Live Off Groupon is Over
Long story short, our Groupawn lived off Groupons for an entire year! Check out Groupon's amazing local deals and see if you can do the same! ... Or just browse and buy at your leisure.
See Deals at Groupon.comMay 11th
Day 2
Getting Around the Windy City
So day 1 was a breeze and not entirely the result of the holes in my paper suit and the fact that I was in the Windy City (much to the dismay of Groupon, I’m sure). I obtained clothes, was well fed, and barely even had to walk anywhere thanks to my Groupon for Antique Coach & Carriage who took me all around the city to buy clothes. Cathy, the carriage operator and part time tax consultant, was great and even gave me some free tax advice regarding my $100,000. NBC news joined me on the first leg of my journey to City Blue Apparel & Denim. This was the closest clothing store to Groupon Headquarters that I had a Groupon for. I was very pleased that I was able to replace my paper pants by squeezing into some “skinny jeans” (that’s a first) and I got a skin tight (that was the closest thing they had to my size) t-shirt that I chose to wear under the Groupon suit jacket since it was a bit cold when the horse picked up the pace.
Cathy and I then trotted from Old Town to Lincoln Park (about an hour) to Star Struck Apparel. My thinking was that they’d have a sweatshirt or hoodie so I could finally be done with this paper nightmare. The owner was really excited I was there and told me to have a look around. After checking out the merchandise, a fantastic selection of sports apparel for fans of Chicago teams and careful deliberation, I went with a Cubs zip-up. I needed something that would be versatile, fairly lightweight and it was on sale, not to mention extremely comfy. I also got a Black Hawks “One Goal” tee (in my actual size!).
Now that this clothing situation was under control, I asked Cathy to take me to Bike and Roll Chicago in
Millennium Park. They rent bikes, roller blades, and most importantly, give Segway tours! Since I had been on one of their tours in the past and well, I’m the Groupawn, they donated a Segway to my cause for the afternoon. Let me say…way more fun than walking! This is when the reality of this year set in. I can pretty much do whatever I want. As I rode down Michigan Avenue, free as a bird, contemplating where to go next, I remembered seeing a Groupon for Base Bar in the Hard Rock Hotel, just down the street. I was parched and hungry from my busy morning…perfect I thought.
I parked my Segway on the sidewalk next to the Bellman and set the alarm. He gave me a funny look, so I explained why I was there and he agreed to keep an eye on my sweet ride. When I got to the bar, I was the only one there. I asked the bartender if they served food as well and he said they did, but the Groupon I had only covered drinks. I explained to him about my new life and he gave me some water while I tried to figure out how to get something to eat. Moments later, a young man named Jose took a seat at the bar. When he asked for a menu, I introduced myself. He had just arrived in town from San Jose, CA for a bachelor party and had a couple hours to kill. I showed him my Groupon and asked if he’d be willing to buy the food if I took care of up to $40 in drinks (as my Groupon said). At first he thought I was trying to hustle him, but the bartender chimed in that I was legit so Jose threw caution to the wind. We drank a couple rounds of Midwest craft brews and each ordered the mini-burgers. We chatted for awhile and had a few more drinks and hit our max that the Groupon would cover. Meanwhile, a friend called to find out where I was and as he was fairly close, he decided to stop by. Jose bought us all another round of drinks and we moved over to some couches in lounge area so that I could plug in my laptop and phone for the first time. I played around with my new equipment, set up my email on my brand new iPhone and Jose’s friends arrived shortly after. The afternoon was melting away and I had to return the Segway.
On my way back to Bike and Roll, I ran into a friend leaving Argosy University (across the street from the bar). This person’s identity will remain protected since this student offered to get me a visitor’s pass and access to the school’s computer lab, so that I could print off some more Groupons. In exchange, I offered to get us dinner at Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush.
