Tell us your idea of a romantic date in Andersonville and win a $50 gift certificate to Tulip!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Margaret Lind Davis for winning our drawing! Dinners, drinks, flowers, romantic walks - you all had some great ideas. Thanks for participating and supporting Andersonville!

Today's contest features Tulip, Andersonville's adult toy gallery, and brings out the romance in Andersonville! According to the website, "Through its boutique retail locations and MYTULIP.com (caution: probably not safe for work), Tulip aims to provide a comfortable, educational,  boutique environment for both men and women to purchase toys and erotica." As a women-owned business, their motto is, "We don't sell anything we wouldn't put into our bodies." You can find intimate apparel, 100% medically-safe toys, books, accessories, and more; as well as advice, information, and in-store "how to" workshops at their storefront at 1480 W. Berwyn.

So, on to the contest: What is your idea of a romantic date in Andersonville? Leave a comment with your answer and you will be entered to win!

How to enter:

1. All entries must be posted by 10:00am CST on Friday, December 21.
2. Required entry:  Leave a comment below answering the following question: What is your idea of a romantic date in Andersonville?
3. Additional entry: “Like” Tulip on Facebook and leave a separate comment letting us know you did. 
4. When you comment, you must use some sort of username that we can identify you with (first name, last initial; etc.). We can't pick you if you comment as "unknown!"

You could win...

• a $50 gift certificate to Tulip Toy Gallery

Winning:

• One winning entry will be chosen at random by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce staff.
• We will update this post with the winners. If you are chosen as a winner, you must contact us with a valid email address so that we can arrange to get you your prize (we can't see the email addresses of commenters). If you do not contact us by Wednesday, Jan 2, we will re-draw a new winner.

Good luck!

Lat-er Night Andersonville Holiday Contest

Tonight is Late-er Night Andersonville, which means that it's time for all procrastinators (and non-procrastinators) to jump-start their holiday shopping with special discounts, refreshments, and entertainment at businesses all over Andersonville! Details about Late-er Night Andersonville are here, and a link to the Late Night Andersonville coupon with all of the discounts is here.

Today's contest focuses on a couple of the businesses that have cool things going on during Late-er Night Andersonville: Las Manos Gallery and Marguerite Gardens.

Las Manos Gallery, a fixture on Clark Street for 14 years, recently relocated to 1515 W. Foster Ave. Last week, they celebrated their grand re-opening. It's quite a victory these days to find affordable storefront space in Andersonville, but Las Manos rose to the challenge. According to owner Michelle Peterson-Albandoz, "What makes this spot so enticing is the large enclosed courtyard behind it. Plans for sculpture gardens, film festivals, poetry slams and parties are all on next year's schedule!" Tonight, from 6-10pm they will be continuing the celebration with spiced cider, an art raffle, and more!

If you've ever walked by Marguerite Gardens flower shop, you've probably admired their perpetually lovely window displays. When you enter the store, there is even more loveliness to greet you - antique bird cages, bud vases, dangling spools of ribbon, linens, and other gifts. But the heart of the shop is the display of fresh cut flowers, arranged in tubs just like in a European flower stall. It's the perfect spot to treat yourself or someone you love to something of unique beauty and style. Tonight, things get even more magical, as Marguerite Gardens hosts live music from 7-9pm to serenade your shopping.

And now the contest:

Visit either (or both!) locations during Late-er Night Andersonville (Friday, December 14, 6:00-10:00 pm) and check in on your mobile phone (Foursquare/Facebook/Yelp - whatever you got), and get entered to win a great prize from that business. Simply show the staff that you've checked in and you will receive a raffle ticket good for one entry into that location's raffle. Las Manos is giving away a $50 gift certificate. Marguerite Gardens is giving away a gift basket filled to the brim with candles, hand balm, a vase, cute felt creatures, and other lovely gifts from the shop (value $100).

Also, we encourage you to "like" both businesses on Facebook to see updates about the awesome things they are doing (Las Manos Gallery, Marguerite Gardens).

So, get out there tonight and support your local businesses! It's the gift that keeps giving (to everyone in the community) all year 'round!

What is your favorite place in Andersonville south of Foster? - Win gift cards!

