Real Estate Position at ParqEx

 

There are thousands of jobs, but only a handful of college graduates have enough experience. Employers require a diploma with an excellent GPA and 5+ years of experience. Are they nuts? Because of this, it is hard to get a foot in the door. 

ParqEx is here to tell you that we actively seek recent graduates or students interested in internships. At our company, we believe that everyone deserves a fair shot in their dream field. Therefore, no matter your experience level, we provide training from the ground up to help advance your career.

College & university students in the greater Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago areas: If you are interested in real estate, technology, customer service, operations, sales, or marketing, we are excited to review your application for this real estate position at ParqEx.

 

What is ParqEx?

ParqEx specializes in property technology for the parking realm of the real estate industry. We started our company with our Marketplace solution. The ParqEx Marketplace enables non-commercial parking spot owners (i.e., residential, non-profit, and business parking spots) to rent their unused parking spaces to drivers hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly.

We then faced the challenge of opening the underutilized parking spaces behind gates/garage doors. This is where we developed our proprietary Access+ technology, which lets owners grant controlled access to their secured parking spaces through the ParqEx app. To take it one step further, we developed a top-of-the-line license plate recognition camera to give controlled access to these private parking spaces and increase the overall security of properties.

And as safety is always top-of-mind, we developed a ParqEx parking enforcement system that can be readily available to all owners, property managers, enforcement officers, HOA board members, etc. With the Enforcer app, all vehicles are quickly verified, and violations can be issued directly through the app.

Today, ParqEx has seen success with all developed property technologies. So much so that we have developed a ParqEx White Labeling solution. What is white labeling? Put simply; a white labeling solution allows another company to purchase our entire technology suite and reformat it to include all their branding. With their purchase, these companies suddenly have their own parking management system that they did not have to build from scratch.

 

Real Estate Position at ParqEx

For any recent college graduate (or a current student looking for an internship), ParqEx is a great company to gain rapid exposure in the real estate world. We provide parking solutions to every kind of client in the real estate industry. We strongly focus on new construction, including all builders, developers, architects, and real estate groups. And, of course, we focus on all existing properties. This includes all property management teams, property owners, commercial real estate owners, multifamily properties, condo & HOA boards, enforcement agencies, etc. 

Are you looking to get your feet wet? Whether you are a student that has gone through a real estate program or not, a real estate position at ParqEx will grant you quick real-world experience in the real estate industry.

Apply to ParqEx today & we’ll get this conversation started!

Six BBQ Joints for BBQ Month

 

For those of you who are lucky (or unlucky) enough to live somewhere that experiences all four seasons, the month of May is often the turning point into summer. Once we get past Mother’s Day, we are typically in the clear of chilly spring weather. So, as we are slowly chugging along through May, the sun is peaking out more, and we are all finally defrosting! With the warm summer weather just around the corner, it makes sense that May is labeled as BBQ month. So let’s get into a summer mood and enjoy some barbecues! West coast, east coast, midwest, south, ParqEx has you covered with six BBQ joints for BBQ month!

 

Smoke Daddy – Chicago

 

The first of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is Smoke Daddy in Chicago, which has become a local staple. Due to popular demand, they are now open in two locations. Do you live near Wicker Park or Wrigleyville? You are in luck! Go to “The Daddy,” enjoy some drool-inducing BBQ, kick back & enjoy the classic BBQ atmosphere. Are you worried about finding parking near Chicago’s best BBQ? That is where we come in. ParqEx has several parking spots near both Smoke Daddy locations. Book your BBQ parking with ParqEx, and enjoy BBQ month!

 

Smoke Shack – Milwaukee

 

Do you need an excuse to visit the Third Ward, your favorite neighborhood in Milwaukee? Head to our second of six BBQ joints for BBQ month, Smoke Shack! This joint offers a friendly atmosphere and cooks up some of the best-smoked meat in the city. The Smoke Shack smokes all their meat in small batches all day to cater to its constant demand. So do yourself a favor and celebrate BBQ month at the Smoke Shack. We know that parking in the Third Ward can get hectic, especially over the weekend. Luckily for you, ParqEx has several parking spots around the Third Ward. So pre-book your BBQ parking with us, and enjoy some delicious food at the Smoke Shack.

