Chicago Travel Guide

I can't believe that it is my last day in the US! I am leaving tomorrow to head to Europe for 3 months, and I am so excited about it (along with anxious and slightly nervous, but excitement is definitely the leader of the pack). I can't wait to put together travel guides of so many wonderful places that I've always dreamed of exploring, and to share the details of many adventures ahead. 

So what have I been doing with my last few days here in the states? Last week I paid a visit to Chicago: one of my absolute favorite cities in America (especially in the summer). I've been dozens of times over the years (I technically have more family that lives there than anywhere else) and I always love finding an excuse to go back. This time my excuse was to see Coldplay with my friend Sarah (and I could probably write an entire blog post alone on how amazing the show was, but I'll stay on track.) The bottom line is that Chicago is jam-packed with amazing things to see and do- so much that I couldn't even begin to fit them all into a blog post. With that said, I've found some places that I particularly love during my last few trips, so I wanted to compile what I've been "loving lately" in the Windy City for those of you who plan to visit soon. 

STAY

CHICAGO ATHLETIC HOTEL

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I love finding hotels that are unique to the city I'm visiting, and Chicago Athletic Hotel is certainly that. The 1890s athletic club was reborn to this bustling Michigan Avenue hotel (featuring some of Chicago's finest restaurants and nightlife). The building is a revelation of historic architectural detail, from the grand marble staircases to the rooftop terrace at Cindy's Restaurant & Bar with views across Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. It's also a prime location if you're looking to explore the city by foot and be in the center of Chicago's most popular attractions.

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

 

EAT

3 ARTS CAFE

Standing outside of Restoration Hardware in Gold Coast, you may not think the building is anything special at first glance. But the moment you step foot inside, you'll realize there is more much more than meets the eye. The building has received tons of press (and for good reason- it's gorgeous) but aside from serving as a typical Restoration Hardware, there's also a restaurant in the main level courtyard. It has an all-day menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. We didn't have room in our stomach for any more food when we arrived, but I've heard it's delicious (and I can assure you the ambiance alone is enough reason to go). 

1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610

BAR SIENA

We went to Bar Siena for dinner before the Coldplay concert, and I loved the ambiance. Located in the West Loop (an area with a remarkable food scene) it's rustic, two-story space offers casual seating throughout the entire restaurant. While it's inspiration stems from a quaint, casual and energetic bar and restaurant called La Taverna in Siena, Italy, the menu reflects the regionality of the whole country of Italy- not just Siena. Dishes are share-friendly and heavy on the antipasta (try the bread and ricotta or the grilled shrimp and artichoke). And don't leave without trying one of their pizzas, cooked in an 800-degree oven named Bella. 

832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

CHICKEN SHOP AT SOHO HOUSE

Is it any surprise that chicken is the main attraction at a restaurant named Chicken & Farm Shop? But that's not the only tasty food they serve. To say we braved the rain to venture to Soho House (where Chicken Shop calls home) would be the understatement of the century. But then again, so is calling their food merely tasty. Contrary to popular stigmas you may have about a members only establishment like Soho House, Chicken Shop is open to the public and couldn't be more inviting. The staff was incredibly warm and went out of their way to tell us about everything from the menu, to the restaurant's origin in the UK. Though their menu items like the burger, chicken and macaroni and cheese may sound simple, it's all very far from it. Everything we ate (and drank) was fantastic, and I definitely plan on going back. 

113 N. Green St, Chicago, IL, 60607

CINDY'S ROOFTOP

Cindy's is without a doubt my favorite public rooftop in Chicago (part of Chicago Athletic Hotel), and their menu is fantastic. I discovered this hidden gem last November when I was in Chicago with my friend Haley and we were on the hunt for a good brunch spot. Needless to say, we struck gold. So naturally, I put it at the top of my list when I came back this time. Cindy's has incredible views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and the Chicago Art Institute. It has floor to ceiling windows (and actually... the ceiling is glass too) so the place is bright and cheery and flooding with natural light. Aside from the spectacular ambiance, the food is out of this world (but be warned, portion sizes are intended for sharing- look at the size of that parfait!) 

