This is the first in a series on vacation’s in our president & vice presidential candidates’ hometowns.  Maybe by walking in their proverbial footsteps, you can finally decide who you will get your vote. We, of course are completely non-partisan.  The series will run each day this week.  Tomorrow will feature Senator McCain’s town of Phoenix, Thursday will feature Senator Biden’s stomping grounds in Delaware and we will complete the series by showcasing Governor Palin’s home turf in lovely Wasilla.

Yours in non-partisanship….

In spite of all the celebrity and rock star status, surprisingly few people outside Chicago know the real Barack Obama. My hope is to give you an inside look at his life in Chicago’s South Side. And of course, you can use this to plan a Obama-themed Chicago vacation.

Barack Obama’s Home

Let’s start with his house, which, because  McCain forgot how many homes he actually owned, became an issue. Obama’s house is located in the Kenwood neighborhood,  but it’s not exactly a mansion when compared to some other homes in the ‘hood. It is just big with four fireplaces. But the elitist label on Obama sticks when you consider the historic nature of the landmark district, where a lot of the houses are from the late 19^th century.  I love this neighborhood. Don’t you?  Here are some photos of his neighborhood:

Heck, you don’t have to take my word for it. Just take a CAF tour, whose meeting point used to be at the KAM Isaiah Israel synagogue near Obama’s residence. As of Sept 1, they changed the meeting point (probably security concerns), but you’ll still be able to see the house (and the synagogue – its magnificent from the inside) on the tour.

If you’re visiting his house, then you might also be interested in the Obama campaign headquarters at 233 N. Michigan Ave in the Loop. Or his former Church – the Trinity United Church of Christ.

Promontory Point, Burnham Park

Before he became Chicago’s favorite son, Obama and his family could often be found enjoying the breeze at Promontory Point in Burnham Park, referred to locally as ‘The Point’. It’s a beautiful place, good for picnics and romantic strolls and has a great view with summer fireworks and all. Also, as you can see in this video, the Obamas do enjoy a family bicycle ride along the shores of Lake Michigan.

If you’re fond of books and reading, head for 57^th Street Books in Hyde Park, where Obama used to buy his books. If you’re in need of a haircut, head straight for the Hyde Park Salon & Barber Shop at 5234 S. Blackstone Ave and ask for Zariff, who cuts Obama’s hair. For $21, in case you’re wondering… Looking for a workout? Go to the East Bank Club, which is Obama’s gym.

As for food, in his 2006 book ‘The Audacity of Hope’, Obama says one of his favorites was the turkey legs and dressing at MacArthur’s. Now it seems their favorite is the Sopa Azteca at Rick Bayless’ Mexican restaurant Topolobampo. Their other favorites (stated and/or spotted) include the Caribbean fare at Calypso Café, barbeque chicken pizza at Pizza Capri, Italian at Spiaggia, and RJ Grunts with the burgers and ribs.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama seems to have taken a liking to the cuisine at the upscale Sepia. That would probably be because her fashion designer Maria Pinto has a boutique nearby at 133 N. Jefferson St. Which would also be a good place to get an outfit which makes you look exactly like the prospective First Lady.

Design by Maria Pinto

(Personally, I don’t think this is a look for a first lady, but I sure would like to see a first lady in something other than an ugly suit, wouldn’t you?)

And if you want a special kiss at the exact same spot where Barack first kissed Michelle on their first date after an ice-cream, head for 1400 E. 53rd St., which was previously a Baskin Robbins.

And if you’re tired of politics as usual and want a change from an Obama overdose, then the main attractions on the South Shore other than the University of Chicago include the Hyde Park Art Center, Osaka Garden, golfing, beaches and other attractions at Jackson Park and South Shore Cultural Center. As far as shopping is concerned, you’re better off going down to the Magnificent Mile, since the presence of the University and the landmark district has largely prevented any commercial development.

And last, the only hotel I’d recommend for this Obamacation would be the Ramada Lake Shore where Obama first announced his entry into Chicago politics. Besides, there are no other major hotels in the vicinity. If you’re a young Obama supporter full of enthusiasm, and running on hope instead of cash, then the Hyde Park Arms (5316 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615), which is a transient hotel, might be a good choice. If you prefer Bed and Breakfasts, then the University Quarters B&B and Wooded Isle Suites are pretty well located close to the University of Chicago campus.

Bear in mind that this is not a Chicago vacation per se, but a snapshot of Obama’s world, and his life. There’s more to Chicago than just Obama, and you’ll find a pretty good list of all the things to do in Chicago here.

Barack Obama’s home courtesy of Obama Zone

Kenwood homes courtesy of  Chicago Architecture Foundation

Promontory Point photo by Kim Scarborough

Michelle Obama photo by Telegraph.Uk.co

Mario Pinto photo by Maria Pinto

In the land of organic, local and more vegans per square inch than anywhere else in the world–this store seems to be thriving.  Notice the chain lock.  Don’t want anyone stealing the alligator sirloin meat, do ya now?