 

5 Star Korean BBQ – Madison

 

Now, who says you have to stick to “authentic” American BBQ for BBQ month? Our third of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is 5 Star Korean BBQ in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is a hub for hundreds of delicious restaurants. So, of course, this city does have a slew of BBQ restaurants. But for us, it was no question to feature 5 Star Korean BBQ. They provide delicious BBQ with a wide variety of flavors in each dish. Sometimes your tastebuds want a little extra oomph in BBQ, and 5 Star Korean delivers. So grab some BBQ, and pre-book your parking near the square with ParqEx.

 

Society BBQ – Miami

 

If you are big into the Miami food scene, we are confident you have heard of Chef Richard Hales and Jenny Hales. They have left their stamp on several Miami and Tampa restaurants. That being said, our fourth of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is Hales Society BBQ. Society BBQ is a modern food hall that offers quick BBQ for patrons with speed and convenience in mind. So visit one of the most talked-about BBQ spots in Miami, let your tastebuds rejoice, and pre-book your parking with ParqEx.

 

The West End Tavern – Boulder

 

If you know anything about Boulder, Colorado, Pearl Street has some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city. So, it makes sense that our fifth of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is West End Tavern, situated very nicely on Pearl Street. So, come to the Tavern, enjoy some nice summer weather on the rooftop, grab a glass of bourbon, and dig into some of the best BBQ Boulder offers. Oh, and don’t forget to take in the gorgeous views of the Flatirons while you are at it. Have you already decided this is an excellent idea? Be sure to book your BBQ parking in advance with ParqEx. We have several spots available right off of Pearl Street.

 

JR’s Barbeque – Los Angeles

 

Are you in the LA area and dying for some authentic Memphis-style BBQ? Well then, just for you, our last of six BBQ joints for BBQ month is JR’s Barbeque. This spot has been serving some of the best homemade BBQ since 1998 and has been recognized by LA Times Magazine as one of the best spots. So come and enjoy a home-style meal, get your hands dirty, and celebrate BBQ month with JR’s Barbeque. We know that parking in LA is a nightmare. Luckily, ParqEx has several spots near JR’s that are available. So pre-book your parking with ParqEx, and enjoy some BBQ at JR’s.

 

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We apologize for not covering some of your city’s best BBQ spots to our readers who live outside these six markets. That does not mean your city is lacking in the BBQ department. Nor does it mean that ParqEx does not have parking available near you. We’ve got spots available across the United States for all ParqEx users. Are you new to ParqEx? Download our free app and unlock some of your city’s best private parking spots. Do you have a parking spot that sits relatively unused? List your parking spot on ParqEx’s Marketplace and make some quick cash. So come, join the ParqEx family, and have a spectacular summer!

6 Perfect Easter Brunch Restaurants

 

There’s no more fabulous brunch than Easter Sunday when you think of brunch! Finally, you have the perfect excuse to dress up, see the whole family together, keep the little ones constantly entertained, and let your tastebuds rejoice in an explosion of delicious flavors! For each of ParqEx’s markets, we have selected our favorite Easter brunch spots ideal for you and your loved ones. So put on your Easter pastels, get the kiddos loaded into the car, and head to one of these 6 perfect Easter brunch restaurants! 

 

1) Redbird

 

Let’s start on the West coast! If you and your family live near downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is perfect for you. LA has several restaurant options for this holiday brunch, but we scanned many of them and settled on Redbird as the top option. This spot offers a delicious prix fixe menu for Easter brunch and an old historical flair to its design. So come and dine in this old cathedral, enjoy the outdoor seating, get creative with your cocktails, and celebrate Easter surrounded by your family and friends. If you are looking for parking, look no further, ParqEx is here to help! Make a reservation at Redbird and book your parking with ParqEx!

