Month: July 2022

Chicago, a family-friendly guide

Beth Ann Tieche is an elementary school principal turned stay-at-home mother of three – twins plus one! She is also the creator of Low Lift Fun, a play, parenting, and family lifestyle blog aimed at making life with spirited children more joyful and less stressful. 

For family-friendly recommendations in the Windy City, Beth Ann is your go-to. She lived in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago for many years, and now lives with her family in the western suburbs.

Read on for some of Beth Ann’s family-focused guide to Chicago’s restaurants, cafes, and must-see spots.

Beth Ann’s guide to Chicago:

What are your top three hotels in Chicago?

The Blackstone Chicago Hotel is a fun location, especially if you plan on going to the Art Institute, museum campus, Grant Park, or doing some shopping on State Street and Michigan Ave.

Virgin Hotel on Wabash really feels like a vacation and getaway, and the rooms have such a fun, modern vibe! It’s also close to Millenium Park, State Street and Michigan Ave. shopping, the Chicago Theater, and the ‘L’ for easy public transit. 

Hyatt House Chicago/West Loop – Fulton Market is a great place to stay with a family! It has large rooms and an indoor pool for the kids.

Eat & Drink

Where are your go-to spots to eat & drink?

Pequod’s is the best pizza in the city. All Chicago pizza is good, but this is the real deal. Located in Lincoln Park, you’ll see all the Chicago cops eating here – you know that’s a sign of authentic good eats. It has a lowkey, pub atmosphere in an old two-flat building. This place feels like Chicago. Get the deep dish pizza with double meat (sausage and pepperoni) and you’ll be in heaven. 

Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park is my favorite barbeque in the city – great vibe, family friendly, and a large menu. My favorite is the pulled pork nachos, and they also have amazing brunch. 

If you’re dining with kids or a large group, the Grand Lux Cafe on Michigan Avenue is a total crowd pleaser. It’s a little cheesy (owned by the same people as the Cheesecake Factory), but is also very fun and has great food! There’s something everyone will love, and the desserts are especially over the top. It’s located right on Michigan Ave, making it the perfect place to stop if you’re shopping downtown with the kids and need a fun rest. But it’s also a great spot to get dressed up for dinner with the whole family and not feel out of place! They’ve always got amazing, friendly service, as well. 

Is there anywhere you’d recommend for a great solo dinner? Why is it perfect for those traveling alone?

YES! Athenian Room! It’s a divine Greek restaurant in Lincoln Park, and it does not disappoint. It’s a hole in the wall dive bar vibe (it’s actually attached to a dive bar). The half chicken and gyro salads are my favorites here – but everything is amazing. 

What’s your favorite coffee shop?

Sip of Hope in Logan Square. They’re a nonprofit and 100% of their proceeds go to suicide prevention. The vibe is perfect, the baristas are the best, and they’re serving up hope every day. It’s a must-visit spot in my opinion. When I go, I always get a large Iced Chai and a chocolate chip cookie. 

Sip of Hope

Tips & Extras

What have we missed?

Chicago has an amazing assortment of museums. Best museums for kids under 7: the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier. Best museums for all kids 3-99: Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium

Choose based on your family’s interests – they are all phenomenal and do not disappoint. MSI is great for STEM lovers, if you have a dino lover you need to go see Sue at the Field Museum, and the Shedd is great fun for all ages. 

What’s the one piece of essential info you need to know when planning a trip here?

Check the weather before you go – like, the day before you leave! I once had a friend visit Chicago in April, she brought spring clothes (shorts, dresses, etc.) assuming it was spring – but it was still freezing cold. Double check the weather before you come, and pack for a range of temps if you can!

What’s the tip you tell everyone?

If you’re traveling with young kids, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a hidden gem! It’s very affordable, much smaller, and more manageable than the larger and better-known city museums. Great spot for a half-day stop! Also, it’s right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free! 

What’s the tip you tell no-one?

The best view of the city is from the women’s bathroom of the Signature Lounge, located in the John Hancock Center. It’s free to go up to the Signature Lounge (it’s just a bar!), then you can sit and have a drink. The drinks are pricey, but it’s still a very affordable way to get an amazing view of the city! 

