced perspective photos.
“Oz Park” was named in honor of the author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Lyman Frank Baum. This park is open to the public. There are statues of your favorite Oz characters throughout the park. On your way to the tennis courts you can wave hi to the Cowardly Lion. Throughout this beautiful park, you can enjoy a casual stroll, skate, or bike through the park's trails. You can even breathe in the wonderful fresh air in the Emerald City Garden. And, with Spring right around the corner, you won’t want to miss the blossoming flowers that are to come this year.
Please research the COVID-19 rules and regulations for any place(s) that you are interested in, and make sure you are comfortable with the procedures in place.