Emily's Guide to Chicago, Houston and DC
Emily's Big USA Trip. Shes a runner gyal. Shes a boot scootin' baby who loves to soak up the country vibes, music scene and foodie culture. I gotchu.
Chicago 🏙️
Chicago is for the vibes babe. The food, the music, that city gorl life. Chicago has you covered. Im biased as hell but its my favorite USA city. Check my other Chicago benable list for more detailed bar and restaurant recs
A list within a list. If you want a more detailed look at Chicago check here for one I made a ways back. Check here for restaurant bar recs
If you decide to take the day trip to Milwaukee this is how (besides renting a car). Runs every 2 hours from Chicago Union Station straight to Milwaukee's downtown(cbd)
If you wanna see some musicals while in town- this is the site to use
And while youre seeing your musical, you can't leave the city without getting an iconic photo at the Chicago theatre sign
Since youre an art museum girlie I highly recommend The AIC. Its amazing. The gardens are beautiful too
Im not joking, I think Ive been to 75% of the many museums in Chicago. Im recommending this one because 1- its great but 2- its on the Museum Campus so there are plenty of others around to checkout. Some other options in the city include- Shedd Aquar...
My favorite running trail (I dont run, I walk lol). It spans 29 kms but the most famous portion is from Navy Pier to Lincoln Park. Its a gorgeous trail running alongside the lake and famous landmarks like Magnificent Mile, the spots I mentioned above...
Chicago has tonsss of music venues but Im specifically recommending this one because its a bit smaller and local and also it partners with 2 other venues
My #1 recommendation for music in the city and what I always prioritize when Im in town. These “secret” concerts will 100% make you feel like a local and you have a great chance of meeting people and making friends while youre in town. I used to host...
Another fun running option. In summer (and maybe autumn) theres wine, gelato etc interspersed and even a gigantic Art projection against the Merchandise Mart building
Go to the rooftop bar up top for killer views
Another great rooftop bar option for killer views of The Bean and Grant park. Make sure to also check out the other speakeasys and restaurants inside this hotel (search Chicago Athletic Club for info)
Chicago has a great public train system. We call it the “el” for elevated train. Use it! My biggest recommendation is not just stay downtown. Some favorite neighborhoods to explore are- Logan Park, Lakeview, Chinatown, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Old ...
One more thing about the el. Our train system goes directly from the airport (Ohare or Midway) to the downtown area. And its only $5! Dont waste ya money on an uber. Just follow the signs in the airport to find it
If theres a home game on when youre in town- I highly highly recommend. Not only is it very “Americana”, its quintessential Chicago. Wrigley Field is iconic and sits in a really cool neighborhood to explore
I used to love taking visitors here. Its improv comedy (I know I know) but its a really fun night out. Plus Chicago has a great comedy scene- so many of the most famous comedians in the US got their start here! They also have shows in Houston and Dc ...
My favorite empanadas and coffee spot. There are several locations so check whats easiest for you but I recommend the Southport location as 1- its where I used to live and 2- southport is a really cool street and fun to explore with lots of shops
Fantastic Boutique on Southport Corridor (near Cafe Tola)- get a souvenir here that wont make you cringe
It might sound boring at first but TRUST ME. DO THIS. it is so so great. A beautiful way to see the city. Its not just for tourists, I used to do this all the time!
If you dont want to spend the money on the Architecture Tour you can still take the ferry for much cheaper and get the same site, just without the commentary
Idk if food tours are your thing but heres on to consider. I think Chicago has wayyy better food than Hot Dogd and Deep dish but its a great way to knock that stuff out in one go
With exchange rate being what it is, lets be real. The US will be spenno. I found this and agree with a lot of these recs. Especially the conservatory (if plants are your thing) and obviously seeing things like The Bean
I dont even know how to describe this place. A big giant Italian Market
Not a restaurant but a popcorn shop- heaps of locations in Chicago. Get the Chicago Mix. It tastes like home to me
If you have ever had this in NYC you know how good the banana pudding is. Get it here
Chicago loves its fests, check here if theres any on while youre in town
If you want an interesting view of the city- I recommend going just before sunset so you get day, sunset and night views
A must try while in Chicago. You can get it at any bar- try it as a shot. Is it good? No its not. But it is an iconic Chicago drink. Why? It just is. And if you make friends with any Chicagoans while you're in town- I can almost guarantee they will g...
Washington DC 🇺🇸
DC will be your museum city. Soo many are free okay. So many! DC is upscale, think running around the National Mall by day, cocktails on the roof by night
A super pretty (and one of the most famous) view/ running routes in DC
There are SEVENTEEN Smithsonian Museums in DC. 11 of those are in the National Mall. ALL FREE (in DC). I recommend the Air and Space, and African American History and Culture (the newest of the bunch)
The farmers markets should still be on while youre in town (Chicago has great ones too- if you want more info I can add that)
DC train and bus map
I know you said you wont have time for day trips in DC but just in case- distance wise its easy to add in a day trip to Philly or NYC. Can train or bus it. This bus also goes between Chi and MKE (Milwaukee)
A really famous restaurant to see the “Whose Who” of DC- think powerful politicians, their wives (maybe a mistress or two) or other people trying to rub shoulders. Kinda hoity toity
Yes you can literally visit The White House. Is it as easy and buying a ticket and showing up? Definitely not. But you can try! If you want to, youll need to start the process asap
I personally hate these Bus Tour things- but DC is bigger than you think itll be- even between the major sites
A must visit neighborhood in DC
Michelin Starred spot (prolly spenno tho)
More affordable cocktails in the city
“Americana” style
French and so so good
Houston 🤠
I've never been to Houston outside of the airport so this is direct from my friend in Texas! Houston is gonna be your country(ish) stop, country music, southern (and mexican) food city. Its not as ‘cowgal’ as you'd think but still
It’s a restaurant attached to a plant nursery. So you can get a cocktail and chill among the plants while waiting for your table. Try it for brunch!
Apparently they have the best Caesar salad in Houston lol
Authentic Mexican. My friend said she was the only gringo in there which is a great sign. Texas would have great Mexican food so I highly recommend you take advantage. Cuchara means spoon in spanish. So Im not sure how that relates- maybe they have g...
Houstons largest urban park. Apparently not much shade so be aware of that but a potent good running spot
I have literally no clue if this is good or not but I saw it and thought it sounded cool
This location isnt open yet but may be open by the time you get there- look up Meow Wolf Santa Fe to see what it is. Its crazyyyy (in a good way)
A lazy river/pool in the shape in of Texas
Cocktail Bar- highly regarded