Signature Lounge

Atlanta, by an entrepreneur & content creator

Skylar Mclean of Serving Looks ATL is a newly engaged millennial and dog mom living in Atlanta, Georgia. In June 2018, after receiving her MBA and going to work as an accountant, Skylar started Serving Looks ATL as a creative outlet to express her love of food, drink, and stunning lifestyle moments. 

Serving Looks ATL showcases not only Skylar’s creativity, favorite local restaurants, and fashionable outfits, but also offers freelance services for content creation, event representation, and bookkeeping. 

Skylar is a resident expert when it comes to first-rate dining and accommodation in Atlanta (as can be seen on her Instagram). Read on for her insider tips on food, culture, R&R, and more. 

What are your top three hotels in Atlanta?

Bellyard – I love the personalized welcome package (consisting of a handwritten note, chips, salsa, sour cream, and a build your own margarita kit), as well as the food and drinks at the onsite Drawbar. The neighboring attractions in West Midtown are also a plus. There is no shortage of things to do and places to eat: Puttshack, Velvet Taco, Slingshot Social, and The Painted Pin are all fun, upscale options for dining or a night out.

Hyatt Centric Buckhead – I love the views and vibe of the rooftop bar here. Located right next to the Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza, it’s easy to do some shopping before or after your stay. There are also some really nice restaurants in the area: Del Frisco’s Grille and Dantanna’s are both less than 10 minutes away. 

Epicurean – Also located in Midtown, I love the food-focused events here, like the wine and chocolate pairing classes. Amazing restaurants like STK, Sugar Factory, and Saints + Council are located just around the corner, as well as cultural attractions like The Woodruff Arts Center and the High Museum of Art

Eat & Drink

Where are your go-to spots to eat & drink in Atlanta?

Breakfast: Highland Bistro for the waffles with fruit; Buttermilk Kitchen for the buttermilk biscuits with jam; and The Real Milk and Honey for the lobster biscuits. 

Lunch: Aviva for the salmon; Food Terminal for Grandma BBQ Pork; and Italia Pizza for the Sorrento Pizza. 

Dinner: Saints + Council for the North Georgia Trout; Red Pepper Taqueria for the Fried Lobster Tail; and A Mano for the Crawfish Spaghetti.

Fun fact: Every Thursday, A Mano hosts “A Mano lends a hand night,” where they donate a portion of their nightly profits to a selected charity or non-profit. The selected beneficiary—Giving Kitchen, Free Bikes 4 Kidz, Mercy Care Atlanta, etc.—are featured for the entire month. It’s definitely worth checking out—not only for the delicious food, but also so you can dine for a cause!

Where should we go for an enjoyable solo dinner? 

Saints + Council is a great spot for craft dishes, cocktails, and conversation. Go with no agenda, and spend as much time as you want in the relaxed environment. Located in the heart of Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta, the atmosphere is a perfect blend of work and play. Inside, you’ll find modern decor, impressive vaulted ceilings, a warm fireplace, and dinner tables that remind you of home. Outside, there is an airy patio featuring another cozy fireplace and lots of greenery.

Culture

Where should we go to get a feel for Atlanta culture? 

The Alliance Theatre is a great place to discover new shows and players. I also really love seeing how the playwright puts their own spin on classic pieces like Trading Places.

(Note: The Alliance is Atlanta’s national theater, expanding hearts and minds onstage and off since 1968. Reaching more than 165,000 patrons annually, the Alliance delivers powerful programming that challenges audiences to think critically and care deeply.)

R&R

If we’re going for a full spa experience, where’s the place?

Go to the Health and Beauty Boutique and book with Amal. I love my monthly facials, B12 shots, and neck and shoulder massages!

Any extra tips?

  • Check the weather before planning your outfit. 
  • Always ask if the venue has parking and if you need to pay for parking, that way you can plan accordingly. 
  • Follow @ServingLooksATL for all the top spots in Atlanta!

Menorca, by a world traveler

Blanca P. is an NYC resident with a ceaseless passion for design, fashion, food, art, and most of all, travel. She channels her creative side into her Instagram page, which is dedicated to her jet-setting and eye for aesthetics.

Blanca lives for travel and adventure, and she prides herself on being a citizen of the world. When she’s creating unique travel experiences for herself and others, Blanca’s love of art, culture, fashion, and food always finds its way into her planning. When she travels, she strives for an all-encompassing experience – one that’s not just about where she is, but also where she’s staying, what she’s eating and drinking, and whom she is interacting with.