UPDATE: We have winners! Congrats to:

• meg feldman - $50 gift certificate to Foursided
• ShojoTora - $50 gift certificate to Milk Handmade
• Ellen Branz - $50 gift certificate to Revive Massage
• Katherine - $25 gift certificate to Moda Boutique

Please email jhammer (at) andersonville.org to claim your prize! Foursided was the favorite spot of ALL of our winners (and received lots of love from other commenters, as well). Bad news is that we only have one Foursided gift card to give away. Good news is that you get a try out another awesome local business!
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There’s so many great places to love and explore on the south side of Andersonville and today’s contest features 4 great businesses from that area: Foursided, Milk Handmade, Moda Boutique, Revive Massage Therapy and Spa

Foursided (http://www.foursided.com/)

Opening in Andersonville in 2006, Foursided is one of the ultimate rarities emporiums! As a framing store, they are dedicated to bring your creations to life with an unmatched team of artists that work with you to customize your works and selections. Foursided also carries a rather extensive range of cards that will make you laugh, cry, or jump for joy and unique gifts for any nearly any occasion. Make sure you carve out some time when you plan to visit—you will get distracted by all the amazing things this store has to offer.

Milk Handmade (http://www.milkhandmade.com/)

Just opening in May of this year, Milk Handmade, a women’s clothing boutique, is already making a splash - having won Best New Boutique in the TimeOut Chicago Shopping Awards. Owner, Hallie Borden, brings back the lost joy of the in-store shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for the softest scarf, the perfect handbag, or your new ‘little black dress,’ Milk has the one-of-a-kind piece for you.

Moda Boutique (http://modaonclark.com/)

Located on Clark Street just south of Foster Ave., Moda Boutique specializes in some of the finest of European clothing and accessories for men and women. If you are looking for some of those signature statement pieces for those late Saturday nights out or merely for the basics, Moda offers the classy, the sexy, and the unique when it comes to clothing.

Revive Massage Therapy and Spa (http://revivemassagechicago.com/)

Another newcomer, Revive opened in July of this year and has already garnered rave reviews (check out their 5-star rating on Yelp). Revive Massage Therapy and Spa offers innumerable stress relieving services to both men and women. The staff works on a case-by-case basis to find a perfect service out of their list excellent massage & skincare treatments that will suit your needs. Whether you are new or a long time wellness enthusiast, the staff at Revive want you to leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and revived! They also have a great referral program!

So, what’s your favorite place on Andersonville’s south side (south of Foster)? Leave a comment with your answer and you will be entered to win one of 4 gift certificates!

How to enter:

1. All entries must be posted by 11:00am CST on Thursday, December 13.
2. Required entry:  Leave a comment below answering the following question: What is your favorite place in Andersonville south of Foster?
3. Additional entries: “Like” one or more of the participating businesses on Facebook and leave separate comments stating which you “liked.” Here are their Facebook pages:

Foursided (https://www.facebook.com/Foursided)

Milk Handmade (https://www.facebook.com/MilkHandmade)

Moda Boutique (https://www.facebook.com/modaonclark)

Revive Massage Therapy and Spa (https://www.facebook.com/ReviveMassageChicago

The prizes:

You could win…

•  a $50 gift certificate from Foursided
• a $50 gift certificate from Milk Handmade
• a $50 gift certificate from Revive Massage Therapy and Spa
• a $25 gift certificate from Moda Boutique

Winning:

• Each individual is only eligible to win one prize.
• Prizes will be assigned at random.
• Winning entries will be chosen at random by Andersonville Chamber of Commerce staff members.
• Winners will be posted on the ‘All Things Andersonville’ site on Thursday. We will update this post with the winners. If you are chosen as a winner, you must contact us with a valid email address so that we can arrange to get you your prize. If you do not contact us by Tuesday, Dec. 18, we will re-draw new winner(s).

Good luck!

Also, we're coordinating new contests each weekday until Christmas! You can learn more about it on Facebook (www.facebook.com/andersonville) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/avillechamber). Each morning a new contest will debut, so check back daily!

Andersonville Dinner Party Contest on Pinterest

UPDATE: Congratulations to Jessi Schulte, who won our Andersonville Dinner Party Contest! You'll definitely need to start making friends to invite to your dinner party (we volunteer!). Jessi, please email jhammer (at) andersonville.org to claim your prize.

Check out all of the great entries in this contest:

http://pinterest.com/jessiface/my-andersonville-dinner-party/

http://pinterest.com/paysoncroy/my-andersonville-dinner-party/

http://pinterest.com/jkwilso2/my-andersonville-dinner-party/

http://pinterest.com/lynnhaller/my-andersonville-dinner-party/

http://pinterest.com/iamapatientgirl/my-andersonville-dinner-party/

http://pinterest.com/lindsaystayton/my-andersonville-dinner-party-yummy/

Do you love to entertain? Then this week's BIG contest is for you! We want you to create a Pinterest board with ideas for a dinner party featuring Andersonville businesses. The prize is a package that will give you the tools to make your dinner party ideas a reality!

CONTEST: Create a Pinterest board entitled "My Andersonville Dinner Party." Fill it with items from Andersonville businesses that you would use to create a fabulous dinner party!

