Fun Forecast: New Finds in 4 Great US Cities

Over the course of four weeks this spring I traveled to 3 out of 4 of the United States’ biggest cities and was lucky enough to uncover some great new finds in four US cities. From tours, to shopping, to galleries to where to see and be seen, check out if any of these ideas tickle your fancy too.

New York City

still house whiskey

Small batch distillers in NYC have become ALL the rage so much so that you can find self-guided and somewhat more official distillery tours offered there now. While I have not officially tried the Brooklyn Booze Trail (self-guided tour showcasing the borough’s new generation of spirits, from whiskey and rum to grappa and hibiscus liqueur) or New York Craft Cocktail Tour, I have sampled some of these small batch distillers’ products. My favorites were The Noble Experiment, a small batch rum distiller and Van Brunt Stillhouse, makers of rum, whiskey and grappa. I only sampled their American whiskey and while I would not say I’m a whiskey connoisseur, I found Van Brunt Stillhouse’s whiskey delicious. One or both of these tours are on my radar for a future visit 100%.

Los Angeles

abbot kinney

Abbot Kinney Blvd. located in the Venice Beach neighborhood of LA is a cool street full of fun boutiques, galleries, restaurants and amazing architecture. One of my notable favorites is Beach House Brand – a boutique meant to inspire wanderlust – carrying personally curated items to bring you an “Endless Summer” travel experience of your dreams. I found beautiful dresses, never before seen bikini brands and all kinds of awesome travel accessories. Burro was my other absolute do-not-miss. They carry an eclectic, thoughtful selection of items from all over the world – from stationery, jewelry and home decor to modern toys for kids. Burro says that while their shops are a destination location for tourists they remain the local “go to” favorite. I found some of the best greeting cards ever there as well as a very entertaining selection of gift items.

Miami

peter tunney

Peter Tunney Experience is a gallery located in the Wynwood Walls area of Miami. Peter’s work helps us redefine our way of interacting with and understanding the world around us. Using optimistic headlines such as “BELIEVE”, “GRATTITUDE” and “CHANGE THE WAY YOU SEE EVERYTHING”, Tunney is counter attacking the media’s constant relay of stories of death, destruction, hysteria and greed. It is a refreshing way to think positively and not think or live in fear. The Wynwood Walls area is an international destination within itself, giving Miami a place to gravitate to and explore and serving as tribute to graffiti and street art, which has been somewhat under appreciated and not always respected historically. Both of these things are an absolute, take the time out, must-see.

Chicago

soho house chicago

Opened a little less than a year, Soho House Chicago is a private club with some public spaces such as their ground floor restaurants and bar. Soho House was founded in 1995, in London, as a private members’ club for those in film, media and creative industries BUT you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a drink at Fox Bar or a slice at Pizza East. The Allis is a spot within Soho House Chicago for a coffee, quick bite or cocktail. Also, let’s not forget Chicken Shop where you can enjoy free range chicken from the spit. Now, if you are lucky enough to be a member or know one, I think the roof top deck is the place to see and be seen while viewing downtown Chicago’s skyline. Located in a historic former belt factory in the Fulton Market neighborhood, Soho House Chicago should be a must-do.

PS – all four of these US cities I’ve highlighted have a Soho House!

7 Comments

Filed under chicago, los angeles, miami, new york, travel, USA

7 Responses to Fun Forecast: New Finds in 4 Great US Cities

  1. Pizza East! I went there in London – I had no idea they were located in other places. So yummy!

    Glad I got to be in NYC with you, though I wish I had experienced all these spots with you. Great write up and tips, as always! 🙂
    Erin Marie recently posted…Mustang – The Lost Kingdom of TibetMy Profile

  2. Wow, I learned something about my own city. I didn’t even know that Soho House Chicago exists! I still want to do the Brooklyn Booze Trail with you 🙂 Mmmmm… whiskey.
    Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted…WBCM – Radio Bristol: Music with roots broadcasting from the birthplace of country musicMy Profile

  3. You had me at small batch distillers. Then you had me again at Chicago. I will have to check out the Soho House. Reminds me of a Warren Zevon song.
    Traveling Ted recently posted…Learning the GoPro culture at the GoPro Mountain GamesMy Profile

  4. You seem to always know the drinking/eating/fun scene everywhere you go. I’ve been to all of these cities and this is all new. Wish we could have spent more time in Venice Beach.
    Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…FlipKey Apartment Rental in Santa MonicaMy Profile

  5. So making these happen…. Yes, the NYC booze of course, but I am probably most excited for the Peter Tunney experience in Miami… I so agree with the mission, I expect to make a contribution to that as part of my future, to deliver the positive… yes… big things ahead.

    stay positive, craig
    craig zabransky (@StayAdventurous) recently posted…Book Mexico City, New Dates Finalized for Stay AdvenTOURsMy Profile

  6. Yun

    Thanks for sharing your new finds!

  7. Ray

    The Soho House Chicago is a definite off-the-beaten path adventure worth seeking. But since I don’t know any members to take in that gorgeous Chicago skyline from the rooftop patio, I am going to have to check out the NYC Distillery Trail the next time I visit. Thanks for the tips!
    Ray recently posted…Chicago’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions – Chicago Sports MuseumMy Profile

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