Meredith Heil

Read the latest articles by Meredith Heil at Thrillist

Nation

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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

When Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 86 earlier this month, I couldn’t help but think about my late grandmother.

Tap Into the Past & Toast to the Future in Ireland's Rebel County

Chicago

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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

Late Checkout

Thrillist presents 'Late Checkout,' bringing you the most unique Airbnbs, bucket list hotels, and extraordinary places to stay around the world.

Late Checkout: Airbnbs, Hotels & Where to Stay Around the World

@eaton.dc

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“‘Another World is Possible’ and ‘The Third Place’ are both inspirations for Eaton,” writes Eaton Workshop founder Katherine Lo on the sleek DC property’s website.

Get in on the Action at This Rabble-Rousing Hong Kong Transplant

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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

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

7 Reasons to Drive to Starved Rock State Park

Hidden Gems

With Hidden Gems, we’ll seek out the kitschy, bizarre, creative, oddly beautiful gems around the world.

Hidden Gems: Uncovering Under-the-Radar Local Spots Near You

Photo by Katie Kauss

Summer in Chicago has long been synonymous with massive music festivals.

America's Best Country Music Festival Happens in the Last Place You'd Expect

Pantry Goals

From the best recommendations at Trader Joe's and Aldi to our favorite products at global markets, these stories provide you with all the inspiration you need for your next grocery trip.

Pantry Goals - Thrillist

Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist

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

The Best Jarred Marinara Sauces to Toss Your Noodles In

My Day Off

From a late-night dive bar to an early morning bakery, museum, park, or pit-stop, our favorite celebrities and personalities reflect on why they love the city they’re in the most.

My Day Off: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide

For Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams, a Day Off in Kansas City Is All About Dogs, Dining, and the Driving Range 

Photo courtesy of Yours Truly DC Hotel

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When Yours Truly, a Bohemian-chic independent boutique hotel in the heart of Washington DC’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, debuted in May 2020, the response was muted.

Experience a Little Slice of Home in America’s Transient Capital

Budlong Hot Chicken

Events

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All the Foods and Drinks You Need to Try at This Year's Lollapalooza

Beverage Director

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

Drink

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.

Meredith Heil’s Recent Articles

Tap Into the Past & Toast to the Future in Ireland's Rebel County

From the Blarney Stone to the Butter Museum, cultural riches await.

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois

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

Get in on the Action at This Rabble-Rousing Hong Kong Transplant

Social activism meets kick-ass cocktailing in the nation’s capital.

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.

America's Best Country Music Festival Happens in the Last Place You'd Expect

Boot-scootin’ in the House that Jordan Built? You bet.

The Best Jarred Marinara Sauces to Toss Your Noodles In

Just add pasta for the easiest weeknight dinner.

For Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams, a Day Off in Kansas City Is All About Dogs, Dining, and the Driving Range

The pro soccer stars and 'Snacks' podcasters talk food, travel, and getting to know their new Midwestern home.

Experience a Little Slice of Home in America’s Transient Capital

This is the hotel the pandemic built—in the best way possible.

All the Foods and Drinks You Need to Try at This Year's Lollapalooza

From Neapolitan-style pies and endless craft beers to BBQ and bourbon in the park, refuel and rehydrate like a pro.

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.

This Peculiar Midwestern 'Ghost Town' Has Never Been More Alive

Finding his rural hometown abandoned, one Missouri artist set out to recreate it—brick by brick.