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

I can honestly recommend anything on the menu (both food and drinks) because it's all been delicious. Just be sure you show up hungry!

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

GIRL & THE GOAT

I didn't make it to Girl & the Goat on this most recent trip to Chicago (too many wonderful places to try!) but I loved it so much when Haley and I went in November that I couldn't not include it. Located on Restaurant Row (along with Bar Siena and Chicken Shop) they opened with the goal of serving bold flavors with global influence in a fun and lively setting. They also boast the title of James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes, along with awards from Eater including: Restaurant of the year, Chef of the year, Shaker of the year... the list goes on. Whether you go for a full meal or simply drinks and appetizers, do yourself a favor and just make sure you get there when you visit Chicago. 

809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60607

TRENCHERMEN

Sarah and I stumbled upon Trenchermen when we were in search of a brunch spot during our most recent trip (thanks OpenTable!) and I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. The building was beautiful (and originally opened as the Luxor Russian Baths in the 1920s). As it remained a spot to steam, grab a drink and have a bite throughout the middle of the century, Trenchermen was born in 2012 as an idea of a meeting place for the community. If you go for brunch, their avocado toast may be the best I've ever had. 

2039 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

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WICKER PARK

You've probably heard that Michigan Avenue is the place to go shopping in Chicago. And while I won't disagree (I certainly do my fair share there), I personally love exploring Wicker Park. The neighborhood is crawling with great shops (many unique to Chicago) and has it's own personality with a little bit of spunk. It's also where you'll find Saved By The Max, Chicago's own recreation of Saved By The Bell's beloved diner, The Max. Wicker Park is full of unique finds and I never have trouble wasting time here. 

CHICAGO RIVERWALK

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

Again, you've probably been told to stroll down Michigan Avenue (and again- I love doing it too). But when you hit the DuSable bridge where Michigan hits E Upper Wacker, be sure to take the steps down to the River Walk (disclaimer: this is more of a recommendation if the weather is nice. Winter may not be the season to do this!) Here, you can stroll along the river by foot, hop on a boat for one of Chicago's many tours, or find a restaurant to stop in for a snack or drink. 

E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

MILENNIUM PARK

I've been to Chicago more than I've been to a lot of places, and I've never failed to visit "The Bean" in Millennium Park. Call me a tourist, but I love the energy that buzzes around this place. It never fails that you'll find people smiling and laughing trying to take their picture in the reflection of this art installation (myself included). But aside from being a popular attraction, Millennium Park is also home to hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, tours and family activities. Whether a special event is happening or it's just another day at the park, it's definitely worth visiting every time. Some things never get old.

201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602

WRIGLEY FIELD

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

No matter who you cheer for, you can't deny Wrigley is a special place. If you're in town for a Cubs home game, be sure to go and drink and Old Style (in true Chicago fashion). If no games are happening, you're still bound to find plenty of entertainment exploring Wrigleyville's lively scene of restaurants and bars. 

1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613

Chicago continues to surprise me and steal a little piece of my heart every time I go back (I guarantee this won't be the only post you ever see me do here). If you've never been, it's without a doubt somewhere you need to add to your list. I'm so happy I got so spend some time "home away from home" and I can't wait to come back.

But for now, I'm off to Europe! Be sure to follow along on my adventures on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat (blonde_atlas) and Facebook. And if there is specific travel content that you want to see on the blog, let me know!

Charleston Travel Guide

Nestled off the Atlantic Coast, you'll find Charleston, South Carolina. This idyllic destination has been named dozens of award-winning titles (including Travel + Leisure's Number 1 City in the World), and it's not hard to understand why. It's rich in history, home to some incredible restaurants, and picturesque as a postcard.

I've taken a couple of different trips with friends to "Chucktown" over the last couple of month- both unique from the other. The first trip was more of a local perspective, where we stayed with friends who live there and know the area well. I loved seeing some of the hidden gems and less touristy places that the city has to offer, and feeling like I went "behind the scenes" if you will. 

