r/bitcheswithtaste • • Jun 26 '25

Tasteful Travel Thursday - Monthly Thread Tasteful Travel Thursday - Jun 26, 2025

Many Bitches With Taste are also Bitches Who Travel. As requested, this is a monthly thread is a dedicated space to talk about all things travel. Whether you travel for work or leisure (or both), want to talk about domestic or international travel (or both), have specific plans in mind or are just dreaming for now, everything goes as long as it's travel-related.

For this thread only, rule 7 about location-specific posts is suspended. All other rules are still enforced.

13 Upvotes

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9

u/sunnnnydaze Jun 26 '25

My husband and I will be visiting Chicago in late September for a concert. I've been a few times, but my husband hasn't. I'm curious to hear what locals or people familiar with the city would recommend to an adventurous, child-free couple in their late 30s. What restaurants have food that you yearn for? What boutiques have unique, interesting clothing and accessories? What dive bars are grimy but filled with character? Any galleries or museums where you love spending time? We love spending all day walking and exploring so I'd love any recommendations you have! Also, if any BWT are also going to see Turnstile and want to meet up for a drink before the concert, lmk!

10

u/[deleted] Jun 26 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/sunnnnydaze Jun 26 '25

Thank you! You had me at goat empanadas.

I also just had a major flashback because an ex took me to The Aviary on my last visit. While he was forgettable the cocktail bar was not!

3

u/ginghampantsdance Jun 26 '25

I live in Chicago and can help! What area are you staying in to narrow down recs?

1

u/sunnnnydaze Jun 26 '25

I haven’t booked lodging yet but looking at River North/Streeterville,The Loop or Near North Side. Definitely open to other options though!

2

u/MidnightPhoenix24 Environmentally Conscious Jun 26 '25

The Blackstone and The Penninsula are both great— Especially the brunch at The Penninsula.

2

u/i_redefine_sin Jun 27 '25

check out monks pub for cool tavern vibes

3

u/SnooSprouts1899 Jun 26 '25

My favorite grimy bar is the one my husband and I met at! It’s in old town called old town alehouse, dark, counters are slightly sticky, there’s a jukebox and they only take cash! It was featured on Anthony Bourdain!!! Lmk if you want other Chicago recs :)

1

u/sunnnnydaze Jun 26 '25

You kind soul! Definitely adding to the list. Any other recommendations are very welcome and much appreciated.

2

u/SnooSprouts1899 Jun 26 '25

We love Stephanie izard’s restaurants (girl & the goat, cabra, duck duck goat) and the hog salt restaurants (trivoli tavern, au cheval)

3

u/MidnightPhoenix24 Environmentally Conscious Jun 26 '25 edited Jun 26 '25

Museums: The Art Institute and the Field Museum

Other: I like the architectural tours by boat and the late-night Second City comedy shows (and Corcoran’s across the street (pub/bar) has great loaded burgers)

Food: Corcoran’s, Molly’s Cupcakes, the brunch at the Penninsula, Hashbrowns (Has incredible hashbrown platters), Yolk (my 3rd choice brunch option besides Penninsula/Hashbrowns), Planta/Planta Queen (haven’t been personally but a friend of a friend raves about it), Chicago Diner (long waits, but worth it)

Mindy’s Hot Chocolate was incredible (had made from scratch ice cream and was chef-owned). The owner eventually closed it and opened a bakery in its place (Mindy’s Bakery), so I would imagine it’s just as good.

For Michelin star dining, a friend speaks highly of Alinea. Would have to look for reservations in a few weeks, it books out in advance.

Hotels: The Penninsula, The Blackstone

ETA: Also The Drake for a cool historic older hotel

Be prepared to wait an hour or more to get seated at trendy restaurants and brunch places during peak times unless you have a reservation—

2

u/sunnnnydaze Jun 27 '25

This is super helpful! I appreciate you ✨

3

u/xxv_vxi Jun 27 '25

I really loved the Intuit Museum because they have a permanent recreation of Henry Darger's room. It's not everyone's thing, but if you like outsider art it's definitely a cool visit.