I made a reservation, returned the Segway and met said friend at the restaurant. It was quite convenient that all of these places were located so close together. Upon arriving, the hostess, who was familiar with my challenge, greeted us with quite a bit of excitement. Everyone looked so fancy, and there I was in jeans and a Cubs hoodie. What can you do? Our waiter didn’t seem too pleased when he saw the Groupon and I informed him that we were on a bit of a budget. Understandable, I’ve spent two years waiting tables at a fancy steakhouse, but he should have hid it better. I tried to reassure him that we’d take care of him and told him I’d be happy to let him pick out a Groupon as his tip but he didn’t seem to like that idea either. Oh well…we moved on to more important things…the food. My guest wanted steak and suggested the 30oz “Prime Rib Eye Chop” and a “Double Baked Potato” and I had my heart set on the “Tortelloni DiVitello Burro E Salvia” (veal tortelloni with brown butter, aged parmigiano, and crispy sage). We decided it was in our best interest to just share everything. My concern was that after tip, my friend would owe about $30 over the $60 Groupon I had, which can be a lot for a student. I decided to try to find someone else who would help me out other than our waiter. The Maître d’, Alessandro Magno, stopped at our table and mentioned the Groupon I had brought so I asked if he was aware of the contest that I’d won. After a bit of explanation and seeing the stack of Groupons in my hand, his eyes lit up. He 
thumbed through a few and picked up one for $110 at Blo Salon and Day Spa (“for my wife” he claimed). He took a look at our check, agreed to cover it and take care of the server for us. Then brought us 2 glasses of Averna and the best cannolis I’ve ever had in my life. He explained that their secret was to bake them (rather than fry) and their use of Chantilly mousse (inside), imported vanilla gelato and Belgium chocolate (on the plate). What he didn’t mention, but I must, was the sprig of mint they used as a garnish. It was by far the most fragrant and flavorful mint I’ve ever encountered. We thanked him for his generosity and hospitality and said our goodbyes.
I walked a few blocks to my hotel, the Four Points Chicago, by Sheraton. If every hotel I stay at this year is this
nice, you’ll never hear me complain. I put my leftover steak in the fridge, asked them to send me up some toiletries and promptly passed out on my laptop trying to write this blog. I spent the better part of today making travel arrangements for the coming week so I apologize for the delay in posting. I’ve been stuck in the hotel all day trying to get this all taken care of. Since I have no silverware, my lunch was a steak lollipop.
Issue of the moment: how to get to Cleveland, OH between 5/19 and 5/21. I was planning to go to Columbus on the 17th but there is no bus to Cleveland (I’d have to go back to Chicago or find a way to Toledo) Any thoughts?
- The Groupawn
84 Comments
84 Responses to “Getting Around the Windy City”
Leave a Reply
A Day in the Life of the Groupawn
The Groupawn on the Today Show
Like The Groupawn on Facebook
About Live Off Groupon
Want to learn more about Live Off Groupon? Learn the rules, read the FAQ, and learn more about Josh Stevens.
be sure to thank our wonderful sponsors:
Awesome Cubs Sweatshirt.
sweeeeeeeet meat lollipop!
Not sure how to get you to Columbus or Toledo, but I have family in both if you need a tour guide.
Sounds like you’re a great start to this awesome year. I hope you have a fantastic, adventure filled year with all of your Groupons. And if you’re ever on the southside/hyde park area I would be more than happy to help anyway I can. Txt @ 708-337-0876
Josh,
What a great start to your adventure!!!!! I had to stay indoors all day working on my own blog, so hearing about your grand adventures was particularly sweet. (I dig your steak lollipop!) Hope tomorrow rocks for you too. (Groupon, you’re really floatin’ my boat with this Groupawn adventure.)
Hey Josh,
I can help you get from Columbus to Cleveland that week – hit me up on Twitter @KPfefferle. Look forward to your adventure bringing you to Columbus!