 

2) Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro

 

Let’s hop on over to a mountain view in Boulder, Colorado. Yes, Boulder does have many restaurant options serving an Easter Sunday brunch. Still, due to Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro’s organic ingredients and the serene private setting, this is our top pick in Boulder! Oh, did we forget to mention its location is within the St. Julien Hotel & Spa? This added perk certainly benefits the Moms and Dads of the world also looking to book a spa day during their Easter holiday! So, make your Easter brunch reservations at Jill’s Restaurant and Bistro and book your parking with ParqEx!

 

3) The Peninsula Chicago

 

We have made it to the windy city of Chicago! Of course, Chicago has hundreds of fantastic dining options serving Easter Brunch this holiday! But our top selection for this ParqEx market is the Easter Brunch at The Peninsula Chicago, as they are known for their delicious holiday brunches! Enjoy a four-course meal or the à la carte options and be surrounded by live entertainment! Are you looking for the perfect Easter Egg Hunt for the kids? What about a cute picture with the Easter Bunny to send to the grandparents? The Peninsula Chicago offers all of this and more! So make your reservations and book your Easter parking with ParqEx!

 

4) The Edgewater

 

ParqEx has two markets in Wisconsin, but let’s start with Wisconsin’s capitol, Madison! It should go without saying that Madison, known to be home to some of the best restaurants in the state, has a wide variety of Easter brunch options. To be completely transparent, this was a difficult selection for us. But in the end, The Edgewater was the winner! Not only will you enjoy a four-course prix fixe meal, but you will also be rewarded with different breakfast pastries from Madison Sourdough! So sink your teeth into this fine dining experience, let the kids enjoy some Easter crafts, and take a great family photo at The Edgewater! Make your brunch reservations and book your parking with ParqEx!

 

5) Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro

 

Let’s jump over to Milwaukee, ParqEx’s second market in Wisconsin. Of course, there are many different restaurants to pick for an Easter Brunch in MKE, but our top pick was a no-brainer. If you celebrate a holiday downtown Milwaukee with the family, there is no better place than Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro! This fine-dining restaurant serves upscale French cuisines while dishing out some of the best views of Lake Michigan. So put on your Sunday’s best and let your tastebuds transport you out of this country for Easter this year! Book a reservation with Lake Park and book your parking with ParqEx!

 

6) The Habitat

 

Last but certainly not least, let’s make our way to the East coast! If you and your family live near South Beach, Miami, The Habitat at 1 Hotel South Beach is a great place to celebrate Easter! Of course, if you have been to Miami, you know they have their fair share of dining options. And they certainly have a wide variety of restaurants serving Easter brunch! The Habitat is our top pick for its wide range of dishes, live entertainment featuring a DJ and a violinist duo, and location! So dress the kids up, enjoy a nice meal, immerse yourself in the live entertainment, and perhaps even go to the beach after your Easter brunch! Don’t forget to make your restaurant reservations and book your parking with ParqEx!

 

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If you’re looking for more options outside of our 6 perfect Easter brunch restaurants, there are hundreds of choices all across the country! But, if you live in a different city outside of these six markets, don’t worry; ParqEx has parking options all over the country. Perhaps, even better news, ParqEx offers $5 off parking during the holiday season with promo code EASTER. So book your Easter parking today!

Extra Income And Security For Multifamily Property

 

Property owners & managers: do you have a large multifamily property in your portfolio? If so, this case study on ParqEx adding extra income and security for a multifamily property is just for you!

ParqEx’s client, Horizon Realty Group, owns Sheridan Plaza, a 12-story apartment building located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. The property was initially built in 1919 but has since been entirely renovated. A four-level parking garage is attached to the building offering parking to residents, guests, and external renters seeking parking.

The Situation

Sheridan Plaza’s property is home to 143 apartment units and has 161 parking spaces in a secure parking garage for their tenants and guests. However, an unfortunate trend that property owners noted over time was that fewer residents were leasing parking spaces. Consequently, property owners went into a problem-solving mode to try and make up for this loss of income. 