Blanca has fallen in love with many destinations around the world, one of which is Menorca. Read on for her insider tips on food, accommodation, nightlife, and more. 

What are your favorite hotels in Menorca?

Hotel Torralbenc is the best hotel on the island. If you’re planning on relaxing the whole time and not leaving your hotel, this is the perfect place for you! It’s virtually impossible not to take highly instagrammable photos here. And there is also a spa and a vineyard onsite that are worth a visit.

Tip: Even if you don’t plan on staying here, you can book a reservation for lunch or dinner. The food is great, but the ambiance, interiors, and views are even better!

Hotel Sa Barrera is the best place to stay if you’re planning to explore the island (this one is all about the location). Only a 5-10 minute walk from Cova d’en Xoroi and Cala’n Porter, this place also has amazing views (best enjoyed with breakfast), and it’s only a 15-minute drive from Hotel Torralbenc.

Eat & Drink

Where are your go-to spots to eat & drink in Menorca?

Breakfast: I typically have breakfast at the hotel since it’s usually included with my stay. I like to keep it light, that way I can indulge more for lunch and dinner. All you really need is a good cup of coffee and a view! 

Lunch: Ivette is not only beautiful (think all white interior, architectural details, and spectacular views of the blue Mediterranean sea), but it also provides direct access to Cala Morell! Try to get there early, though – it’s first come, first serve. 

Dinner: The restaurant in Hotel Torralbenc is the best, though more so for the ambiance than the food (the portions are a bit small, but the food is good and the presentation is stunning!). The restaurant is also outdoors, with views of the vineyard, garden, and pool. The vibe is calm and very relaxing – perfect for an intimate, romantic date night or a solo dinner under the stars. 

Tip: It’s quite popular, so I recommend making a reservation.

What do you order? 

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with Spanish cuisine! My favorites are: paella, fabada, pulpo, boquerones, melon con jamon, and patatas bravas – to name a few. The seafood in Menorca is also so fresh – it’s a must for every meal! 

Workout

What’s your workout of choice here?

The hikes to the Calas are well worth it! Stunning views and a great workout. Just don’t forget to bring water and to wear the right shoes. 

A swim or dip in the sea is also a must – it’s the most refreshing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are also lots of caves you can swim to and explore.

Party/Nightlife

What’s your idea of a great night out in Menorca?

A party in a cave… literally. Cova d’en Xoroi is the best club/bar in all of Menorca, and it’s got the best views of the Mediterranean! Arrive as the sun is setting and stay through the night.

Here you can find me sipping cava at sunset hour with one of my best friends, catching up on life and soaking in the unobstructed views of the Mediterranean. Then it’s time to dance, drink, take photos, meet someone (or maybe a few someones) new, and brush up on my Español. 

Cova D'en Xoroi Menorca
Cova D’en Xoroi Menorca

What’s the dress code?

I’m wearing either a dress from Alexis or a flowy top from Caroline Constas with Agolde denim shorts and lace-up sandals. 

Postcard

If there’s one shot that sums up Menorca, what is it?

Cala Macarelleta – take a picture on the cliff!

Cala Macarelleta Menorca
Cala Macarelleta

Tips & Extras

What’s the one piece of essential info you need to know when planning a trip to Menorca? 

Go to the Calas! Cala Macarella and Macarelleta are my favorites. It’s quite a hike (literally!) and you might need a car, too, if your hotel isn’t close by, but it’s definitely worth the trip. I promise, you will have the best swim (or dip) of your life! And be sure to take lots of pictures (very Instagram worthy, no filter needed). 

Also, travel with someone who can drive and rent a car. And wake up and get on the road early – the Calas get packed quickly!

What’s the tip you tell everyone? 

Travel light, especially in Europe. I usually travel with just a carry-on – it’s doable, I promise!

For more from Blanca, check out her Insider Profile and follower her on IG.

Blanca P. – Citizen of the World

Most people know Blanca as a CPA working in finance in New York City. But Blanca isn’t all numbers, she also has an intensely creative side. Blanca has a ceaseless passion for design, fashion, food, art, and especially travel. She’s channeled this through a beautifully crafted and inspiring Instagram page dedicated to her jet-setting and eye for aesthetics.

