Evanston Winewalk for Mudlark

Last Thursday the Main-Dempster mile was adorned with lime green aprons galore. Almost all the retailers between Chicago Avenue and Sherman on Main Street participated in the Evanston Charity Wine Walk benefiting Mudlark theater.

I bought a raffle ticket, and many others tried to win the 12 gift baskets offered this evening.

I’m curious which baskets my four keychains ended up in, and happy to know they will have a new owner soon.

I met my friend at Sketchbook brewery where she sampled the wine.

Hip Circle Studio offered a 3-class flight at a discount, so you can try out their classes and get a whiff of all the positive empowerment Malik’s space offers. Their class cards are also worth a whirl.

We had a taco at La Principal’s Cafecito.

I still want to try their morning cocoa with breakfast tacos but always forget about the 10:30 cutoff.

Dave’s Down to Earth Rock shop offered edible rocks with the Wine Goddess’ selection.

It was my first visit to the new Prehistoric Museum, and angel’s first view of ancient fossils.

Ten Thousand Villages has lovely soaps I hadn’t perused yet.

Their wine display was the best.

At The Collage Cafe Lindy served greek wine along with creative energy.

Her pumpkin tree is so fun.

Next door I had a nice chat with Geoff Martin Photography.

Open Studio Project had a live drummer.

Evanston Stitchworks has all kinds of fun class and gathering offerings for all ages, and vintage patterns!

Belgian Chocolatier Piron paired an assortment of their pralines with the Wine Goddess’ Boula Monsanto 2013 from Catalonia.

I went back the next day to pick up their hot cocoa blend and the famed Hazelnut Chocolate spread that will get me through the cooler days (they ship too) and goes with the French Press home brew from Brothers K.

We bookended the walk with a pint at Sketchbook brewery. There were many stops further north, so hopefully the event will happen again and we can map our route in another neighborhood to get to know their businesses better.

Beer starred again the next night, with Sketchbook brewery launching their Oktoberfest beer, DIAPASON, in conjunction with Opus 327.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church houses the Skinner organ developed by Ernest M. Skinner, one of his “best maintained original organs.” Eating in the pew felt irreverent, but the food created by St. Luke’s members with meat provided by Bluestone Restaurant was delicious.

Christine Kraemer played an “Organ Flight” for us with Toccata in D Minor, Adagio from Symphony V, Flues Blues (my favorite) and the Fanfare of the Common Man, which showcased the newly restored trumpets.

I look forward to visiting this church for their various concerts again. Go check out your local community events. You may be surprised at how much fun you will have even down a street you think you already know.