To compensate for lost revenue, they tried to offer monthly parking for non-residents. They did not anticipate the extreme amount of time it would take to run the process. They had to respond to all inquiries, collect rent, maintain the garage’s security and enforce any violations. After all their efforts, most of the parking spaces were still empty. Property management felt defeated. 

Sheridan Plaza desperately needed an efficient and effective solution to monetize and manage their parking spaces.

The Solution

ParqEx understood Sheridan Plaza’s exact parking needs right off the bat. It was clear that income was top-of-mind for this property. Property owners also understood that their overall operations needed to improve. Thus, ParqEx proposed the full suite of property technologies. This includes ParqEx’s: Marketplace, Access +, Enforcer App, and GuestParq.

ParqEx needed to provide tech to allow easy entry and exit with the existing parking garage without needing property management. Thus, they installed their proprietary Access + solution. With this technology on-site, authorized users simply had to use their smartphones to open the garage door. 

Our technology benefited the property in numerous ways. First, this provided an added amenity for existing tenants and their guests. Another was that this opened the property on ParqEx’s Marketplace. This allowed external transient renters to access the property and book both short- and long-term rentals. 

Horizon originally placed only five spaces for rent to test out the waters. However, thanks to ParqEx’s digital marketing and signage, the demand for parking increased. Horizon quickly decided to add over 20 spots to ParqEx’s platform. 

ParqEx next focused on the property’s guest parking dilemma. The old-school paper-based system was no longer going to cut it! ParqEx’s GuestParq replaced it. With GuestParq, guests were quickly registered, and payment was easily collected. 

ParqEx always takes it one step further! Educating all new users on our technology is essential. So, ParqEx designed custom resident handouts and hosted lobby events to raise awareness amongst existing tenants. As a result, all questions were answered, allowing a seamless transition to a more up-to-date parking system.

The Result

ParqEx’s parking solutions revolutionized the parking experience for management, tenants, and visitors. ParqEx continues to significantly impact Sheridan Plaza’s top and bottom lines. Due to Marketplace’s success, all external parking renters are now handled by ParqEx. Because of this, property management gained back as much as 25% of their time on some days. 

On top of significant time savings for staff, the property saw an additional $34k added income through Marketplace and GuestParq. Moreover, with Access + operating at 99% reliability, they had over 6k secure entries on the property within the first year with ParqEx.

Reach Out!

ParqEx is a technology platform that unlocks the hidden value sitting idle in privately-owned parking spaces. Much like Sheridan Plaza, with ParqEx, property owners and managers can increase income, reduce operating efforts, simplify management, and provide a valuable amenity to tenants and visitors.

Download the Sheridan Plaza case study and contact us to learn more about how we can add extra income and security to your multifamily property.

Guest Parking Creates $1.6k In 8 Weeks

 

HOA boards & property managers: do you have a condominium property in your portfolio? If so, check out how guest parking creates $1.6k in 8 weeks for your condo with ParqEx!

ParqEx’s client, The Habitat Company, manages Silver Tower, a 39-story condominium building located in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The property was complete back in 2010, featuring modern architecture with large windows wrapping around the entire property. So if you are looking for a fantastic skyline view in Chicago, this is undoubtedly one of them.

The Situation

Silver Tower’s property is home to 229 condo units and has 284 parking spaces in a secure parking garage for their tenants. Silver Tower was designed to be a high-end building with the most outstanding amenities possible. Unfortunately, it has struggled with guest parking since it was built. Rightfully so, tenants were extremely frustrated. They wanted guest parking for their visitors for convenience, of course. But also, public parking surrounding one of Chicago’s most popular areas is costly. As a result, residents often complained to property management and the HOA board. 

Silver Tower has a very unusual set-up for their parking garage to complicate matters further. There are two separate garage doors, numerous fobbed pedestrian doors, and a long-distance walk between the lobby and garage doors. The HOA board came up with some solutions, but the complicated arrangement made it difficult to find a long-term fix. 

With fears of losing tenants, Sheridan Plaza needed to address the guest parking dilemma as soon as possible.

