Lindsay Eanet

No coast? No problem. Chicago can sometimes feel like a Midwest oasis, but there's plenty to see just a scenic roadtrip away. With summer quickly approaching, you can plan a few weekends away sipping bourbon in Louisville, hiking in Eua Claire or sunbathing in Door County. So if you're not sure where to start when it comes to roadtripping nearby, we recommend you load up the car, turn up "Life is a Highway" and hit the road—one of these routes from Chicago could quickly become your preferred weekend getaway.  RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Chicago

Sure, going to one of the best bars in Chicago is always fun, but there's something exhilarating about having a drink outdoors. And after making it through another winter in the city, we rightly deserve to order a few cold ones while basking in the sun. If you're looking for a Saturday rager or calm post-work happy hour, these excellent wine programs or a beer garden have everything you might be looking for. We've tracked down waterfront patios, hidden gardens and dive bar backyards where you can mix a little bit of alcohol with a lot of fresh air. Make a reservation (if needed), pack some sunscreen, hit up the group chat and prepare to spend an afternoon at one of the best outdoor bars in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop bars in Chicago

Sometimes, you just want a little escape from the city. If a weekend getaway isn't possible but you're still looking for new scenery and an adventure, there are plenty of options for a day trip within a few hours’ drive of Chicago. Spend an afternoon soaking up the rays on beaches along Lake Michigan, go hiking near Chicago in a state park or sample a variety of beers and cheeses up north in Wisconsin. The attractions are endless, ranging from amusement parks and Japanese gardens to museums and historic lighthouses. And the best part? Many of these destinations are also accessible by Metra. So get to planning with our guide to the best day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Thrift stores are more than just treasure troves for great deals on secondhand clothes or vintage furniture finds—shopping secondhand also keeps clothes, home goods and other items out of the landfill a little while longer. You'll find stores all across the city, from Edgewater to Beverly, as well as online storefronts to shop at. Whether you're donating your own gently-used goods at the tail end of a spring cleaning session or browsing through the inventory at some of Chicago's best thrift and secondhand stores for that perfect hidden gem, be prepared to score some serious deals on items you simply can't find at most other clothing stores, furniture stores, record stores or even gift shops.

Looking for an outdoorsy experience that's a little more adventurous than walking through your local Chicago park? Thankfully, you don't need to go too far to trek through nature and escape the urban jungle, because there's no shortage of great spots for hiking near Chicago. Cross state lines to visit the gorgeous Indiana Dunes along Lake Michigan, explore the ruins of a steel mill in Joliet or tackle the sprawling 30-mile Ice Age Trail at Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. Plus, some of these paths double as great Chicago bike trails—you can even make a weekend of it and plan a camping adventure. If you're ready for a quick escape from the city, put on your best boots and hit the trails at some of the best places for hiking near Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Hit the road on more day trips from ChicagoDiscover these amazing treehouse Airbnbs near Chicago 

Chicago is full of festivals, attractions and top-notch restaurants to keep you occupied, but sometimes we all need a little escape. However, figuring out driving and lodging can often prevent that group trip from making it out of the group chat. Fortunately, a day-trip reprieve from the bustle of the city is just a short train ride away. Whether you live a car-free life or simply hate traffic, good news: Chicagoland’s Metra rail system isn’t just for suburban commuters. Shake up your routine with an adventure outside city limits, from exploring art sculpture gardens to playing games at the largest arcade in the country. So when you've had your fill of fun in Chicago, head to the nearest Metra station for an exciting suburban excursion. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips you can take from Chicago

Although we adore our city’s endless restaurants, museums and attractions, a change of scenery is always nice. Luckily for us, the Midwest has plenty to offer with exciting destinations only a few hours’ drive from Chicago. You can lounge in transparent waters and hike sand dunes in the “Malibu of the Midwest,” recharge at a bed and breakfast on a farm surrounded by friendly sheep, and marvel at modernist architecture in a small southern Indiana town. Many of these places are also great for a day trip or family-friendly getaway. So if you're looking to skip town, here are the best weekend getaways from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Renowned naturalist and journalist Jerry Sullivan said that in Chicago, “we can enjoy the riches of life in one of the world’s greatest metropolises and connect ourselves to the natural world.” Chicago may be the country’s third largest city, but there are plenty of options for camping and exploring beautiful state parks all within a few hours’ drive. Whatever your version of connecting to the outside world—whether it’s pitching a tent or cozying up in a cabin—there are campgrounds ranging from rustic to full outdoor resort. You can camp a few feet away from the Midwest’s best hiking and biking trails or spend lazy days reading and relaxing near a lake. Here are the best campgrounds near Chicago for seasonal and year-round tent sites, RV and trailer-accessible sites, cabins and recreational activities. RECOMMENDED: The best lakeside Airbnbs near Chicago