RULES: You must pin at least one item from each business sponsoring this giveaway (trust me, it won't be difficult). Please include at least 12 items on the board. Don't forget to include business names and the #Andersonville hashtag with each pin. Once your pinboard is complete, please leave a comment on this post with a link. We also encourage you to post your link to Twitter (@avillechamber) or the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Facebook page so that everyone can admire your creativity and mad planning skillz! One entry will be selected from a random drawing.

PRIZE: A package that includes:

• A $50 gift certificate to Urban Orchard
• A $50 gift certificate to Urban Mischief
• A $50 gift certificate to City Olive
• A certificate for a free cooking class at the Wooden Spoon (value: $65+)
• A certificate for a free pie from First Slice Pie Cafe (value: $25)

DEADLINE: Contest ends at 11:00am on Monday, December 17.

Visit us on Pinterest to see a sample board: http://pinterest.com/avillechamber/jessica-s-andersonville-dinner-party/

Happy pinning - we can't wait to see what you come up with!  And look for daily contests for other great prizes all week long.

While you're at it - "like" all of these great businesses on Facebook to stay in the know about all of their fabulosity, plus some pretty cool events & specials!

City Olive, 5644 N. Clark - Facebook
First Slice Pie Cafe, 5357 N. Ashland - Facebook
Urban Mischief, 5235 N. Clark - Facebook
Urban Orchard, 5212 N. Clark - Facebook
The Wooden Spoon, 5047 N. Clark - Facebook

Andersonville Itinerary Contest on Pinterest or Foursquare

UPDATE: Wow! We had 17 entries in our Andersonville Itinerary Contest. Great job, Andersonville lovers! We are pleased to announce that Layne Fargo has been chosen as the winner! Those of you who didn't win - don't worry, we still have 2 MORE WEEKS of contests. And now, there is an awesome resource for people wanting to find the coolest things in Andersonville!

Check out all of our awesome entries:

• http://pinterest.com/krs7803/my-andersonville-itinerary/ 
• http://pinterest.com/paginatrix/andersonville/
• http://pinterest.com/iamapatientgirl/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• https://pinterest.com/jenmwalsh/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/youthfulwinter/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/jessiface/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/dawnradakovich/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/novedieci/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/librarianhot/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/paysoncroy/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/flysparrow/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/chriscad1/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• http://pinterest.com/windycitygene/my-andersonville-itinerary/
• https://foursquare.com/user/13149975/list/davids-andersonville-itinerary
• https://foursquare.com/matthewsm1th/list/my-andersonville-list
• https://foursquare.com/shojotora/list/my-andersonville-itinerary
• https://foursquare.com/user/32276334/list/my-andersonville-itinerary

We are excited to announce this week's BIG giveaway: a 2-night stay at the Andersonville Guesthouse in January-March, 2013! You'll be ensconced in one of their 2-bed, 2-bath units that sleeps up to 6 people, complete with either balcony or patio, spa-like bathrooms with a luxury steam shower and a bubble-jet bath/shower, fireplace, cable TV, washer/dryer, free garage parking space, and more!

You may not want to leave...however, this contest is all about what you would do if you had 2 days to spend in Andersonville!

CONTEST: Create ONE of 2 different options: A Pinterest board OR a Foursquare list called "My Andersonville Itinerary." Fill it with things that you already love or would like to try in Andersonville - shopping, eating (or drinking), entertainment, sights, etc.

RULES: You must include the Andersonville Guesthouse on the board or list. Everything else is up to you! Please include a minimum of 12 items. For Pinterest: Include business names (where applicable) and the #Andersonville hashtag with each pin. For Foursquare: Be sure to include a tip about the business/location so everyone knows why you love it so much. Once your pinboard or list is complete, please leave a comment on this post with a link to your itinerary. We also encourage you to post your link to Twitter (@avillechamber) or the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Facebook page so that everyone can admire your creativity and mad planning skillz! One entry will be selected from a random drawing.

PRIZE: A 2-night stay in a 2-bed, 2-bath unit at the Andersonville Guesthouse, valid January-March 2013 (retail value: up to $692.58), for up to 6 people.

DEADLINE: Contest ends at 11:00am on Monday, December 10.

Visit us on Pinterest to see a sample itinerary: http://pinterest.com/avillechamber/jessica-s-andersonville-itinerary

Visit us on Foursquare for a sample list: https://foursquare.com/p/andersonville-chamber-of-commerce/37497694/list/jessicas-andersonville-itinerary

Also, we encourage you to become a fan of the Andersonville Guesthouse on Facebook - it's a great place to find out about discounted rates and other specials!