The Solution

ParqEx understood Silver Tower’s pain points and quickly came up with a solution for the HOA board. Not only were they going to fix the guest parking problem, but they would also generate income for the HOA. ParqEx’s parking solutions for Silver Tower include GuestParq and Access + technologies.

 

GuestParq

GuestParq was a no-brainer solution as it met all requirements. It limits reservations only to residents and automatically gathers guest vehicle details. Additionally, it processes payments and provides transparency into usage (security and finance reporting). ParqEx could also start Silver Tower on a phased approach. For example, the HOA could begin with just five HOA-owned parking spaces. Then at a later date, ParqEx could expand to all resident-owned spots. 

 

The remaining issue: how do guests get into the garage and the building? The HOA board certainly did not want guests to stop in the lobby to get a fob and then access the property. It needed to be more convenient!

 

Access +

ParqEx had the answer! The flexibility of ParqEx’s proprietary Access + technology allows multiple access points to be configured. As a result, the numerous pedestrian and garage doors were no longer an issue! With Access +, users can control multiple access points using the ParqEx mobile app. Therefore, ParqEx installed Access + onto both garage doors and coordinated with a security vendor to configure the pedestrian doors and elevators. After installation, guests can seamlessly access parking without needing to stop at the front desk.

 

Additionally, staff had training on the platform and all administrative tools they could use! Creating awareness amongst existing tenants was essential as well. We wanted people to know that we solved their guest parking issue. So, ParqEx designed custom resident handouts and hosted lobby events to raise awareness amongst existing tenants. All questions were answered, allowing a seamless transition to a guest parking solution with zero issues for property management.

The Result

GuestParq was received with open arms by all residents, guests, and even Silver Tower’s staff. The HOA board was relieved that they finally met their tenants’ demands and expectations regarding this amenity. Within its first launch, GuestParq was heavily used, resulting in content tenants and immediate additional income.

Within the first 8 weeks with ParqEx, Silver Tower had zero complaints resulting in zero management issues. Additionally, they had over 70 guests successfully use GuestParq, creating $1.6k added HOA income!

ParqEx is a technology platform that unlocks the hidden value sitting idle in privately-owned parking spaces. Much like Silver Tower, with ParqEx, HOA boards and property management can increase income, reduce operating efforts, simplify management, and provide a valuable guest parking amenity to tenants and visitors.

Download the Silver Tower case study and contact us to learn more about how we can solve your property’s guest parking issues and generate additional revenue.

Flexible Added Income From A Retail Lot

 

Property owners & managers: do you have a retail parking lot in your portfolio? If so, check out this case study on how ParqEx’s parking solutions create flexible added income from a retail lot.

ParqEx’s client, a New York-based real estate investor and operator, owns a mixed-use commercial building. This retail building has an open surface lot right in the thick of Chicago’s trendy West Loop neighborhood. There is certainly a demand for parking as the West Loop is home to hundreds of restaurants, shops, commercial and residential buildings. This parking lot certainly had the potential to make additional flexible income.

The Situation

When 112 N May was purchased back in 2015, the new owners wanted to completely renovate the building and fill it with new tenants to be on trend with the development occurring in the neighborhood. But, like all construction and renovation, the process would surely take some time. 

This property also had a lot with 26 parking spots sitting vacant. Property ownership understood there was an opportunity to make additional income from these spaces while their building was under construction. Therefore, they were looking for a flexible parking solution that would bring in revenue, not lock them into a long-term lease, and allow them to use their lot for construction staging as needed. 

Furthermore, as property ownership is based out of New York, they did not have any full-time staff on-site to help manage the parking situation. Therefore, they needed a solution to handle all parking management, customer support, and enforcement if required.

The Solution

ParqEx needed to propose a flexible solution, enforce unauthorized vehicles, and provide an easy booking system for parkers. The best solution for 112 N May was implementing our Marketplace and Enforcer technology. 

The owners reached out to ParqEx to place their surface parking lot onto ParqEx’s Marketplace. This platform helps owners offer parking spots to all transient renters looking for parking in the city. It also helps facilitate the rental process of the parking spots from beginning to end. 