Living in the city is great, but it's natural to crave time in a place that's a bit more relaxing every once in a while. Instead of pining for a far-flung trip, might we suggest a Midwestern weekend getaway from Chicago? We rounded up a list of the most incredible remote (and memorable) destinations throughout the region, perfect for holing up for a few days, exploring nature and breaking out of your normal routine. Go hiking along Lake Michigan or book an extra cozy Airbnb cabin near Chicago in Wisconsin or Michigan—whatever your mood, a host of peaceful options await you. Pack up a car and take a roadtrip to visit the most secluded getaways from Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best day trips from Chicago RECOMMENDED: The most secluded Airbnbs near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb tiny houses near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb cabins near Chicago RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnb treehouses near Chicago

Summertime Chi is around the corner, and as you're packing your calendars for the city's best summer events and festivals, don't forget about the glory that is farmers market season. From Andersonville to Woodlawn, neighborhoods across the city bring in Midwestern vendors selling fresh fruits, veggies, meat and more. Get inspired by ingredients from the same farmers that serve Chicago's best restaurants, or enjoy the live music and other free activities these markets have to offer. Protip: many of Chicago's best farmers markets are also near the most beautiful parks, so take your wares and have an incredible picnic afterwards.  RECOMMENDED: Things to do in the summer in Chicago

Chicago is at its best when the sun shines an hour longer, the birds sing a little louder and the breeze off of Lake Michigan is just a bit warmer. This is also when Chicagoans' calendars start to fill up with plans to lounge at some of Chicago's best beaches, gather for a meal on a stunning rooftop or plan time to explore the city's beautiful parks. There are so many things to do outdoors within the city limits, from hopping on a bike trail to free movies in the park. You may even want to escape the city for a breath of fresh air with an adventurous hiking trail or daytrip to what feels like another planet. So if you're up for some fun in the sun, these are our recommendations on the best things to do outside in chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor bars in Chicago

There's something intrinsically luxurious about afternoon tea, and Chicago's best restaurants and hotels go to great lengths to elevate the experience. If you're looking for something traditional, turn to the city's age-old tearooms and downtown hotels, where aromatic beverages are served alongside tiny sandwiches, colorful pastries and canapés. For those who crave a modern (and boozy) twist, places like LondonHouse and Bar Pendry are breathing new life into the tea-time ritual. A few of these spots are even trying bold, tea-infused cocktails for guests who want something stronger. Whatever your preference, you'll have the perfect time at the best places to go for afternoon tea and high tea in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best tea in Chicago

In the fall of 2023, Zoe Schor and Whitney LaMora went on their honeymoon to Europe, taking in the hospitality culture wherever they went, from the lively pubs of London to the picturesque Parisian brasseries.  “I was struck by and obsessed with the super dense florals,” LaMora says. “It's not reinventing the wheel of what can be an impactful design choice. Here's this overgrown beauty, something that's really striking from afar. I just want to be at a table under those flowers, and it was very inspiring.” Now, the couple, who co-own lesbian cocktail bar Dorothy, have announced a new venture—one that could have a place in many queer Chicago love stories to come.  In November, pivoting from the impending closure of Schor’s Humboldt Park restaurant, Split-Rail, and The Martin, the adjoining gallery space founded by LaMora, the duo launched a hospitality collective, Drinking Policy. Now, they’re seeking to raise $75,000 this month to open Chicago’s first and only queer-focused wedding and event venue.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Villanelle (@villanellechicago) The name they chose? Villanelle, a nod to the inspiration from their honeymoon in France, the name of a beautiful and distinctive form of poetry, and, as an added bonus, the name of one of the most popular queer women television characters of the past decade, the assassin played by Jodie Comer in Killing Eve (LaMora says she and Schor are fans of the show).  LaMora says it feels

