Click on the links to read the full reviews:
Gapers Block reviews the Boystown Tour:
“Hicks’s excitement for and understanding of Boystown, gay rights, and Chicago history creates a contagious enthusiasm as you travel through the neighborhood. Yet, it’s not just a history excursion, but an interactive, sometimes hilarious, evening of engagement with local businesses and entrepreneurs.”
Boystown Biz Spot on ChicagoNow:
But how can a 40-year-old straight woman sum up such a historically pulsating ‘hood in 90 minutes? Hicks, who has been living in and studying improv in Boystown for more than 15 years, knows it’s an ambitious task, to say the least. So she made sure the tour had a little bit of everything.
The podcast of my awesome visit with Nick D on WGN
Chicagoist reviews the Boystown Tour:
“a brand-new walking tour highlighting the gayborhood, presented by improviser (and former Chicagoista) Margaret Hicks of Chicago Elevated, lends a deeper, historical perspective to the area known for its overwhelming gayness and well-endowed rainbow pylons.”
Chicago Elevated in Get Rich Slowly – April 5, 2010
“She says that although she’s just getting started, she’s already faced a few “tortured decisions” about how to grow her business. Based on what I saw today, I’m sure she’s going to do fine. She loves the town, knows its history, and is an enthusiastic guide.”
Podcast of my segment with Nick Digilio on WGN – 720AM
Pedway Tours on Chicagoist Feb. 16, 2010:
“These aren’t your grandmother’s tours, it’s more like the Fight Club of tours. We learn things but we laugh a lot too.”
Pedway Tours in TimeOut Chicago Jan. 27, 2010:
Comedian Margaret Hicks, a former Chicago Architecture Foundation docent, plans to enliven our mealtime monotony with her new Pedway walking tour that costs the same as a 12-inch subpar sandwich.”
Video of Chicago Elevated on Around the Block on Channel 26 – WCIU
My video tour for The Guardian
“I hired a freelance guide, Margaret Hicks, just one of many local architecture nuts.”
Time Out Second City Tour Review 9/3/09
“In her lively, 90-minute narrative, Hicks imparts a spirited history lesson of Old Town.”
The Chicago Tribune Second City Tour Review 7/30/09
“Dark clouds gathering looked ominous, but our tour guide flashed a confident smile and told us not to fret. “I have a backup plan,” said Margaret Hicks. “If it rains, we’ll all go drinking at the Old Town Ale House. So you can pray for sun, or you can pray for rain.”
Chicagoist on Second City Tour 7/30/09
“Hey, remember Margaret Hicks, our once intrepid literature writer and reality-TV lover? There’s an article on her in today’s Chicago Tribune! They feature the tour she gives through Old Town that centers on the history of Second City and the surrounding area. Chicagoist … we discover tomorrow’s superstars!”
O'Hare Arpt., IL