Around this time every year, I always get excited when my sister texts me, “The benches are back.” That means a new season of Tinley Park’s Benches on the Avenue, an annual public art program. Knowing I enjoy public art, Jean always informs me when the benches appear on the main strip in downtown Tinley Park, the southwest suburb of Chicago where she lives.
Debuting in 2004, Tinley Park’s Benches on the Avenue is one of the most popular attractions. Colorful benches feature the work of both amateur and professional artists while providing spots to rest and enjoy the fantastic creations during strolls through the area. About 24 benches are located within a five-block stretch, making it easy to see all of them in a short time. Each bench is sponsored by a local business or individual who takes possession of it after the program ends in October.
This year’s theme is Favorite Food Moments. Previous themes include Album Covers, Saturday Morning Cartoons and America the Beautiful.
This year we added a new generation of appreciation. Jean’s young grandchildren joined the fun, happily spotting the benches and guessing food products.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedJanuary 2026
Jan 13, 2026Entrepreneur Travelers Embrace Flexibility but Also Face Unique Challenges
Business travel is business travel ... right? Well, not if you’re an entrepreneur. Traditional business travelers are beholden to corporate travel policies, forced to book via a dedicated platform or with certain brands, and restricted by their employers’ duty of care. When it comes to entrepreneur travel, however, anything and everything is an option — and travel brands, from airlines to hotels and beyond are taking notice and adjusting their offerings accordingly.
Sponsored Content
How To Enhance Your Mental and Emotional Wellness on the Road
Prioritizing Mental and Emotional Wellness While Traveling for Business Business travel opens doors to professional growth and new experiences — but a demanding schedule, time away from home and work pressures can affect mental wellness. According to a 2024 Gallup study, with more than half of the global workforce reporting disengagement, supporting wellness on the road is more important than ever. Below are practical ways to stay balanced and energized during business trips.
Daily
Jan 13, 2026EDITION Hotels, Sotheby’s Partnered with DYNE
EDITION Hotels and Sotheby’s Auction House collaborated with jewelry designer Sarah Ysabel Narici of DYNE to offer an exclusive lot highlighting the singular beauty of Lake Como. Verdant Reverie: The Gem of the Alps at The Lake Como EDITION was offered in a Sotheby’s Fine Jewelry auction open for bidding Nov. 26–Dec. 11, 2025. The auction was held during Sotheby’s inaugural Luxury Week auctions.
Daily
Jan 13, 2026Pollini at London’s Ladbroke Hall Brings Elevated Italian Cuisine to Venue
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall dining venue shares this West London cultural hub with live music, contemporary art, dance and gastronomy. The Hall was founded by Loïc Le Gaillard and Julien Lombrail, the visionary duo behind Carpenters Workshop Gallery, the global contemporary art gallery piece of the venue.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Daily
Jan 13, 2026Festival Napa Valley Bigger Than Ever for 20th Anniversary Season
Celebrate Festival Napa Valley’s 20th anniversary this year, July 4–19, complete with international stars and up-and-coming talents.
9 Reasons to Put Hong Kong on Your Travel List
Slideshow
Jan 12, 2026Daily
Jan 9, 2026New Zealand Visitor Center Sets the Bar for Travel
Set against the wild limestone cliffs and dense coastal forest of Punakaiki, Punangairi Visitors Centre, designed by Christchurch-based Sheppard & Rout Architects in collaboration with Ngāti Waewae, moved beyond the average infrastructure of a visitor center to become an act of cultural and ecological restoration.
Sponsored Content
TAP FORBIZ: Empowering Business Travel for Every Enterprise
In today's global business landscape, travel isn’t just movement — it’s momentum. TAP FORBIZ, TAP Air Portugal’s premium corporate travel solution, is engineered to maximize that momentum across all types of businesses — from agile SMEs to global enterprises and orchestrated events.
Daily
Jan 9, 2026Six Senses La Sagesse Launches Reconnect in Paradise Offer for Group Travel
Six Senses La Sagesse invites meeting and event planners to take advantage of its new Reconnect in Paradise offer. Situated on the southern coast of Grenada, the resort serves as an ideal location for MICE travel.
ShareThis