Since August 2022, more than 19,000 migrants, primarily from Venezuela, have been bussed into Chicago from southern states. As newcomers face their first harsh Chicago winter, chefs and hospitality industry workers are finding ways to support them. “As someone who lives and works in the city and as someone who is Hispanic, I know there’s a lot of people who have been going through hard times since Covid,” says Rodolfo Cuadros, the chef behind Wicker Park pan-Latin restaurant Amaru and new plant-based taquería Don Bucio’s. “Anything we can do to give back, it helps.” As an independent restaurant owner, Cuadros says he doesn’t have plenty of cash at his disposal, but he can donate time to his community. Last month, he joined Felipe Ospina of Sysco and other local hospitality leaders in cooking and serving food at a winter gear distribution event, the culmination of a month-long winter clothing drive which Ospina helped organize and many local restaurants, including Big Kids, Prairie Grass Cafe and BLVD Steakhouse, served as donation hubs. Chicago Chefs Cook, a new non-profit “unifying Chicago’s chef community to provide humanitarian relief to those in need,” partnered with Ospina, Chicago Public Schools, Pilsen Food Pantry and mutual aid group Todo Para Todos on the coat drive. Now, on November 9th, CCC is partnering with hosts Pendry Chicago for ChefsGiving, a fundraising dinner supporting the Pilsen Food Pantry’s New Migrant Program.  “It’s amplifying the Chicago chef voice t

Many people who call Chicago home have a story like this one. We’re out of town visiting relatives or attending a work conference, and we mention we live in Chicago. Then begins the flurry of pearl-clutching from out of towners. “It’s so dangerous!” “Do you feel safe?” “Cable news told me Chicago is a lawless hellscape!”  Like every major city, Chicago has problems, including gun violence, and the conversations on how to address them deserve to be had with those most impacted taking the lead. But many locals are growing weary with cable news grifters and armchair pundits stoking fear about our city from and for an out-of-town perspective. And that frustration has led to memes, merchandise and a rallying cry—STFU About Chicago. Back in May of this year, amid another rash of Chicago being cable news’ favorite municipal punching bag, local Matt Lindner sparked up an idea on X (formerly Twitter): “Here is a free business idea that will make a billion dollars. A line of ‘Shut the Fuck Up About Chicago’ shirts.”  Among those who saw the tweet was Anthony Hall, designer, illustrator and founder of local apparel and graphic design company Harebrained. Hall felt inspired to create the first two STFU About Chicago designs, a play on the iconic Wrigley Field marquee and an old-school White Sox logo. From there, the designs took off “like immediately,” he said. And the designs have kept coming, with the collection including mashups of every CTA line and local pro sports team; beloved ins

Chicago’s queer nightlife scene is creative, community-driven and pure fun, and nowhere is that more evident than in the scores of new venues (Nobody’s Darling! Whiskey Girl! Dorothy!) and events that have popped up in the past several years. Across the city, you can find new drag shows at dim sum restaurants, day parties at the Promontory, open mic nights where poets and musicians spill their guts and much more. And, of course, stalwart parties like Slo ‘Mo and smallWORLD Collective’s ENERGY are still going strong.  Here’s just a sampling of the many new LGBTQ+ events that have popped up over the past year and change. From open mics at tea houses to tea dance day parties, from sweaty club beats to sweating from a good long walk, there’s something in here for everyone. Photograph: Anneasha Hogan Boots Two fixtures of Chicago’s queer entertainment scene—drag performer and curator Abhijeet (Chicago Is A Drag, Dim Sum & Drag) and DJ Kirk (Scarlet, Berlin)—joined forces last year to create one hell of a party, Boots, which is held in rotating locations and promises three very important things: “Dim Lights. Hard Music. Hot Hosts.” If you want to dance your heart out until the wee hours and stumble home sweaty and exhausted in the best way, this is the party for you.  Dates and locations vary, 10pm-3am, visit boots.party for details and tickets. Proof of vaccination and masks are required for entry.  Photograph: Courtesy of City Gays Walk Chicago City Gays Walk Chicago It’s exa

A goofy game show where lucky singles can win a date at a favorite local venue. An evening at a bar where your bestie can hype you up to potential matches with a glowing slide-deck presentation. An opening meditation and affirmations session followed by rounds of deep-diving questions ranging from the silly to the weighty.  In the wake of the loneliness of pandemic isolation and an ever-increasing reliance on dating apps, event organizers in Chicago are creating new evolutions of the classic speed dating event to foster authentic IRL human connections, both platonic and romantic.  The importance of making spaces for genuine connection hits home for Candis Oakley, who lost her aunt to suicide. “She is the biggest reason why I am passionate about bringing people together and why I believe community care is extremely important,” she says. That ethos led Oakley, a yoga instructor, business owner and marketer, to launch Very Human Social, a “mission driven social club” that produces workshops and events focused on authentic human connection and growth. As a yoga instructor, Oakley says there were always elements of growth and community-building in her class, and the aspect that brought her the most joy was seeing people ask questions and build relationships outside the studio.  Oakley is encouraging those genuine connections through one of Very Human Social’s signature events, Friend Request. A typical Friend Request evening starts with introductions, followed by time to “get into