Have you looked in to Amtrak for Cleveland to Columbus? Also try hitting up college ride-share boards, there are tons of schools between Toledo, Cleveland & Columbus and I can’t think of a college student I’ve ever met who wasn’t down for an adventure or saving some money with groupons! Good luck
Josh, good luck to you on your adventure! Big ups to you for taking this once-in-a-lifetime chance. I’m in Columbus, just FB’d to see if any friends are driving from Cleveland to C-bus on the 17th. I have business associates that make the trip regularly. Will help if I can.
You may be able to find a ride through Craigslist and potentially even encounter a non-creeper.
Thanks everyone! Just to clarify…I’m trying to get from Columbus to Cleveland target date 5/19 or 20
Great first day! Try this for some transpo in the Midwest: http://us.megabus.com/ Columbus and Cleveland are on their list. Nice buses too. I’ve gone from Chicago to Columbus on one before. Take care and good luck on the rest of your journey! =)
Thanks Amy…I will be taking Megabus quite a bit this year…if you look at the bottom of the page they are one of the contest sponsors…unfortunately they don’t have a route from Columbus to Cleveland at the moment, which is why I had to make other arrangements, but it looks like I’ve got this one all worked out! Thanks again everyone!
if you are ever planning on coming through the Kansas City area at all, i’d love to help with anything i can! and for groupons! haha…keep me in mind if you do! i look forward to living vicariously through your year!
Josh,
Great first day. I look forward to hearing more. If you need connections in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, or Pittsburgh, let me know – tons of my college friends are out there.
Keep on truckin!
Eric Dahl
Groupon.com
I have standby buddy passes on United and US Airways. That won’t help you with Columbus/Cleveland though. Keep it in mind for the future though!
Go Mr. Josh. Off to a GREAT start!
We LOVE you and good luck on your adventure!
Very cool, Patrick! I may take you up on that some time. Email me at TheGroupawn@liveoffgroupon.com
Love the blog and photos – I know doing a lively blog posting is actually a TON of work and I am grateful (among many other fans I am sure). I also respect your partner (who I think of as the “you’re so reckless” woman) and family for moral support!
I am curious about the rules – are they printed anywhere for us to read? It sounds as if we (people) can “help” you with things but you must not pay money for an entire year, is that right? And that you can give Groupons to other people. Don’t forget event Groupons for things to do at night (etc) – here in Portland last week I used a Groupon to see a dance troupe that I would not normally have thought of going to and it was awesome. The other 220 people sitting with me were also having a blast and the organizers welcomed us from the stage…
I guess if I were going to “help” I would send you this terrific soap I have so you could wash your clothes in the hotel sinks every now and then. But maybe your team on the ground has thought of that already. The jacket looks great in the photos!
Great first day blog! I am really enjoying following your adventure.
Great day except for that damn Cubs thing.
Lenny from St. Louis
“Not all who wander are lost.”
I wish you the best of luck this year and hope to share in one of your adventures. If you ever need to workout, shower, steam etc hit me up. I work at nice (non-sketch) gyms in Lincoln Park and Lakeview that have WiFi and we could totally use someone to spice up our days.
Have fun!!
Josh,
Great job on the blog, and some excellent wheelin’ and dealin’ in the bar and restaurant. My wife and I are Chicago based and ready to help when needed.
Robster
i was very impressed with the part about the sprig of mint…it is always nice to see someone take notice of the finner details of a meal
Hey Buddy,
Keep up the good work
Josh,
Congrats on winning and good luck on this incredible adventure. If you are going to be in the DC area this year, hit me up @weinberg81, would love to meet up and “help” you out where I can.
Dave Weinberg
Congratulations Josh! Man, you’re having the time of your life. Good job Groupon for thinking up this awesome experiment.
Hey Groupawn- Remember, where you go, there you are!
how’s it going in Indy, any food yet?
Got to Toledo and stay with one of Will’s friends or his parents!
Good luck!!!! I hope you do it!
Another DC (Alexandria, VA) person willing to help out
Congrats Josh, and good luck! I can’t wait until you make your way to the Twin Cities. I’m a lover of all things Groupon, and would be happy to help you out when you hit Minneapolis/St. Paul. Any idea when that might be?