Blanca attributes her love for travel and adventure to her parents. From a young age, they instilled in her precepts like, “life is meant to be lived,” “the world is your oyster,” “take risks,” and “try something new.” She was less than a year old when she flew on an airplane for the first time, and she has been traveling ever since. 

Coming from a culturally diverse family and having family and friends all over the world, Blanca has an enduring love for travel and is always on the hunt for her next destination. While technically a citizen of both Philippines and Spain (thanks to her dad), Bianca prides herself on being a citizen of the world. 

Second only to her love of travel is Blanca’s attraction to art, culture, fashion, and food. She always incorporates these aspects into her trips, creating unique travel experiences for herself and whomever she’s with. When she travels, she strives for an all-encompassing experience, one that’s not just about where she is, but also where she’s staying, what she’s eating and drinking, and who she’s interacting with.

In Blanca’s eyes, “It is not about the destination, but rather the journey. Travel should be a full 360 experience, and a memorable one at that. When I visit a place, I try to experience how people live, as well as understand who they are, where they come from, and the reasons they live the way they do.”

Read on for more tips and insights into Blanca’s unique travel style.

What is the most unique hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?

During my visit to the Maldives, I stayed at the LUX* Maldives South Ari Atoll, and my beachfront villa had a private outdoor shower. Showering under the moon and stars was honestly the highlight of my trip! Also, the fact that my hotel occupied the entire island was pretty cool. It was very private – the most perfect place to unplug. 

LUX* Maldives South Ari Atoll
LUX* Maldives South Ari Atoll

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I make it a point to stay at hotels that are focused on design and art that’s specific to the place I’m visiting. I enjoy being surrounded by design and architectural elements that tell a story. In some way, this makes me feel like a true local, and gives me another taste of that place’s culture and personality. 

I truly love learning and understanding the culture of each place I visit. I try to incorporate this desire into every element of my trips, most especially where I stay.

Recently, I stayed at the Hotel Escondido in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Everything in the hotel (from the coffee cups to the mezcal) was sourced and made in the nearby town of Oaxaca. Everything about it was true and authentic to who they were and where they came from, which I felt gave me a deeply authentic Oaxacan experience. 

Do you have any favorite travel hacks? 

If you love to travel, do yourself a favor and get an American Express Platinum card – make your money work for you! Access to airport lounges and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck are just a few of their many travel perks. DM me for a referral 🙂

What do you always bring with you in your carry-on? 

My Metier passport case, LV card case, and MontBlanc pen, along with the current month’s issues of Architectural Digest and Elle Decor (or a finance book – I’m currently reading One Up on Wall Street). 

I will also have my Biologique Recherche face mist, Augustinus Bader hand cream and lip balm, hand sanitizer, and water – always! I’ve always got my iPhone and AirPods, too.

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be? 

Fashion influencer Bettina Looney… hands down.

Where would you go for a digital detox/to get off the grid? 

The Maldives. And if you want a true private experience, pick a hotel that occupies the entire island. Harbour Island, Bahamas, is also at the top of my list. And so is Puerto Escondido – you can’t go wrong with either the Hotel Terrestre or Hotel Escondido

(Note: I know most of these places are hard to get to, but that’s what makes them so special and intimate!)

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Anthony Bourdain once said, “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.”

What’s your favorite travel book?

I’m obsessed with anything and everything from Assouline Publishing. For my home, I like the large, hardcover travel books. Their brightly colored covers are eye-catching and look great stacked together on a bookshelf, coffee table, or nightstand. They are also easy to read and filled with pictures. My top five are: Athens Riviera, Palm Beach, Ibiza Bohemia, Amalfi Coast, and Tulum Gypset

To bring with me when I’m traveling, I like the “In the Spirit of” destination series by Assouline – Palm Beach, Bali, St. Barths, Rio, and Capri are my favorites. There is also a list of top spots at the end of each book, which makes them perfect to bring along on your travels!

Who is your dream travel partner? 

I prefer to travel in twos, whether that’s with my boyfriend or one of my best friends. If it’s with my family, though, I’ll always make an exception to travel in a larger group.

For more from Blanca, check out her Menorca guide and follow her on IG.

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