What’s the best way to get inside the thoughts of your Chicago neighbors? By reading their blogs, of course. Check out a few of our favorites below.

• Windy City Rock (www.windycityrock.net/): Six local Chicago music fans and/or peddlers regularly contribute to this blog (I’m skipping over them because they each have their own bio online that introduces them better than I ever could). Posts generally fall into the categories of reviews of new releases, recaps of recent shows, and general Chicago music news. Whether you’re in Chicago or out, if you’ve got a thing for good music, this could be your scene.
• Chicago Bites (www.chicagobites.com/): Chicago Bites is a restaurant review site run by best friends Bridget Houlihan and Tammy Green. They’re independent, so most of their reviews are on their own dimemeaning you can trust them completely. The girls are well enshrined in the restaurant culture of the city and seem to know a number of the movers and shakers. Stick with them and you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite.
• Chitown Living (http://chitownliving.com/): Written by real estate agent Jeff Kerr, Chitown Living includes information about different Chicago residential areas, along with general real estate tips. While Kerr does offer the ability to contact him if you’re interested in a purchase, the majority of his posts can be enjoyed no purchase necessary. He also regularly alerts readers to upcoming festivals and outdoor events.
• Chicago Photo Blog (http://chicagophotoblog.com/): Chicago Photo Blog is the home base of one Araceli Arroyo, who uploads her pictures of scenes around the citywhether it’s a local politician, a dessert delicacy, a beautiful building, or something completely different. The pictures also include commentaries so you know exactly what you’re looking at. If you see one you like you can even purchase it.
• Second City Style (http://secondcitystyle.typepad.com/): Second City Style features the fashion musings of Lauren Dimet Waters, “a 15-year consumer marketing expert with an admitted addiction to clothes.” Browse pics of the latest styles, and be sure to enter whatever giveaway the site is currently hosting.