Waiting until the last possible minute to make your Halloween weekend plans? Still cobbling together a costume from the depths of your closet? Lucky for you, there are plenty of spooky, festive spots in Chicago to eat, drink and be scary, from movie and TV-inspired pop-ups with creative cocktails to karaoke costume contests to a restaurant dressing up as an iconic chain breakfast spot. Take a look through our roundup and prepare for a hauntingly good time this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events and costume parties in Chicago Photograph: Courtesy of Black Lagoon 1. The Dandy Crown Erin Hayes (formerly of the dearly departed Lost Lake) and Kelsey Ramage bring their immersive pop-up homage to all things horror, The Black Lagoon, to River West cocktail bar The Dandy Crown through October 31. Enjoy macabre bites like the “Sacrificial Lamb” (a lamb tartare with a vividly bloody beet mayo) alongside spooky sippers like the Closed Casket (Bruichladdich Classic, miso falernum, passionfruit syrup) and the smoky mezcal Blood Rage, all served in seasonally fitting glassware. Explore the spooky decorations inside or fight the chill by getting cozy by the fire pit. Reserve on Tock. Photograph: Courtesy of Ina Mae Tavern 2. Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods Celebrate Halloween New Orleans style as Ina Mae transforms into the Voodoo Lounge through October 31. The whole week of Halloween is packed with events, including a Friday happy hour with a Jazz Funeral presented by Four

Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy-inspired TTRPGs (tabletop roleplaying games) are enjoying a burst of popularity that’s represented in everything from online streaming series to appearances on Stranger Things. Now, a new interactive show coming to Chicago is giving seasoned tabletop players—and curious newcomers—an opportunity to step outside theatre of the mind and explore this fantasy world in, well, a literal theater. The Twenty-Sided Tavern, which begins its residency at the Broadway Playhouse on October 27, is an immersive theatrical experience inspired by games that “might involve dungeons and might involve dragons.” Part comedy show, part interactive game created by experienced game designers, the show utilizes collaboration between cast, crew and audience to tell an ever-changing story.  The audience is a “fourth player” at The Twenty-Sided Tavern, collaborating directly with the actors and the Game Master. In addition to the more traditional improv show audience engagement, The Twenty-Sided Tavern uses Gamiotics, a browser-based software that guests use to vote to make decisions on where the story will go—what characters appear, what rooms they explore. The result is an experience that balances giving the audience agency while letting guests choose their level of involvement—and a different show every night.  Photograph: Kelly Tunney “We find that a lot of people, when they hear ‘interactive,’ they think, ‘Oh, I don’t want to get pulled up onstage, so I’m not g

In the summer in Chicago, you can find festivals celebrating just about everything, including the best of the city’s food, music, craft beer and culture. So it was only a matter of time before Chicago debuted a festival showcasing one of its best cultural assets—its rich, diverse and exciting drag scene.  On June 24, the Cheetah Gym lot in Andersonville will play home to the third edition of Chicago is a Drag, the Midwest’s first drag fest. The festival is organized by A Queer Pride, the queer event collective of local performers Abhijeet, Bambi Banks-Couleé, JForPay and Kitty Banks.  The original event, held in 2019, emerged out of programming for another popular Pride event in Andersonville, Backlot Bash. When asked to program the Friday of the festival, the idea for an all-drag event was born.  “There was nothing in Chicago that highlighted the drag artists of Chicago by themselves, as themselves,” Abhijeet says. The celebration coincided with a host of 50th anniversaries: the Stonewall uprising, considered the start of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the U.S.; the first Chicago Pride event and the 50th anniversary of Chicago’s storied drag club, the Baton Show Lounge. That first event featured a stacked lineup, with local drag scene stalwarts like Lucy Stoole, Aunty Chan and RuPaul’s Drag Race alumna DiDa Ritz serving as emcees, 50 performers and special guests (including hosts Tiffany “New York” Pollard and TS Madison), along with actress Candis Cayne and Drag Race

