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We’d like to say 2014 flew by, but we’ve been pretty busy around here cranking out stories. It’s always great to see readers share and talk about them, so we went to our web traffic DeLorean time machine (read: boring software) and tallied up our most read stories.
Here’s what you, dear reader, loved in 2014.
>> No. 1: The Northman cider bar announced
RedEye
If we learned one thing this year, it’s that our readers LOVE cider. News that The Northman, Chicago’s first ever cider bar, was opening in Ravenswood exploded. Originally, as the story points out, The Northman was slated to open in spring 2014. However, according to RedEye dining guru Lisa Arnett, it looks like Chicago will have to wait until 2015.
>> No. 2: Bloody Mary fest announced
RedEye
Sensing a theme here? Booze-themed announcements are a big deal around these parts, and Bloody Mary Fest was just another example. The event returned again later in the year as a competition. There’s no word on a 2015 rendition, but if the bonus fest last year was any indication, we’ll keep hoping.
RedEye
Chicago’s wrestling golden boy spent 2014 pursuing a lot of things outside the ring, but his contribution to Wrigley Field as an artist caught readers’ eyes.
>> No. 4: Alternative 101 returns
WKQX Chicago
Really, could it be? In early January, Cumulus Media announced it had purchased 101.1 from Merlin Media and would bring back alternative radio to the airwaves. It wasn’t the Q101 everyone remembered from high school, but the nostalgia was enough to make for a popular story.
>> No. 5: Lorde and the Vikings
Hilary Higgins / RedEye
Who has pipes strong enough to make a promo for a television show about Vikings one of our hottest stories? Lorde. Her hit “Glory and Gore” was the soundtrack to a preview for The History Channel’s “Vikings,” and man did it look awesome.
RedEye
Ah, remember when it was warm enough to drink outside? Our insane roundup of dozens of new patios wasn’t just huge, but also handy. If you sipped a beer on a patio you didn’t know about this summer, you’re welcome.
Kevin Pang / Chicago Tribune
Never have so many hearts broken over encased meats. When Hot Doug’s quietly announced plans to close, the news was devastating. In the following weeks, lines formed out the door and some even sold their spots for a quick buck. It’s likely the patrons who got tattoos for free dogs are still in mourning.
>> No. 8: Maggie Daley ice skating ribbon opens
RedEye
This is the announcement that will forever make ice skating at Millennium Park look lame. The ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley park got readers really curious. Skating is now open for business, and we even sent a couple Chicago Wolves to try it out even though dogs aren’t allowed.
RedEye
We round out the Top 9 stories, naturally, with another food announcement. The inaugural Mac ‘n Cheese Fest was held in October, where tons of restaurants put out their best noodles and lactose product for the city to taste.
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