Where to next?
June 20, 2023 10:46 AM Subscribe
It's time, once again, to plan a getaway for the week before Labor Day to include Mr. DrGail, me, and our pup. We'd like to be within at most a two-day drive from Chicago, in a location no hotter and ideally cooler than home, and are looking for suggestions that meet our criteria/preferences listed within.
We've already been to Door County, the UP, and Grand Haven MI on previous trips and are considering revisiting one of them but would prefer someplace new (to us) and different. We have loved renting a vrbo in a walkable area where we can talk to neighbors/passersby, stroll to dinner or a bar, perhaps visit a farmer's market, all while leaving the car behind except when we take a day trip. Other pluses would be the sort of art/craft galleries and interesting local shops often found in resort areas, places nearby for easy scenic hikes, art fairs, wineries/distilleries/breweries, and so forth. Mostly, we just want to "live our lives" for the week in an area with a very different vibe than the type of suburban area where our house is.
We've already been to Door County, the UP, and Grand Haven MI on previous trips and are considering revisiting one of them but would prefer someplace new (to us) and different. We have loved renting a vrbo in a walkable area where we can talk to neighbors/passersby, stroll to dinner or a bar, perhaps visit a farmer's market, all while leaving the car behind except when we take a day trip. Other pluses would be the sort of art/craft galleries and interesting local shops often found in resort areas, places nearby for easy scenic hikes, art fairs, wineries/distilleries/breweries, and so forth. Mostly, we just want to "live our lives" for the week in an area with a very different vibe than the type of suburban area where our house is.
Honestly, STL fits most of your boxes if you stay in the Central West End or the Hill. I'd recommend the Hill for being more neighborhood-y, close to Tower Grove Farmers market, lots of restaurants, plenty of breweries nearby, etc. Lots of free museums. The STL reddit is pretty active and has plenty of ideas, too.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 11:36 AM on June 20, 2023
posted by Ms Vegetable at 11:36 AM on June 20, 2023
One option is Minneapolis/St. Paul, if only because with that timing you'll be able to go to the epic Minnesota State Fair. You could stay in NE Minneapolis to be close to restaurants, markets, brew pubs, and the riverfront trails.
posted by MillyMath at 12:16 PM on June 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by MillyMath at 12:16 PM on June 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
Come on over to Buffalo, it ticks all of your boxes. You would love the area they like to call Elmwood Village. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) just underwent a massive expansion and their collection is world class. Both Community Beer Works and Big Ditch Brewery are excellent. Hiking options abound and if you do stay in the Elmwood Village you're an easy stroll from a magical park designed by Olmsted which hosts free Shakespeare all summer long. You would also be right on top of the Elmwood-Bidwell farmers market. The Buffalo Wing Festival is Labor Day weekend. If you decide to visit and want any more recommendations feel free to MeMail me.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 12:46 PM on June 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 12:46 PM on June 20, 2023 [1 favorite]
Columbus, Indiana is a mecca of renowned architecture.
In the same spirit as the St. Louis and MSP suggestions, Indianapolis, Louisville, Columbus Ohio, Cincinnati and Cleveland would all fit the bill.
posted by mmascolino at 12:50 PM on June 20, 2023
In the same spirit as the St. Louis and MSP suggestions, Indianapolis, Louisville, Columbus Ohio, Cincinnati and Cleveland would all fit the bill.
posted by mmascolino at 12:50 PM on June 20, 2023
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posted by hydra77 at 10:58 AM on June 20, 2023 [1 favorite]