Elanor Bock

Read the latest articles by Elanor Bock at Thrillist

Chicago

Flickr/MIDWST.BLUR

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

From national forests and state parks to historic sites and a suburban arboretum—Illinois has it all.

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois

MAIMELO26/Shutterstock

Follow Lake Michigan’s curving shoreline about an hour or so east of Chicago to the Michigan-Indiana border, and you’ll find gargantuan singing sand dunes (more on that later), some of the country’s most ecologically rich vegetation, and neon lakefront sunsets that will remind you that God does, in fact, exist.

7 Reasons to Drive to Michigan City & the Indiana Dunes

Out & Back

An inclusive and equitable guide to navigating the outdoors by exploring exactly as you are, no matter where you are.

Out & Back: Making the Outdoors Equitable and Accessible for Everyone

Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock

It’s been a summer for the books, that’s for sure.

7 Reasons to Drive to Starved Rock State Park

Garfield Park Conservatory

Entertainment

Thrillist's entertainment section covers every facet of popular culture. If you care about television, music, film, or celeb news; we've got it covered.

Entertainment - Latest Entertainment & Pop Culture News - Thrillist

Tito's_Houston_ 866234_Apr22

If you didn’t get to sneak away on a vacation this summer, fret not, there’s still time to squeeze out the last bit of sunny fun here in Chicago.

15 Cool Things to Do in Chicago This Summer

Beverage Director

Beverage Director: Find the Best Bars to Drink at in Your City

Drink

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

While Chicago may no longer have a bar on every corner like it did back in the pre-Prohibition days, today you're still bound to stumble into one if you walk 10 minutes in any direction.

Where to Grab a Drink in Chicago Right Now

Key to the City

Key to the City: Insider Travel Guides to America's Cities

Buddy Guy's Legends

Honda_873544_Jun22

It’s never too late to learn a thing or two about Chicago’s vibrant historical network of Black art, music, activism, and community—and we found just the person to help us get that done.

Where to Learn About Chicago's Black History

Juneteenth

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth with a collection of stories about how and where to celebrate, profiles, and other ways to honor the holiday's indelible significance.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth | The History and Festivities of the Holiday

Flickr/risingthermals

Events

The longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth, is quickly approaching, and here in Chicago, a host of parties and events will keep you celebrating all weekend long.

19 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago This Year

Anaway Place

With plenty of drivable and desirable destinations sitting just outside of Chicago, there’s really no need to fly off to some exotic island this summer.

Perfect Summer Road Trips for When You Need to Escape Chicago

The hamburger and its salty potato French fry sidekick are an unbeatable duo pretty much anywhere you go—but here in Chicago, we have the best of the best slinging some of the juiciest and greasiest burgers out there.

The 20 Best Burger Joints in Chicago 

Lifestyle

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month has officially begun, and not a moment too soon.

20 Essential AAPI-Owned Businesses in Chicago

The Berghoff Restaurant

At one point or another, we’ve all found ourselves pacing around the noisy halls of an anonymous airport, longing for the testy gate agent to please, please call our boarding class already.

Where to Eat and Drink at Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport

Rolling hills, craggy cliffs, lush forests, serene wetlands, vast prairies, spectacular bluffs, roaring waterfalls, and a diverse selection of wildlife awaits—all within driving distance of Chicago, if you can believe it.

Elanor Bock’s Recent Articles

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois

Buckle up and hit the road for soaring architectural feats, breathtaking naturescapes, and more.

7 Reasons to Drive to Michigan City & the Indiana Dunes

From windswept dunes and rugged hikes to throwback motels and local beer.

7 Reasons to Drive to Starved Rock State Park

Scale frozen waterfalls, snowshoe down winding trails, and soak up the small town charm.

15 Cool Things to Do in Chicago This Summer

Now is the time for street fairs, live music festivals, beach days, and boat tours in the Windy City.

Where to Grab a Drink in Chicago Right Now

These are the dives, cocktail emporiums, distilleries, and wine bars serving the best drinks in Chicago.

Where to Learn About Chicago's Black History

From art museums to walking tours, these are the best ways to learn about Chicago’s African American history beyond February.

19 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago This Year

Here are the local events and festivities to help honor the holiday’s indelible significance.

Perfect Summer Road Trips for When You Need to Escape Chicago

There are plenty of day trips near the Windy City when you need a quick reset.

The 20 Best Burger Joints in Chicago

From moden classics like Au Cheval to old-school spots like Top Notch Beefburgers, this city has got you covered.

20 Essential AAPI-Owned Businesses in Chicago

From dim sum and Thai favorites to KPop megashops, game-changing gyms, indie coffee roasters, and so much more.

Where to Eat and Drink at Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport

From Restaurant Row offshoots to quick-serve staples, there’s no going hungry at ORD.

18 Underrated Hikes Near Chicago We'll Be Taking This Summer

Leash up the pup and prepare to stretch your legs along Illinois’ most picturesque trails.