After the spots were listed, ParqEx used traditional and digital marketing tactics to drive traffic to the 26 parking spaces. Despite ongoing construction, large banners and marketing signage helped raise awareness that parking was available. As the property owners did not want to be involved with the day-to-day operations, we covered that. The ParqEx Customer Support team handled any inquiry or issue that happened on-site. In addition, the ParqEx Enforcer solution was used alongside a towing company to ensure only authorized renters were parking in the spaces.

Due to ParqEx’s marketing signage, direct contact with local businesses, and digital advertising efforts, 112 N May Street’s parking lot generated $72k in added income.

The Result

ParqEx’s parking solutions delivered added income to the property owners without local effort needed on their part. Additionally, ParqEx was able to deliver an adaptable solution for construction crews. ParqEx provided these 26 parking spots to the community with minimal disruption during construction. Finally, once the building was fully leased in April 2018, the property owners quickly transitioned these 26 spots from transient external renters to their internal tenants. 

ParqEx provided $72k in added income, two seamless transitions, and zero management effort by the end of renovations.

ParqEx is a technology platform that unlocks the hidden value sitting idle in privately-owned parking spaces. Similar to this NY-based real estate owners property in Chicago, with ParqEx, property owners and managers can increase income, simplify management, and provide a convenient way to book parking downtown.

Download the 112 N May Street case study and contact us to learn more about how ParqEx’s parking solutions create flexible added income from a retail lot.

12 Best Places To Take Family Christmas Photos

 

Featured locations: Chicago, IL   |   Milwaukee, WI   |   Madison, WI   |   Miami, FL

 

Are you also one of those families that waits until the last minute to take family Christmas pictures? I get that taking Christmas photos mid-summer is efficient and probably makes for better photos, but I cannot be bothered to think of cold months during the glorious summer heat. And on top of that, nothing beats the authentic “I’m freezing! I can’t wait until this photoshoot is done” face that annually makes it onto my Christmas card.

 

Anyways, back to our jolly point! We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best places to take family Christmas photos in our ParqEx community. So to all last-minute families, put on your matching Christmas sweaters and get on your merry way to your photoshoot!

 

 

Best Places to take family Christmas Photos in Chicago

 

1) Art Institute of Chicago

 

Talk about an iconic family Christmas photo! If you live in Chicago, there are hundreds of gorgeous corners to take family photos in front of. Yet, in my opinion, nothing tops the Art Institute of Chicago. You can’t go wrong; take a picture inside or take one outside in front of the lions. Either way, you will create a picture-perfect backdrop to your family photo. Plus, any last-minute Christmas shoppers reading this? Take your pictures and then immediately go shopping! The Art Institute of Chicago is in the heart of the city, with shopping all around. So book your art institute parking ahead of time and don’t have to worry about it the day of!

 

2) Lincoln Park Zoo

 

Taking family photos at the zoo never gets old! I promise you, even as an adult, my favorite photo outings are to the zoo! If you live in Chicago, you are very spoiled with the Lincoln Park Zoo. So gather the family, take them on a fun zoo excursion and squeeze in a few family photos while you are there. Not a fan of having penguins in your photos? Visit Lincoln Parks Nature Boardwalk and take a picture in front of Chicago’s skyline. So book your Lincoln Park Zoo parking today with ParqEx!

 

3) Skydeck Chicago

 

Before committing to this Christmas photo backdrop, make sure that nobody in your family has a fear of heights. If they all give the thumbs up, an enjoyable location for a family photo would be Willis Tower’s Skydeck Chicago. So take a trip up to the 103rd floor and enjoy perhaps one of the best views of Chicago! And don’t forget to commemorate the trip by snapping a quick family photo! Book your Skydeck parking before even leaving your house!

 

Best Places to take family Christmas Photos in  Milwaukee

 

4) View MKE 

 

Are you still putting off taking those Christmas photos? If you need further encouragement, even if the rapidly approaching deadline is just around the corner, how about you check out View MKE with the family this season? Go there for the food & beverages but stay for the atmosphere and stunning views of downtown Milwaukee. And while you are there, why not snag a quick fam-photo! Book your View MKE parking today!

