Photo of author Nicole Bruce

Nicole Bruce

Nicole is a Chicago-based writer covering travel, arts and culture, food and booze, gadgets and gizmos, and sustainable lifestyles. When she's not writing, you can catch her at shows (music, art, comedy, theater) around town, grabbing a book from Chicago Public Library, or traveling to some far off land to eat, drink, and either climb a mountain or float in an ocean. You can also find her on Twitter @nicoleabruce.

Latest Posts From Nicole

The Morton Arboretum

Mar 8

20 Underrated Hikes Near Chicago We'll Be Taking This Spring

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

Friends of the Chicago River

Nov 30, 2022

Where to Volunteer in Chicago Right Now

Spread the love at park clean-ups, animal shelters, eco-friendly shops, and more.

Jan 12, 2022

The 16 Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago Right Now

These are the best trattorias, red sauce joints, and fully loaded Italian delis in Chicago.

Devil's Lake State Park

May 14, 2021

Kick-Ass Camping Trips to Take from Chicago

Nature calls.

Presented By REI

AQUAMERMAID CHICAGO

Feb 6, 2018

Chicago's Best Classes for Adults That Are Actually Fun

Everyone can use some form of self-improvement, and that doesn’t just have to mean hitting the gym or cutting carbs.

Carbide and Carbon Building

Nov 18, 2016

The Most Beautiful Buildings in Chicago, According to an Architecture Expert

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and judging design appeal is no exception.

Oct 13, 2016

Chicago's Most Innovative Startups Today

During a recent talk in Chicago about the "state of the American Dream," PayPal founder Peter Thiel -- the San Francisco-based billionaire who bankrolled Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Gawker Media -- implied that no extremely talented, tech-savvy individual with ambition should stay in Chicago.

BIG CEDAR LODGE

Sep 28, 2016

The Best Resorts in the Midwest

For most people, vacationing at a resort entails tropical drinks, Aspen-level ski slopes, or, at the very least, Mickey Mouse ears.

Sep 23, 2016

The Best Cheap Sandwiches in Chicago for $6 or Less

Six bucks won't get you much in a highfalutin city, but in Chicago it's enough to snag these seriously delicious sandwiches -- several of which have coincidentally secured spots on our sandwiches to eat before you die and best international sandwiches lists.

Paddy Long's Beer and Bacon Pub

Sep 8, 2016

Every Chicagoan Needs to Take These Food & Drink Tours

There are certainly some cool Chicago tours you'll actually want to go on with visitors, but the city's culinary tours are worth booking immediately, no guests needed.

Aug 16, 2016

Chicago's Most Beautiful Runs Will Make You Actually Want to Work Out

Whether you're a dedicated marathoner, a weekend warrior, or the occasional jogger motivated solely by the guilt of depleted potato chip bags, Chicago has wonderfully scenic routes for just about every kind of runner.

Jul 28, 2016

The Best Chicagoland Bike Paths

While Chicago might not be able to accommodate extreme mountain bikers looking to chew up some trails, there's no shortage of seriously awesome pathways for riders of all levels.