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!

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!