 

5) Black Cat Alley

 

Do you want this year’s family photo to be trendy and perfect for a witty or whimsical Instagram caption? Then there’s no better spot than Black Cat Alley! Quickly snag a coffee from Colectivo and then stroll up and down the outdoor art gallery. Check out the 21 murals that beautifully decorate this alley in Milwaukee. Found a favorite mural? Take your family Christmas picture there. I’m sure Black Cat Alley would love to be featured in your Christmas photos. So book your Black Cat Alley parking ahead of time.

 

6) The Pfister Hotel

 

Now, if you live in Milwaukee and are scrambling to find a more classic Christmas photo, don’t worry! The Pfister Hotel is the ideal photo spot for you. This historic hotel screams elegance and knows how to dress up around the holiday season. So visit the Pfister Hotel to get into that Christmas spirit and take some beautiful family photos. Book your Pfister Hotel parking downtown Milwaukee today!

 

Best Places to take family Christmas Photos in  Madison

 

7) AC Hotel & Eno Vino

 

If you are lucky enough to live in Madison, Wisconsin, then you know just how gorgeous your State Capitol Building is. Every corner of the square has lovely views of this magnificent building. However, one of the most fun and unique views of the capitol building is at the AC Hotel inside the Eno Vino restaurant. Take in the rooftop view of the capitol building with the family, and ask the waiter for a quick family photo with this classic backdrop. Book your Madison square parking today!

 

8) Capitol Building

 

As previously mentioned, this building doesn’t have an unappealing angle. Are you and the family looking for a quick in & out for this year’s family photo but still want a good picture? The State Capitol Building never disappoints. So put on that Badger red and take a cute family pic. Book your Capitol parking now with ParqEx, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking on the square.

 

9) State Street

 

Any UW Badger Alumni in your family? Any of your kids enrolled at UW currently? A great homage to the university you are so proud of is a Christmas photo on State Street. So go and quickly take a nice family photo and then enjoy a lovely Saturday afternoon stroll up and down State Street. Don’t forget to book your State Street parking with ParqEx.

 

Best Places to take family Christmas Photos in  Miami

 

10) Freedom Tower

 

Do you love the history of your tropical paradise of a city in Miami, Florida? Then, take the family on a visit to Miami’s Freedom Tower, learn a little about the history of the building, and learn a bit about the cultural history of Miami and the part the Freedom Tower played. On top of it all, the Freedom Tower is a beautiful backdrop to any photo, indeed a family photo. So book your Freedom Tower parking today!

 

11) Miami Beach

 

Miami Beach is an absolute no-brainer. There’s no stretch of Miami Beach that isn’t perfect for a family photo! Want to have the sand between your toes and have the ocean as a picturesque background? Want to take a goofy family photo in front of one of the many lifeguard towers? How about a picture in front of Ocean Drive? Awesome! This one spot has it all. So avoid the headache of looking for Miami Beach parking and book your Miami Beach parking with ParqEx. 

 

12) Bayside Marketplace

 

Want a fun day filled with shopping, dining options, and family photos? Visit Bayside Marketplace. Want a little different picture but still want Bayside Marketplace vibes? Take a boat tour and get this angle of Bayside in your photo. So, book your Bayside Marketplace parking with ParqEx.

 

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New to ParqEx? Download our ParqEx apps today and get started parking with us. First-time users use promo code MYFIRSTTIME for $5 off your first transaction. All other ParqEx users, remember to be on the lookout for our holiday promo codes! If you missed it, check out our socials!

8 Free Holiday Activities in ParqEx Communities

In Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison & Miami

 

Holidays tend always to be expensive. We see and understand that! So why not enjoy your holiday and save in some areas? If you are looking to cut some holiday costs, ParqEx has three solutions for you.

1) Always book your parking in advance with ParqEx. The spots on our platform are all safe and appropriately priced. So say goodbye to paying those ridiculous parking garage prices downtown; we’ve got you covered.

