SpecialSections

• Reprints

Chicago offers Icelandic culture and cuisine locally. Check out these exciting activities:

Björk's celebrated Biophilia tour officially landed in the U.S., bringing the Icelandic musician's homeland to the forefront of the nation's music scene.

Rock out to Of Monsters and Men. This Iceland-based indie group is one of the most downloaded bands on iTunes. Buy their hit song "Little Talks," and enjoy Of Monster and Men's vocal and guitar skills while riding the El, doing your laundry or engaging in just about any activity that could use a boost of quality diversion.

Celebrate Þorrablót: The Icelandic Association of Chicago will host this traditional midwinter festival at the Svithiod House on Saturday, February 25. Delight in an evening of Icelandic cuisine, music and a chance to win a trip to Iceland in a raffle.

Grab a hot dog. Hot dogs are often called the "Icelandic national food." Bæjarins beztu hot dog stand in Reykjavik may be a bit off the beaten path; however, enjoy an American version of this treat locally at Superdawg or Gene and Jude's. Order a hot dog "eina með öllu" - with "the works!"

Iceland may not literally be a hop, skip and jump away. But its culture is at your fingertips: enjoy the bravado, sip the vodka and listen to the country's best singers. Dare to imagine Iceland as one of your most entertaining neighbors.