The most recent trip back was more of a traditional visit where we stayed at a hotel and spent most of our time in the "touristy" area of town. After just scratching the surface of the most popular part of Charleston last trip, it was fun to really dive in and cover a lot of territory I breezed through the first time. 

Both trips were wonderful and showed me unique aspects of Charleston.  l fell in love with so much about this city and could ramble on about everything we did for hours. So if you're planning a trip of your own, be sure to add these recommendations to your itinerary. 

STAY

THE RESTORATION

Conveniently located in the heart of Charleston on King Street, you'll find The Restoration. This chic + luxurious boutique hotel is relaxed + refined-- where high class meets low country.  It's comprised of five buildings, "all of which have been updated and modernized to bring Charleston's dynamic history to life and celebrate the New South."

I stayed here on my most recent trip, and was highly impressed by every detail of the property. Immediately upon arriving, we went straight to The Watch, their rooftop bar and restaurant, (which offers stunning views of the city) for a bottle of champagne and then relaxed at the pool (also a rooftop). I then swooned over the beautiful room (with serious bathroom goals) when we checked in, and was frequently found cozying up in the luxe bathrobes provided. But my favorite part? Complimentary breakfast delivered to your room every morning- just fill out the menu and leave it on your door. Anywhere I can indulge in croissants + country ham with my coffee to start the day is perfectly alright with me. 

If you want to be in the center of the action and enjoy the luxuries of a high quality boutique hotel, The Restoration is the place for you. 

EAT + DRINK

167 RAW

Charleston is notorious for great seafood. Also notorious for this cuisine? New England, of course. 167 Raw, originally established in Nantucket Island, now embraces the outstanding seafood culture of New England in a new setting: their Charleston location. They pride themselves in bringing the freshest most delicious seafood our oceans have to offer- and it truly is delicious. We stopped in for lunch and everyone loved what they ordered. The crowd favorites? Oysters and Fish Tacos. 

If it's a nice day, sit outside on the patio, order a cocktail, and you've got a recipe for perfection. 

HOMINY GRILL

James Beard Award winning chef makes Low Country Shrimp + Grits. Need I say more? Chef/Owner Robert Stehling lets the Charleston's unique cultural history and flavors guide his cooking. And while I'm no grits aficionado, I could clearly taste the difference between these and any others I've tried. Everything on the menu was fantastic (even the jam on the table for the biscuits- which is an in-house recipe from an employee).  Don't miss it.

HUSK

I've dined at the Nashville Husk multiple times and have always been pleased with my experience. But our dinner at their flagship location in Charleston was easily my most impressive visit (it also happened to be my first time as a meat eater, so that probably helped!) 

Sean Brock (another James Beard Award-winning Chef) "reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area and explores ingredient-driven cuisine that redefines what it means to cook and eat in Charleston." Menu items will vary based on seasonal ingredients, but if possible, I recommend the Southern Fried Chicken Skins with Pimento Cheese Dressing or the Broadbent Country Ham + Buttermilk Biscuits to start. For the main course? The Carolina Heritage Pork with Field Pea "Sofrito" and House Made Pancetta is out of this world. We ordered lots of desserts and cocktails, and they were all fantastic too. 

In addition to the food, the building is stunning (dates back to the 19th century) and creates the perfect ambient atmosphere for a wonderful dining experience. 

INDACO

Indaco is located on Upper King Street, and was easily the most pleasant surprise I discovered in Charleston. When I learned we were eating at an Italian place, I wasn't mad about it- but I also wasn't necessarily excited. But that quickly changed right when we walked in the door. The setting is beautiful, with an open kitchen and rustic details like butcherblock tables. The menu is brimming with delicious hand crafted pastas (I loved the Black Pepper Tagliatelle), housemade salumi and cured sausages, and wood-fired pizzas (try the sweet corn!) But my favorite dish was easily the Burrata (an appetizer). Don't leave without trying it. 

