Syracuse | take one

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que | Restaurant

I went to Syracuse University to attend their School of Architecture. Since I was there for five years, the program is five years, I had the opportunity to eat at plenty of delicious restaurants. One of my favorites is Dino and every time I return for a sporting event or to visit friends who are working there I insist on eating here. Started as a type of traveling biker food cart around Albany, New York, the founders opened a permanent shop in downtown Syracuse, New York and within two years of being open they tripled their space to include a full bar, full service dining and live music. The very first time I ate there I waited in line for almost two hours. Yes, you read that correctly, two hours. And since it was my freshman year we were not able to utilize their full bar to pass the time. It was thankfully so worth the wait. And I have never had to wait that long again! Parked outside you will find lots of motorcycles, when there isn't snow on the ground, and inside there are dinosaur murals painted amongst the eclectic collection of artifacts. I now use Dino as a benchmark for other barbeque restaurants, and it will remain that way until I find something better. They have fantastic pulled pork and brisket and ribs. Plus an extensive selection of sides, with the BEST macaroni and cheese I've found at any other restaurant. They have won various awards with their food and sauces, and have been featured on Man v. Food on the Travel Channel. Even better?! Their sauces and rubs are available at many grocery stores and have their own cookbook; Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: An American Roadhouse.

INFO | Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Pulled Pork Sandwich

 

Chicago | take ten

Museum Campus | Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field

If you’re up for visting museums in Chicago, then this is a one stop spot for that! All are different depending on what interests you, and the Aquarium is my favorite. There can be quite a line for it however when school is out of session, so plan ahead and buy tickets online. Also check for free days during the week if you aren't restricted to seeing it on a weekend. I have never used CityPass or any similar option in Chicago, but if it gets you ahead of the line and you plan to see enough to make the cost worth it, then I suggest it. The Field Museum has exhibits from Sue the dinosaur to the Ancient Americas to the Mammals of Africa with plenty of things for kids to do. The Adler Planetarium is great for anyone interested in space and space exploration. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, also hosts other sports and music events. Their website has upcoming shows with information on purchasing tickets. If you love football a Bears game in traditional "Bears weather" is great fun, if you can handle the cold that is! If the weather is nice, Museum Campus can be reached on foot from the Millennium Park area by walking along the path by the water. There are many points where Lake Shore Drive can be crossed safely aside from the winding bridge from Millennium Park, its a busy, fast, wide road in the city so don't try crossing anywhere else.

INFO | Field Museum
INFO | Shedd Aquarium
INFO | Adler Planetarium
INFO | Soldier Field

Chicago | take nine

Millennium Park

Across Monroe Street from the Art Institute, this park is one of my favorite places to visit. Home to the Bean [technically named the Cloud Gate], the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Garden spaces. In the winter you can ice skate in front of the Park Grill Restaurant and in the summer enjoy Crown Fountain which has two face statues that “spit” water at each other while the face pictures change. Along Michigan Avenue south of the park are many restaurant options to grab a quick lunch or coffee.

INFO | Millennium Park

Anish Kapoor, creator of the Cloud Gate

Chicago | take eight

Art Institute of Chicago | Museum

I love going to the Art Institute because it is so expansive with art for everyone's taste. They have many stationary exhibits and alternating ones as well. Check the website for what is currently on display. Many of the traveling exhibits require additional ticket purchase with an entry time, which I believe you can purchase online, highly recommended. I still have not experienced the new modern wing that was designed by Renzo Piano, but have heard its a fantastic way to view the art. The new addition also connects the art museum to Millennium Park across the street with a new pedestrian foot bridge.

INFO | Art Institute of Chicago

Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte | 1884-1886 | Georges Seurat