Chicago

This weekend's NATO Summit in Chicago promises to bring not only protestors but also road closures, traffic delays, and changes to public transportation routes.

The NATO Summit will be held May 20-21, 2012 at Chicago's McCormick Place.

The City of Chicago has provided a list of road closures and more. For additional information, please call the Chicago Police Department at 312-745-6110. Expect delays on interstates like I-90, as well as road closures near McCormick Place. Museums near the Summit will also be closed, including the Shedd Aquarium.

Also check out out May 2012 Events Guide and our Taste of Chicago 2012 Guide.

May is proving to be a busy month in Chicago. Check out our May 2012 events page for things to do in Chicago, including recently added events and an update on places to celebrate Mother's Day.

A couple other May events and Mom's Day ideas to keep on your radar include:

• A special Spa Day at Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park's Wellness Club that will include complimentary hand massages, mini manicures, and more.
• Chicago's Green City Market is open outdoors now through the fall Wednesdays and Saturdays in Lincoln Park.
• The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort north of Chicago has two Mother's Day packages, including a Theatre Package with two tickets to the musical Pirates of  Penzance and a Golf Package that includes green fees and cart.

As summer approaches, many Chicago restaurants and bars open up their decks, patios, rooftop lounges, and street-side seating so patrons can enjoy al fresco dining and drinks.

We put together a list of some of Chicago's Top Al Fresco Dining Options.

Have an outdoor space you would like to include in our list? E-mail information to chicago.guide@about.com.

Looking for more ways to be outside in Chicago? Check out one of the city's beautiful outdoor parks and gardens.

Have an apartment, condo, or house in Chicago you would like to rent out for the summer, or are you visiting Chicago and would prefer to stay in a home?

One of the largest corporate housing and furnished apartment services in the United States, Travelers Haven, has opened an office in the Windy City and now includes rental properties from Chicago in its listings database .

Travelers Haven showcases furnished temporary housing rentals in Chicago, including some of its most desirable neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, and the Gold Coast. Rates for short-term housing rentals in Chicago start at about $83 per night based on a 30-day stay.

Learn about Travelers Haven and its offerings in Chicago, including available units and how you can list your own unit for short-term rent.

The City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has announced the headliners for this year's Chicago's Taste of Chicago, which will take place in Grant Park July 11 - 14, 2012. Find out who the performers are, which includes Chicago's own Jennifer Hudson. Chaka Chan will also be performing at this year's Taste.

Learn about the Taste, including location, dates, times, food vendors, and more with our Taste of Chicago 2012 Guide.

Also worth keeping on your radar: Bike to Work Week 2012 and Brunch Ideas for Mother's Day.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13, and several restaurants in Chicago offering Mother's Day brunches. Check out our list of Things to Do This Mother's Day with the mom in your life.

You can also take mom to the opening day of the Green City Market on Saturday, May 5. The market begins its outdoor season that day and will be in Lincoln Park through the end of October. The Green City Market is Chicago's only truly "green" farmers market and includes farmers and flower growers the Chicagoland area and Midwest region. The market is open Wednesday and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and also includes cooking demonstrations from local chefs.

Also worth reading: Chicago's Best Outdoor Parks and Gardens and how to Explore Chicago By Foot

With Tax Day approaching (Deadline to file is April 17, 2012.), you may need a few days to unwind after sending in your return. One way you can treat yourself is to visit one of Chicago's top spas and enjoy the spa's signature service. In this list of Best Spa Treatments in Chicago we find what we believe are each spa's A+ treatment.

You could also spend the day at one of Chicago's cultural gems, the Art Institute of Chicago, and view the hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and more on display. The museums also has a beautiful outdoor cafe that is nice for lunch.

Or maybe one way to forget the pain of the IRS is to volunteer and focus on others. Here's our list of volunteer ideas in Chicago - ways to give back to your community and others.

Also check out: Tax Deadlines in 2012 l Tax Tips for Freelancers l Bankruptcy and Taxes

Equinox Fitness has partnered with Fleet Feet Sports to create Enhanced by Equinox, an official training program for the Chicago Women's Half Marathon on June 24, 2012. The 12-week program will begin on April 9th.

For $220, participants will have access to two private Equinox group fitness classes per week created specifically for half marathon training, special strength and cross training coaching from Equinox running expert Kai Karlstrom, two body composition assessments, and exclusive offers for treatments at The Spa @ Equinox. The program also includes access to the official Fleet Feet training program for the half marathon, which includes:

• A personalize 12-week running program for all levels with Chicago Endurance Sports.
• Weekday group training sessions.
• Saturday group run.
• And more.

To sign up for Enhanced by Equinox, visit the Chicago Women's Half Marathon Training Program Web site. Tip: You don't have to be a member of Equinox to participate in this training program.

Easter is this Sunday, April 8, and all weekend long there are various Easter egg hunts throughout the City of Chicago, as well as restaurants hosting Easter brunches.

Check out our list of Things to Do Easter Weekend in Chicago, including the Lincoln Park Zoo's new family Easter celebration Saturday, April 7, and a special doggie-only Easter parade and photos with the Easter Bunny at Horner Park, also on Saturday, April 7.

Also worth reading: Bike to Work Week 2012 l Our Half Marathon Giveaway l A Day at the Chicago Botanic Garden

With such warm temperatures already happening in Chicago, summer could be here before you know it. Never fear. There is still time to get in shape and sport your best bikini at North Avenue Beach.

We chatted with Jennifer Hogg, Group Fitness Manager at one of Chicago's most exclusive gyms, Equinox, to get her best "get in shape for summer" tips. Check out our interview with Jennifer that included some fab weight loss advice and more.

One of Jennifer's tips is to train for a race to keep you motivated and focused on your weight loss and fitness goals. Check out our list of upcoming 5K running races for ideas on events you can train for. Have a race you would like us to promote? Email event details to Chicago.Guide@about.com.

And if you are planning to run a half marathon this year, check out our Half Marathon Training Tips.