LEON'S OYSTER SHOP

In the spirit of continuing to experience Charleston's quality seafood, be sure to pencil Leon's Oyster Shop in your visit. But don't take my word for it- just take a gander at their ever-growing list of impressive awards: Eater's Best New Restaurant in America, Southern Living's Best Restaurant in the South, or James Beard Rising Star Chef Semifinalist. 

Start with oysters. Raw Oysters. Char-grilled oysters (with butter and parmesan... YAS). Fried Oysters Rockefeller. They're all fantastic. Bottom dwellers  not your thing? No big deal. Their hush puppies with honey butter will melt in your mouth, they're so good. 

We also freaked out over their fried chicken (de-lic-ious), Siam Salad and avocado toast. The atmosphere was also fun and festive, which made our overall experience one for the books. 

THE SPECTATOR HOTEL BAR

After realizing a bar we wanted to try was on a ridiculous wait, we walked over to The Spectator Hotel bar- and I'm so glad we did (We didn't even end up going to the other bar when they paged us). For starters, the entire property is stunning (it was voted the #1 Hotel in the Continental US and #2 in the world by Travel + Leisure). The bar is "a delicious combination of the exuberance of the 1920s speakeasy and the ease of the Jazz Age." The in-house mixologist made fantastic drinks, and the ambience couldn't have been more on-point. 

 

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RENT BICYCLES

One of my favorite things we did in Charleston was rent bikes- and I'm definitely not the only one who will recommend this. On most days, you'll see almost as many cyclists as you will vehicles peddling around and exploring the city on two wheels. Cruise down King Street, explore Waterfront Park, and let yourself get lost. 

CHARLESTON FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday from April through November, 8am-2pm, you'll  find the local Farmer's Market happening at Marion Square. It's filled with amazing products from local Lowcountry farmers, growers, artisans, crafters, and community groups of all kinds. Head over for breakfast  from one of the vendors, enjoy the live entertainment, and browse an assortment of local goodies. 

RAINBOW ROW

In the Historic District of Charleston, you can't miss Rainbow Row: a series of 13 colorful houses representing the longest cluster of Georgian row houses in the US. The name was coined after the pastel colors that they were painted as they were restored in the 30s and 40s (and you're guaranteed to see tourists snapping pics in front of them). 

RIVEROAKS CHARLESTON

RiverOaks is different from any other type of recommendation I typically include: it's a wedding venue (nope- I'm definitely still single.) But I was extremely fortunate to stay there during my first trip, and it was an experience of a lifetime. It's actually the home of a friend of mine, and his parents use it as a wedding venue. Words won't come close to doing it justice, but just imagine the idyllic charm of a European home, chickens roaming freely (which means farm fresh eggs on the table) and Spanish moss hanging from the trees by the sparkling river. The setting was truly incredible, and it wasn't even set up for a wedding.

Bottom line: if you happen to get married in Charleston, you must get married there and you must invite me. 

I loved everything about my time in Charleston: taking the boat out on the water, indulging in Lowcountry cuisine, the Southern hospitality I encountered, and countless other memories I made with so many people I love. No matter the occasion for your visit, I'm confident you'll have an incredible trip. 

5 Things I’ve Learned Planning A Long Term Trip to Europe

I announced last week that I’m moving to Europe for a few months at the beginning of August. A common response I've heard (many) people ask is: “How do you even begin to plan that?"

The short answer is that it involves a lot of preparation. I've spent way more time and energy into planning than I ever anticipated. But as a result, there's been so much I've learned about this process already.

It goes without saying that the trip I plan will look different than the one anyone else does- because everyone is going to have different interests in mind, time frames that they plan to be gone, and budgets to work with. But there a few “one size fits all” tips I’ve learned so far that I believe everyone planning a trip to Europe can benefit from. 