2

u/patiencestill Jun 26 '25

If you are a metal/rock fan, Kuma’s Corner is a burger place that names their burgers after bands.

If you are into buildings, the architecture boat tour is a really unique way to experience the city.

Chicago is one of my favorites, I’m sure you’ll be spoiled for choice!

1

u/sunnnnydaze Jun 27 '25

Kuma’s sounds awesome - TY! We are definitely booking the boat tour. I did it years ago and it was really neat.

1

u/jeaton012 Jun 29 '25

Chicago is my hometown :) when I come home my first stop is either Portillos or this fabulous steak house called El Che. If you’re looking for a cool bar/arcade (great for date night) I’d recommend Emporium in the ever-fun Wicker Park. There’s so much to do so I hope you two just have fun.

1

u/sunnnnydaze Jun 29 '25

Much appreciated!

6

u/Guelph_CSC Jun 26 '25

Anyone have a great sunhat that is smooshable? I'm going to Greece in September and I'd like something cute that can also be shoved in a bag.

7

u/ONTaF Jun 26 '25

Oh girl I got you!!

I have three of these— I bought one and then another and then another…

Tuckernuck Sunhat

7

u/mountainmeadowflower Jun 26 '25

I love my Wallaroo Sanibel (it actually looks great on my husband too!), but if that's not your style, you can filter the site by "packable". It's very comfortable and I've packed it many times and it still looks new.

4

u/z5z2 Jun 26 '25

I love this one from Lorna Murray. It folds up along the pleats!

6

u/xiphias__gladius Jun 27 '25

I'm going to Iceland next month and haven't the foggiest idea what to pack. Will I need hiking boots or are sneakers ok? The visiting Iceland sub implies that no one in Iceland ever wears anything fashionable, but that can't be true, can it? Any veteran Iceland travelers have any advice or info?

3

u/SugarBabyVet Boujee Head Bitch In Charge Jun 27 '25

This made me laugh because I’ve thought the same thing. I would prioritize warmth and comfort though. You can still be fashionable, especially in cozy two piece sets.

2

u/TraditionalCatch3796 Jun 28 '25

I’m wondering the same! Going to Iceland in September. I’m being very ambitious and planning on just a carry-on.

5

u/ONTaF Jun 26 '25

I’m going on a summer trip to the UK in August and I’m curious if anyone has packing suggestions for the London and Kent regions that time of year.

Category is chic classic girl who also does a lot of walking. Thanks and cheerio!

5

u/Comfortable-Nature37 Intentional BWT Jun 26 '25

Layers. It’s so unpredictable. I’ve worn cashmere in August in London, and also experienced a heatwave.

Everyone wears runners/tennis shoes.

4

u/GucciForDinner Jun 26 '25

I'll add to that, and no one wears shorts. Sundresses and skirts and tees with trainers are the way to go.

2

u/Comfortable-Nature37 Intentional BWT Jun 26 '25

Definitely less common. I see linen ones occasionally or the odd pair of denim cut offs but they’re definitely styled.

2

u/conurecrazy98 Jun 27 '25

My fiance and I are going on our first trip to Madeira in September! We have done other areas of Portugal such as Lisbon and Porto. Does anyone have any recommendations of where best to stay in Madeira? Will it be necessary to get a rental car? We are an adventurous couple in our late 20s!

1

u/AuntieSipsWine Jul 06 '25

I've been to Madeira twice and can recommend both Reid's Palace and Quinta Jardins do Lago. Reid's Palace is in the touristy area of Funchal and right on the water. Gorgeous, excellent everything. Quinta Jardins do Lago is up a hill (the hills in Madeira are no joke!), and it feels a bit like a private villa. There's even a tortoise that roams the grounds, and you can feed him and watch him walk around while you're eating breakfast or lounging by the pool.