America. Nothing says it more than a visit to a historical landmark. And what better way to ease the kids back into school than with a late-summer trip somewhere that is fun as well as educational!

In the midwest, there are several great options from which to choose. The first landmark that most people probably think of in the US’s midwest region is Mount Rushmore. From the Mt. Rushmore government site:

“This epic sculpture features the faces of four exalted American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. South Dakota’s Black Hills provide the backdrop for Mount Rushmore, the world’s greatest mountain carving. These 60-foot high faces, 500 feet up, look out over a setting of pine, spruce, birch, and aspen in the clear western air.”

Mt. Rushmore offers plenty of family fun, including sculpture workshops, guided tours, and opportunities for volunteering, youth programs, and internships. They also have great things for kids to do, so be sure to get them involved!

People probably also think of St. Louis and the Gateway Arch. My family and I were there several months ago and it is truly something to behold. From the Gateway Arch’s web site, linked above:

“The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.”

Once there, one thing that everyone….except me….wants to do it take the tram to the top of the arch. While the more adventurous were doing that, I watched Monument to the Dream, the movie that uses live footage of the building of the arch to tell the story of how the idea became a reality. The monument also houses the Museum of Westward Expansion, and nearby you can take a ride down the Mississippi on a riverboat and visit the Historic Courthouse.

Whether you visit one of these landmarks or opt for another, be sure to enjoy what is left of summer here in the Midwest. It won’t be long before we’ll be picking apples and pumpkins and planning our Halloween parties, so take the family and get away for one last weekend. Be safe, have fun, and be sure to tell George Washington I said hello.

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

It’s time for another Thursday Thirteen! I was driving around the other day, thinking about how much I love this city. Of course, that was before that lousy driver cut me off on the 405 Freeway and totally harshed my mellow, but that’s a blog post for another day. For now, here a few of my favorite things:

1. Pink’s Hot Dogs – To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure what makes Pink’s Hot Dogs so popular, but for some reason I just feel better knowing it’s there.

2. Guy who sells maps to the stars’ homes on Sunset Blvd. near Doheny – I’ve never actually bought one of these maps, but it’s nice to know that if I ever act on my urge to start stalking Will Smith, there’s somebody who can tell me how to find him.

3. Giant Chair Statue at Pacific Design Center – I love this humongous 30-foot chair, not only for its aesthetics but because we have a running joke: whenever I drive by it with my husband and kids, we always talk about how we’re going to somehow hoist the 10-year old up there and take a picture of her perched on its edge. It’s going to happen, I promise.

4. La Brea Tar Pits – Besides being a great place to take my kids, this place reminds me of my childhood. Also, I have friends who live in the area and have stories of (prehistoric!) tar bubbling up through cracks in their street, which is way more exciting than anything that ever happens on the block where I live.

5. Grauman’s Chinese Theater – Totally overrun with tourists, but where else can you get a close-up look at celebrities’ handprints? Nah, sneaking a look at Shia LeBeouf’s fingerprints at the LAPD isn’t the same.

6. Capitol Records Building – Because it was designed to look like a stack of records! Also, because they’re one of the first buildings every year to put up their Christmas tree made out of lights.

7. Book Soup – Absolutely the coolest book store in the city. Although it makes me sad to go there now, because the legendary Tower Records across the street on Sunset is no longer there.

8. Hollywood and Vine – This famous intersection provides some of the best people-watching in the city. Stopping at that traffic light for thirty seconds always makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a David Lynch movie.

9. Angelyne – I don’t really like Angelyne but she’s my favorite in more of a ‘fascinatingly hideous’ sort of way. Talk to ten different people, and you’ll get ten different Angelyne stories. I once saw her buying clothes at the drug store. She bought some pants, hopped into her pink Corvette and drove away.

10. Watt’s Towers –I urge everyone to get over your fear of driving into this area, and check out these amazing works of art, at least once. Personally, I think your life may be in more danger while trying to shop at Costco during the Christmas rush.

11. Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine – I know it sounds all new age-y and touchy-feely, but you should really check this place out. And don’t worry – you don’t have to have a religious bone in your body to appreciate it. A couple of walks around the serene path that winds around the lake and you’ll feel like a new person. If not, at least make yourself useful by feeding the ducks.

12. First Street, Little Tokyo – There’s nowhere else in the city that can say it’s home to my favorite spa, my favorite restaurant and my favorite coffee shop. I’d tell you about all these secret places, but then I’d have to kill you.

13. The Beverly Center – Yeah, it’s just a mall to most people, but it takes me back to my Sex And The City days, when I’d spend hours trolling the stores just to find a perfect dress to wear on a dinner date. Who has that kind of time anymore?