WANDERLUST: CHICAGO & CHARLESTON

Chicago lakefront by Aaron Bean

The summer season is a great time to explore new cities.  Even if you can't travel far, there are gems to be explored in the United States.  Consider this a list of things you must do when you travel to our favorite cities: Chicago and Charleston.  Take it from us, they are pretty beautiful and pretty fantastic!  They also make great destinations for a bachelorette party!

Chicago... Chi-Town... The Windy City

​Recommendations by Gretchen.

I've lived all across the country. The West coast, the Midwest, and the East coast. I can say with confidence that I am an avid lover of Chicago and everything that it has to offer.  It has all the big city elements, while still having that midwestern charm in its people. (I.e. you can actually ask for directions and you'll get an answer with a smile!)  There’s history, tons of food, festivals, lots of cocktails, and so many great things to do around the city.  Here are my top favorites:

• Restaurant:  Le Colonial. This was a tough decision because there are SO MANY fantastic restaurants in Chicago.  I am part of a supper club that goes out every month to a different restaurant, and we haven’t even scratched the surface.  Le Colonial serves upscale French-Vietnamese cuisine. The cocktails are also very good, but it was the fried egg rolls that won me over completely.
• Bar:  The Aviary.  I’ll say it again:  THE. AVIARY.  If you want art in a glass, you must go to The Aviary. This cocktail lounge is ran by the incomparable Grant Achatz, who has several other noteworthy locations.  I've been lucky enough to go to The Aviary and sit in the kitchen and watch everything come out.  If you do this, definitely eat beforehand! After nine full-sized drinks, I left a happier person than I came in. It was a great experience, but it was much more than expected...in a great way.  Each drink is so different, but so delicious.  

"The Porthole" A cocktail from The Aviary where with each pour, a different tasting cocktail comes out. I highly recommend this!

• Outdoor Activity:  One of the greatest outdoor design aspects of Chicago is the lakefront. And, one of the best points is the Chicago Lakefront Trail. It's a running/bike path that runs 18 miles along the lakefront.  I've done it all: from jogging, to biking, to taking a casual walk to the zoo, or a walk down to the beach.   If you look closely at the picture above of Chicago, you can actually see the people running around the curve of the lake.
• Historical Activity:  I would definitely recommend all the museums in Chicago.  If I had to pick one, it would be the Art Museum.  There is so much to see I would definitely give it an entire day, but it's worthwhile even if you only have a couple hours.  It’s silly, but I always love to go to the miniatures hall. I pick out my favorite living room that I would live in!
• One thing you must try/do when in town: The Green Mill!!!  This is my easiest pick that actually fits into almost all the categories.  The Green Mill is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall, jazz speakeasy club. Al Capone frequented it way back when.  It has live jazz every day of the week, and the cocktails are to die for.  My personal favorite is the French 75.  It's a classic cocktail with all things lady-like: champagne, gin, lemon, simple syrup, and a twist of lemon.  Most days of the week it’s very serious jazz where you aren’t allowed to talk. But the best night - my favorite night - is Thursday, where big band takes over.  There is dancing, loud music, everyone is yelling, and it’s exactly what it should be.  I try and go every Thursday, dressed to the 1940s 9’s. If you happen to be there on a Thursday, come and say hello. I’m the dame in the gloves and hat!

The original sign that still hangs out front. Picture courtesy of Patrick Sisson.

Charleston... Chucktown... The Holy City

Recommendations by Lourdes.

Let me start off by saying that when my husband got his orders for Charleston, I was disheartened.  I had been living and enjoying the beauty San Diego had to offer.  Yet, as Charleston does, it worked its Southern charm and now I can't stop singing its praises.   So here goes my list of favorites and must-dos when you visit the Lowcountry:

• Restaurant (dinner): It’s hard to pick from the smorgasbord of hole-in-the-wall places all over Charleston.  In fact, I still haven’t had the chance to eat at all of them.  With that said: Husk is great for a modern take on Southern comfort food. Executive Chef Travis Grimes creates a fabulous menu using with locally-sourced ingredients.  And their cocktails are just as delicious!
• Sunday Brunch: You MUST go to The Angel Oak!!! Why? Because Sunday brunch is a must (ask any Southerner).  Plus beignets and bottomless mimosas amongst other yummy things.  Need I say more?!

Aerial view of historic downtown Charleston. Image courtesy of Charleston's Zero George Boutique Hotel.

Menu at Angel Oak Restaurant. Image courtesy of the restaurant.

• Bar:  Prohibition has awesome and delicious cocktails. I can’t recommend one cocktail in particular because I usually change it up.  If you're not in the mood for a cocktail, they have a great list of wines and beers too. If the name didn't give it away, Prohibition has a speakeasy vibe. And with live music, you can sip and dance the night away!
• Outdoor Activity: Wandering Downtown Charleston. The Farmer’s Market at Marion Square is my usual go-to, early-afternoon activity on Saturday (food, crafts, artisanal stuff, etc.).  And, once you’re done eating there, you are steps from shopping on King Street or walking over to The City Market. I also recommend exploring the beauty and charm of the colonial homes on and around The Battery.
• Historical Activity:  Check out any of the historical plantations in the area.  I love Boone Hall Plantation.  For you Gossip Girl fans, Boone Hall is where Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds got married.  But beyond that, there’s lots to look at, and if you time it right, you might even get to pick your own strawberries.  One of my favorite things about the place is the Avenue of the Oaks.  The majesty and grandeur of those 250+ year old oaks must be experienced in person. Pictures don't do it justice, and it makes for a wonderful welcoming to the plantation.  Tours of the plantation house and the grounds happen throughout the day. Who knows... you might spot a friendly neighborhood gator!

Boone Hall Plantation house looking down the Avenue of the Oaks. Image courtesy of Boone Hall Plantation.

• One thing you must do when visiting for the first time:  The following must happen in order. 1) Go take a pic at the Angel Oak on Johns Island. I do mean the actual tree, not the aforementioned restaurant. Confusing... I know. 2) Head to the Firefly Distillery/Irvin House Vineyards for some moonshine and wine tasting. 3) Relax under the oaks on the property. Be sure to take a picnic with you, and enjoy the scenery!!!

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Make Your Reservations:

CHICAGO:
​Le Colonial
The Aviary

CHARLESTON:
Husk
Angel Oak Restaurant
Prohibition