1. You Can Stay For A While Without A Visa

Depending on where you want to go, you can stay in most parts of Europe for up to 90 days without needing any sort of visa (the only exception I’ve come across is needing to submit a $20 electronic authorization form for my trip to Turkey- found here). Those 90 days only apply to your time in the Schengen Zone. If you’re like I was, you’re wondering what the #@*! the Schengen zone is, so let me break it down for you. 

Separate from the EU, the Schengen zone has no political or economic affiliation and is strictly a geographical term. The area is comprised of 25 European countries who have done away with border control.

So in a nutshell, as long as you don’t spend more than 90 days (within a 180 day period) you can hop around as freely as you wish in this area without any kind of visa. If you’d like to stay in Europe a little longer, spend some time in non-Schengen countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom (to name a few). But it’s very important to note that the 90 day clock doesn’t start back every time you re-enter the zone within that same 90 day period. It only starts back 180 days after your first entry. 

Confusing as it may be, knowing this helpful trick allows you to strategically move through Europe for extended periods of time without ever needing to hassle with any visa details. 

2. You Can Avoid Outrageous International Phone Plans. 

In today’s world of having our phones practically glued to our hands, feeling limited to when we have data or service can feel suffocating. And while that comment may make me sound like a millennial you want roll your eyes at, I’m not just talking about being able to post on Instagram or Snapchat. You try navigating a foreign country without maps or Google, and then let’s talk. 

While most restaurants and public establishments overseas have wi-fi, it’s leaps and bounds easier to have international data on your phone whenever you need it. Depending on your phone plan and provider, these rates can be astronomical- but there are other options. Check to see if your device is unlocked (aka- able to read other SIM cards). T-mobile offers pay-as-you-go plans (assuming you pass their credit check) for as low as $50 a month that include unlimited data and texting (if you bring your own device). Simply purchase the sim card (~$20) and pay for each month you’ll be abroad. Voila. 

3. Bank Smart

No matter how long you’ll be abroad, take the time to educate yourself on the best banking strategy for you.

I highly recommend bringing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (I am a huge fan of my United Mileage Plus Explorer Card). Even if it they are teeny-tiny little baby fees, they will add up. 

If you’re going longer than a few weeks, it may even be worth opening a bank account with no ATM or conversion fees (I went with Charles Schwab). This way, you can take cash out as often as you like without paying individual fees each time or needing to carry more cash than you feel comfortable with. 

Regardless of which cards (credit or debit) you bring, be sure to make a note in your phone or with your travel documents that has the 1-800 number on the back of each card (just in case any are lost or stolen). And speaking of that number, be sure to call prior to your trip to notify your bank or credit establishment of your upcoming travel dates (nothing like having your card frozen due to suspicious activity and having to make international phone calls to sort it out). 

4. Invest In Electronics.

While it’s easy to buy an international converter for your electronics (like these), I’ve experience my fair share of epic fails in this department (for example, when my converter made my curling iron 100x hotter than usual and burned a huge chunk of my friends hair off in Paris… yikes). While a converter will usually get the job done just fine, it’s worth investing in a few essentials (like a curling iron or your iPhone charger) with European plugs to simplify and eliminate any mishaps. This also frees up your converter for any other devices (e-readers, laptops, etc.)

5. Plan For More.

It’s been my experience that everything usually ends up being more than you think it will: more money than you budgeted for, more time to take that train from Seville to Granada, more flights of stairs you have to climb with your suitcase to get to your Airbnb (elevators are scarce)… the list goes on. So be sure to leave room for margin in all of your planning, because chances are you'll need it. 

But with that said, I believe that you'll also experience more than you anticipate in all of the best ways: more strokes of luck like stumbling upon the best gelato stand in Rome you didn't even mean to find. Or more people you end up befriending and staying in touch with. That croissant in Paris will be even more delicious than everyone says it will. And that sunset in Cinque Terre will make you way more sappy and emo than you even knew was possible. 

This process has already taught me so much, and I haven’t even left the states yet. I'm so excited to see what else I learn... I'll be sure to share it with you as I do!