We talk a lot about new cocktail bars and breweries popping up in Chicago, but what if you're more of a coffee person? Over the past few months, Chicago’s already-thriving coffee scene has opened up a host of new and innovative coffee shops that offer more than just, say, a quality latte or killer cold brew. From authentic Vietnamese iced coffee in the West Loop to a horror geek's paradise in Logan Square to community-building in Roseland, put these new coffee shops and pop-ups in your rotation this summer.  Photograph: Lauren Reese Anticonquista Café: Cultivation to cup in Logan Square The concept: As Chicago’s first family farm-owned and operated coffee roaster, the Anticonquista Café team seeks to close the gap between coffee farmers in Central America and U.S. consumers, putting coffee production back in the hands of small working farmers. Elmer Fajardo has been working with coffee since he was seven years old, helping his father on the family coffee farm in southeastern Guatemala and learning every step of the process, from growing to harvesting to pulping. In fall 2020, alongside his wife and business partner, Lauren Reese, Fajardo began bringing coffee from his family’s farms in Guatemala and Honduras to the people at farmers markets via Anticonquista Café’s coffee bike.  “I don't just want to end our business with our family,” Fajardo says. “I really want to help campesinos in my town and for them to get better pay for their products. When people buy and support our

When you bring all-vinyl DJs and local food vendors together, "sampling" takes on a whole new meaning. This summer, 58th and Halsted will be the best place in the city for vinyl aficionados to come together and pore through crates of records, all while eating delicious local food, dancing to music from esteemed local DJs and learning about exciting community initiatives.  Vinyl and Vittles—a new record fair and food market collective from event producer Erik Jones of Sound Voyage, DJ Mr. Jaytoo and the community organization Grow Greater Englewood—will take over the Englewood Village Plaza every third Sunday of the month June through October this year. The event will feature local record vendors sharing their wares, delicious local food, live music from a curated lineup of DJs and more fun for the whole family.  “Music is and always has been the ultimate icebreaker,” Jaytoo says. “It just seemed very elementary to base some gatherings around music.” Tanya Ward, a cultural steward with Grow Greater Englewood, says the event is part of a larger effort to create a vibe and a destination at the Plaza. “We hope to make this space live in the summer," she says. "We shouldn’t have to drive and wait in traffic to be in community." Grow Greater Englewood has been working to activate the plaza space at 58th and Halsted for years, with initiatives including the popular, music-filled Englewood Village Farmers Market and the proposed Englewood Nature Trail, a two-mile linear park connecti

The next couple of days may be grim and rainy, but we're in for a sunny and warm long holiday weekend—and with it, the return of the summer spectacle that is the Navy Pier fireworks. The popular show will make its 2022 debut on Saturday, May 28 at 10pm, and will recur Wednesdays at 9pm and Saturdays at 10pm through Labor Day. The displays feature a variety of music, including unique soundtracks for special occasions.  And lest you haven't been to Navy Pier since that work booze cruise five years ago or an ill-fated family outing to the long-gone Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. location, the Pier is offering new attractions, cultural activities and food options starting this weekend. The sprawling Beer Garden, which offers free live music in the summer under the "Live on the Lake" banner and "farm to foam" craft brews from Ottawa, IL-based Tangled Roots Brewing Company, also opens on May 28. Kicking off the summer of jams are '90s rock cover band Mike & Joe, perfect for your nostalgic buddies who warble through Eagle-Eye Cherry's "Save Tonight" at karaoke, and acclaimed New Orleans multihyphenate Shamarr Allen, who has worked with icons like Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle and Lenny Kravitz. If relaxing with a brew, a view and some Third Eye Blind covers isn't doing it for you, Saturday will also be the opening installment of Wave Wall Wax, where top local house and dance DJs spin by the Wave Wall on Saturdays from 5 to 7pm.  Navy Pier also welcomes two new restaurants to its ever-growing

Chicago's many green spaces aren't just great for lounging, jogging or beer-league kickball. During the summer, the Chicago Park District partners with more than 120 local cultural and arts organizations to present the ever-popular Night Out in the Parks programming, which brings a host of free events to neighborhood parks every year. You may already know about some of the program's more notable events, like film screenings for Movies in the Parks or live circus performances. But did you know there's also full moon fire spinners, queer Pride house music parties, iconic country punk bands and huge honking nature puppets? Here's a look at just a few of the most exciting programs coming to your local parks this summer—all for free. For a full lineup, visit the Night Out in the Parks website. Broadway in Your Backyard!  Channel your inner theatre kid with the ensemble from Porchlight Music Theatre. This 60-minute revue features some of the best heavy-hitter songs from the history of Broadway musicals, and some fun facts along the way. Just don't try to upstage the folks on stage when doing your best Idina Menzel impression—leave "Defying Gravity" to the professionals. August 30, Gill Park, 825 N Sheridan Rd Free Street Theater: The Mild Goose Chase Since its inception in the late 1960s, Free Street Theater has worked to bring creative, current and meaningful theatre performances to all of Chicago. In this collaboration with Chi Clowns, a clown wakes up to find that a part of her