Julianne – I want that soap! I’ll try to meet up with you when I’m in Portland.
Dave – I’ll see you in DC (just don’t know when)
Marilyn – I’m waiting for my ride and then food is the first thing on the agenda…any suggestions?
Everyone else – Thanks for following me and all the support/help! I’m getting so many tweets/comments/texts it’s almost too much, so I’m sorry if I don’t get back to you right away. Right now I’m trying to focus on the city I’m in or going to next. I’ll do my best to come visit you all. Thanks again!!!
Hey Josh!
Kristina here (Amber/Sarah/Colleen’s friend from Miami)…Best of luck! I’ve officially subscribed to your blog and look forward to hearing about all of your adventures! They’ve been very entertaining already! Hope to see you in Boston! =)
If you ever need help in Cincy let me know!!
I live in s.e. mi and my boyfriend lives in Willoughby, Ohio (20 mins e of Cleveland) we travel back and forth often if you ever need a ride contact me and we’ll chat. It would give me a reason just to stop in and see him for no reason
He would get a kick out of this!!! I’d love to help out anytime!! Good luck on your adventure!!!
You’ve got a place to stay in Providence, and I can get you between Providence and Boston (both Groupon cities!)
If you come to Denver we can help you out
would love to help if you come to the Dallas/Fort Worth area… meagan.lewis@coldwellbanker.com
I can’t believe that you are all on this guy’s side. He’s being paid (potentially) to be a scumbag. He’s the guy that snuck into keg parties. He’s the guy that never had any money, got you to feel sorry for you, and then bragged to his buddies what a sucker you were that you bought his beers or paid for his lunch or concert ticket. I had friends that were suckers, but I’m the guy that never helps a deadbeat like you. You look fat and old, but are still acting like a scumbag college kid!
Good Luck this sounds like fun and a challenge!! I hope you able to go all the way to the end!
I certainly am enjoying watching this happen – it’s quite interesting. One thing I do want to say, though, and it’s not meant to be a jerk or anything, but you’re talking about the $100k like it’s already in your bank account and this is a done deal. It’s day 2. I still contend that this challenge is close to unwinnable. If the physical contraints don’t break you down, there is a very good chance the mental and psychological ones will. Of course you’re starting now and you’re very excited, and well you should be. I’m just saying I would look to the future with very cautious optimism. I want you to succeed because I think it would be an awesome journey, I just think it’s going to ne harder than anyone is imagining right now.
All that said, I work for Disney – when you make it to Southern California if you wanna go to Disneyland, I’m your guy.
I’ll pay my own way- Hey Buddy, don’t worry about my followers…they can take care of themselves. I’m not mooching off the world…I’m just buying everything with Groupons!
I’ll pay my own way — You couldn’t be more clueless about the type of person The Groupawn is. He is an upstanding, unbelievabely friendly, good-hearted individual looking for an adventure. If anyone is a scumbag here, it’s you and your negative attitude.
Hey Josh – when you make it to NYC look me up for a free tour of the City. Check out my web site at http://www.walkinNY.com. Have an amazing journey! Bob
I’ll pay my own way- Bummer to be you and so angry at the world. Did you not read about the bar?- the guy got the food, groupawn got the drinks. This seems like a ridiculous difficult challenge. One I know I could not do.
Josh- best of luck to you and enjoy!
Hi Josh/McGyver-you will do it and with style-I can tell already!
I’m ready to help here or anywhere you land. Friends in N. Carolina,GA,Miami,Moontana-(between the Bob Marshall Wilderness,Choteau and Glacier NP),Coolorado,Honolulu and all those other places you are probably going-like Mt.Ranier.
I am so jealous it is not me!
John
Thanks John! I’ll see you in St. Louis later in the year.
TC – Thanks for pointing that out…I think he just doesn’t understand how this works…glad you do! Where do you live?
Bob – I’ll be in NY from around 5/23 – 5/28 – see you then!