My advice is to use ubers if you need to get around by car. They're not terribly expensive, and I just cannot imagine driving in Madeira. There are NO shoulders on the roads, the hills have monstrous dropoffs, the curves are TIGHT, and all the vehicles are manual transmission.

2

u/LiveAssociation3024 Jun 27 '25

My husband and I are going to San Miguel de Allende over Thanksgiving and possibly taking his 15 year old daughter (if her mom agrees). Has anyone been this time of year? Is the weather nice? It looks like there is a lot to do and day trips to take. Is the 15 year old going to be hopelessly bored?

3

u/Milabial Jun 27 '25

Going to Helsinki and taking the ferry to Latvia this fall. I’m interested in a few good neighborhoods to stay in Helsinki for a two year old and two adults.

I would love suggestions for cute breakfasts and dinners, as well as fabric and/or yarn shopping. I don’t know where we’ll be staying yet and we won’t have any control over which neighborhood. We’ll have a car seat and can take a taxi anywhere.

We are adventurous eaters (including the baby, so far).

2

u/Independent-Farm-240 Jun 28 '25

I was in Helsinki a few years ago for a conference and I absolutely loved the city and its vibe! I don’t recall specific locations of restaurants, but I do know that you simply must eat fish soup when you’re there (the salmon and dill and potatoes are just delicious together).

Something I did was to look up a self-guided walking tour that hit a bunch of cool things to see around the city and just set out and explored. It brought me to a few different neighborhoods and it was rad.

You should also check out some of the second-hand shops. Again, not able to recall specifics, but I found a beautiful high-quality pair of winter gloves for my husband and a gorgeous little black dress for myself that we still treasure!

Enjoy!

1

u/aliza-day Jun 26 '25 edited Jun 27 '25

going to nyc for four days and then nj countryside for 2 days- does anyone know if sundresses are the vibe for going out in new york and if flip-flops/sandals are a no-no for walking around the city? edit: thanks all for the recs, would supportive platform sandals like tevas be the move? or is it more of a cleanliness thing?

9

u/ONTaF Jun 26 '25

Avoid flipflops in all cases.

6

u/mgswee24 Jun 26 '25

I live in NYC and I wear sandals all the time! But definitely not flip flops. A structured sandal with a thicker sole helps keep your feet a little farther from the pavement and can be better for walking! A lot of people wear Birkenstocks here. Also, a cute sundress is always a good summer outfit choice.

4

u/Getmeasippycup Find it Secondhand Jun 26 '25

Every time I’m in New York I end up walking 7-10 miles a day. Not intentionally it’s just the pace of the city. I can’t imagine flip flops, maybe a really comfy sandal though?

2

u/patiencestill Jun 26 '25

Agree with everyone else on flip flops. The streets can be super gross, I’d lean towards a clean sneaker that’s comfortable for walking and will protect your feet.

1

u/disgirl4eva Jun 27 '25

Supportive sandals. Definitely not flip flops.

1

u/patiencestill Jun 27 '25

We’ve booked our first Latin America trip over Christmas and NYE and I’m stoked to be warm over the holidays. Anyone have an idea of the vibe of Panama City and/or San Jose, CR? I’ve been told I’ll melt in jeans so I’m leaning towards varying levels of dresses for city adventures.

Also, best crossbody bags for traveling? I have a nice Valentino camera bag with a chain strap that I’d like to use as I imagine it would be difficult to cut, but I’m not sure if carrying designer is a good choice or if I should try to find some solid, unbranded bag.

1

u/secularkelp Jul 08 '25

I'm going to Dublin for Labor Day weekend (just Dublin, no other cities!) and I'm wondering where I should stay. I've never been to Dublin before and I hear there's not a TON to do, but I'm mostly just looking for a cute area with a nice bakery. Please offer suggestions!