2) Be sure to always be on the lookout for ParqEx coupons! On just about every holiday, we give $5 off parking for our ParqEx users. If you haven’t seen a promo code pass through your inbox, check out ParqEx’s socials! Our marketing team is sure to post them there.

3) We’ve compiled eight different free holiday activities in ParqEx’s communities!

 

 

Free Holiday Activities in Chicago

 

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Every year, the Daley Plaza, downtown Chicago, is completely transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful Christmas market. Every single corner of this Christmas market is blanketed in ornate decorations and lighting! So bundle up and enjoy this free Christkindlmarket. Go there for the decorations but stay for the spiced wine and freshly roasted chestnuts! The market is open starting November 19th and continues until December 24th.

 

City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony

This tree lighting ceremony seems like an absolute winner for anybody looking to get in the Christmas spirit. This free event, on November 19th, will be filled with entertainment. So come for the lighting of the Christmas tree, but stay for the fireworks and live performances and music! This 100+ year tradition is still around for a reason. So enjoy your night in Millennium Park with the rest of Chicago!

 

Free Holiday Activities in Milwaukee

 

Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night

Are you looking for a different holiday event this year? Are you sick of the same old, same old? Well, then look no further. On December 1st at 5:30 pm, Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night begins at Saint Kate – Art Hotel downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Once all guests have gathered, by 6 pm, the promenade downtown will begin. This 45-minute walk has every guest participate in the entertainment by playing a specific audio track! So put those layers on and unsilent the night of December 1st, downtown Milwaukee!

 

Saint Kate Holiday Marketplace

Sadly the Fiserv Forum Christkindlmarket is not returning this Christmas, but that doesn’t mean the city of Milwaukee is without a Christmas market. Saint Kate delivers yet another free holiday event for anyone who calls MKE home. On December 11th, at the Arc Theatre, enjoy the free holiday marketplace put on by Saint Kate. Take in the gorgeous and elaborate decorations, shop from local vendors, and spread the holiday cheer.

 

Free Holiday Activities in Madison

 

Fair Trade Holiday Festival

A wonderful annual holiday tradition in Madison, Wisconsin, is Madison’s 25th Fair Trade Holiday Festival. This free holiday event features over 40 varying vendors selling ethically and sustainably sourced international gifts. So come to Monona Terrace on December 4th, check out the global products, and then do your farmers market shopping the same day!

 

Holiday Toy Consignment Sale

Have you got a lot of kiddos to shop for this holiday season? Whether they be your kids, nieces and nephews, grandkids, or friends kids, come to the Monona Community Center on November 13th and shop gently used clothes, toys, and more! Admission is free, and there are varying times throughout the day where sales go on certain items. So save some money this holiday season and make those little ones super happy when they open their gifts!

 

Free Holiday Activities Miami

 

V’s Couture Holiday Pop-Up Market Wynwood

Want to enjoy a free holiday activity but add in some Miami flare? Then the V’s Couture Holiday Pop-Up Market in Wynwood is just the event for you. If you are looking to save money this season, admission to the public is free, but we’d suggest keeping a close eye on those price tags of the goods on sale. So on December 11th, enjoy the food, the holiday spirit, the people watching, and the shopping.

 

Symphony In Lights

Are you looking to ring in the holidays the good ole classic way but with warm tropical air instead of the bitter winter cold? I mean, same! If you are so lucky to be able to celebrate Christmas in Miami this holiday season, please visit the Gulfstream Park Village for its annual Symphony in Lights. This free holiday activity is jam-packed with everything your holiday-induced mind can conjure up. So come for the lights, but enjoy all the holiday shopping around you. This event kicks off on November 13th and continues until December 31st.

 

 

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No matter what you get up to this holiday season, be sure to enjoy that special time with your friends and family. Share the love and the holiday spirit like we intend to do at ParqEx.

 

Again, for those of you driving to your free holiday activities in ParqEx communities, please book your parking in advance and save yourself some time & money. Book your parking today!