One of the best spots in Illinois to enjoy a day with the family, running along it's groomed hills, enjoying the "bugs" on display, or taking in the quiet solitude of the far corners of this amazing living museum.

There is something for everyone at the Morton Arboretum.  You can even eat chocolate covered bugs if your up for it in the children's center.

Visit www.mortonarb.org to plan your day and because they are open all year you can always find something fantastic to do no matter what season is your favorite.

Over the last few years the best pizza in the world has made its way from the streets of Naples, Italy to the United States and Pizzeria Neo serves up some of the best you'll find.

After growing up in Naples and training under the pizza masters, Gaetano and Tony set up shop in St. Charles and Naperville Illinois and they brought all of the traditional ingredients with them. 

You'll discover what makes Neapolitan pizza so amazing with your first bite at Pizzeria Neo.  Their menu is simple; pizza, bruschetta, salad, salami, cheese, and of course wine.  

My favorite is the Diavolo pizza, the Finocchiona salami, the Gorgonzola and Pecorino cheese.  The Cannellini and Carciofi Bruschetta are must haves too.

If you can't make it to Naples then Neo is your next best stop.  I promise that you'll love every bite.

Visit their site at www.pizzerianeo.com

I had the honor and priveledge to interview both Generals Grant and Lee about their time in command of the armies of the North and South.

We discussed their nicknames, their biggest fears during the war, what they would have done differently, and if they had any regrets.

Both Generals were kind enough to step off the battlefield and onto a comfortable porch at Naper Settlement in Naperville, Illinois to grant me this short, but wonderful interview.

http://www.napersettlement.org

I had the pleasure of visiting Solemn Oath Brewery and spending some quality time touring and tasting the delicious beers made by John Barley and his dedicated team.

Located at 1661 Quincy Avenue in Naperville, Illinois this brewery is a beer drinkers dream come true.

Right when you walk in you're welcomed by the tasting room complete with tasting flights, pints, and growlers.  You can request your own music and even buy your buddy a beer for later.  They'll write your name on a chalkboard and you can claim it later.  They don't accept cash for their beer or gift shop so come with plastic.

Everything stems from John and his unique perspective on creating and maintaining the soul of his beer.  Everything from the Jack Daniel's barrels for aging to the names of his unique beers inspired by Belgium and barrel aged.

You have to pop in the tasting room or some visit some of Chicago's best restaurants to enjoy some of their frothy goodness like Beste, Mr. Inappropriate, Chubgutz, Snaggletooth Bandana, Whisper Kisses, and Manasika Mansala.  Each batch has a unique name and better yet a unique taste to keep you wanting more.

A shining example of following your dream, working hard to make it work, and staying true to your passion to maintain the quality you demand in every sip is John's focus and he's nailed it.

www.solemnoathbrewery.com

www.facebook.com/solemnoathbeer

@solemnoathbeer

Pop in, give 'em a try.  I promise you'll be back every week to buy growlers to take home with you.

Thank you John for a fantastic beer and showing all of us what can be achieved if you follow your dreams and love beer.

Aut Viam Inveniam Aut Facium

Cheers!  I'm off to enjoy a Heavyweight Ticklefight Champion of the World.

The single coolest way for your children to embrace music, find themselves, and come home and sing some of their parents favorite songs...no more "itsy bitsy spider."

"Through our performance-based approach to music lessons, School of Rock students are more inspired to learn, more motivated to excel and more confident as a result. We teach guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums and vocals in an interactive environment."

I had the pleasure of speaking to the Supreme Commander of the Naperville, Illinois School of Rock Joanna Vassilatos and loved every second of it.  I wanted to stage dive by the end of it and I even showed her a thing or two about my air guitar skills.  Needless to write, she was impressed.

Do yourself a favor and find the nearest School of Rock and sign your kids up for a wonderful program.  There are so many to choose from.  Is there anything cooler than watching your kid rip a solo on stage?

Check out the Naperville, Illinois School of Rock at http://naperville.schoolofrock.com/

www.schoolofrock.com

Chicago's No. 1 cultural attraction! Make inSheddible connections with 32600 animals, from whales to snails, from the world's fresh and salt waters.  You'll enjoy exhibits from around the world including:  Amazon Rising, the Caribbean Reef, Jellies, the Abbott Oceanarium, the Polar Play Zone, Waters of the World, and the Wild Reef.

They have so much more than fish.  You'll find the world's largest ants, monkeys, snakes, frogs, and tarantulas.  You'll even see an enormous cockroach.

It is a wonderful way to spend the day with your family and interact with the coolest cultural attraction in town.

Make your reservations ahead of time online to avoid waiting in line, and explore the Shedd on their interactive and fun website ahead of time at www.sheddaquarium.org

Thank you to the Shedd Aquarium and their wonderful staff for an amazing day.