Section

Best in City

Discover the top-rated businesses, services, and attractions that make our city special.

A vibrant American Main Street with historic buildings, bustling with people, shops, and cafes under warm sunlight, showcasing community and charm.

11 Best Main Streets in America and the South: A 2024 Ranking

Looking for the best Main Street experience? This guide ranks the top contenders across America and the South, highlighting charming towns, historic treasures, and vibrant communities.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 7· 11 min
A vibrant, inviting scene inside a hidden local restaurant, showcasing diverse diners enjoying unique, beautifully plated dishes in a cozy, authentic setting, reflecting a true culinary discovery.

Top 5 Best-Kept Secret Restaurants Locals Recommend

Skip the tourist traps and eat like a true local with this guide to the city's top 5 best-kept secret restaurants. Discover hidden gems that deliver authentic flavors and unforgettable experiences, recommended by residents.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 5· 10 min
Diverse people happily enjoying colorful ice cream cones and sundaes in a bustling, brightly lit local ice cream parlor, showcasing a vibrant community atmosphere.

Top 7 Local Ice Cream Shops in Our City (2024 Ranked Guide)

Looking for the best local ice cream? Our 2024 guide ranks the top seven shops in the city, offering everything from creative flavors to classic scoops and unique frozen treats.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 3· 8 min
A wide shot of the Chicago Botanic Garden, showcasing diverse plant collections, serene water features, and winding pathways under a bright sky, inviting visitors to explore.

The 2 Best Urban Oases and Botanic Gardens in Chicago for Unique Experiences

Explore Chicago's top 2 urban oases and botanic gardens, offering unique experiences beyond typical green spaces. This guide ranks the best natural escapes for residents and visitors alike.

Derek Molina· Apr 3· 6 min
A diverse family, parents and two children, smiling and engaged in a hands-on science exhibit at a modern educational attraction in Raleigh, North Carolina, with soft lighting.

Top 6 Family-Friendly Educational Attractions in Raleigh for 2026

Planning a family outing in Raleigh? This guide highlights the top 6 educational attractions for 2026, offering a perfect blend of learning and fun for kids of all ages.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 1· 7 min
A striking public art sculpture in Brooklyn Bridge Park, with the iconic Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge visible in the background under a warm, golden hour sky, showcasing visitors enjoying the art.

5 Public Art Installations to See in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Explore five unique public art installations in Brooklyn Bridge Park, offering a walkable and accessible art tour for curious tourists and local art lovers alike. This guide breaks down key pieces set against the city skyline.

Hannah Pierce· Apr 1· 5 min
A bustling outdoor farmers' market scene with diverse fresh produce, colorful stalls, and happy shoppers, highlighting community and local agriculture.

The 5 Best Local Farmers' Markets in Our City for 2026

Looking for the freshest produce and a vibrant community atmosphere? This guide ranks the top 5 local farmers' markets in our city for 2026, focusing on product variety and accessibility.

Hannah Pierce· Mar 31· 8 min
A warm and inviting local coffee shop interior, bathed in golden hour sunlight, showing customers enjoying coffee and baristas at work, highlighting a vibrant community atmosphere.

7 Best Types of Local Coffee Shops To Find In Our City

Looking for the best unique coffee shops in our city? This guide breaks down 7 top-rated establishments, helping you find the perfect cafe for any need, from a quick brew to a digital detox.

Hannah Pierce· Mar 30· 8 min
An aerial view of a bustling rooftop bar in Portland at dusk, featuring stylish patrons, glowing string lights, and a panoramic city skyline with mountains in the distance.

Top 5 Outdoor Patios and Rooftop Bars in Portland for 2026

Looking for the best outdoor patios and rooftop bars in Portland? This guide ranks the top 5 spots for 2026, offering everything from high-rise city vistas to massive casual patios.

Hannah Pierce· Mar 30· 6 min
A diverse group of people enjoying unique spring activities in a vibrant, underrated park, featuring cherry blossoms, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities under golden light.

Top 6 Underrated Parks and Green Spaces for Unique Spring Activities

Forget the overcrowded usual spots and dive into hidden gems that offer something truly special this spring. This guide highlights unique features, hidden trails, and specific activities that make each park shine.

Hannah Pierce· Mar 30· 7 min
Diverse group of employees celebrating Top Workplaces 2026 awards in a modern office with Washington D.C. skyline visible.

Local Companies Earn Top Workplaces Honors Amid Scrutiny

A staggering 342 organizations in the Greater Washington D.

Marco Alvarez· Jun 21· 2 min
A collection of Willem de Kooning's expressive charcoal drawings displayed in a dimly lit, grand hall at the Art Institute of Chicago, emphasizing their raw energy and historical importance.

Art Institute Honors Willem de Kooning Drawings in New Exhibition

In 1953, Robert Rauschenberg famously asked Willem de Kooning for a drawing, only to erase it and present it as his own work.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 20· 2 min
Former President Barack Obama and other dignitaries attend the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, highlighting a moment of bipartisan gathering.

Obama Center Opening: Bipartisan Display Amidst Divides

Visibly moved, former President Barack Obama dedicated his presidential center in Chicago today, a grand occasion bringing together a rare gathering of former presidents and dignitaries.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 19· 2 min
The newly opened Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, bustling with celebratory crowds under a clear sky.

Obama Center Officially Opens in Chicago

While former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 19· 2 min
Modern data center facility in Ohio with a city skyline in the background at dusk, symbolizing economic growth and technological investment.

Ohio's New Rankings: Affordable Cities and Growth

A $1.3 billion Vultr data center is coming online in Springfield, Ohio, a city just ranked fifth most affordable in the state, signaling a quiet economic boom in unexpected places. This massive high-t

Derek Molina· Jun 18· 2 min
A new 29-story high-rise apartment building adjacent to a newly built 11,000-square-foot public park in Chicago's West Loop.

West Loop Approves New High-Rise & Public Park

After years of rapid, often amenity-light development, a new 29-story apartment high-rise at 215 N.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 18· 2 min
Modern luxury apartment and townhouse complex approved by Avondale City Council, featuring high rental prices.

Avondale City Council Approves New Rental Complex

Get ready, Avondale! Rents for the newly approved rental complex, featuring townhomes and apartments, are set to start at an eye-watering $6,000, according to Block Club Chicago .

Hannah Pierce· Jun 18· 2 min
Families enjoying retro roller skating at Navy Pier's Crystal Gardens during a sunny Chicago summer day.

Chicago Offers Family Friendly Summer Events

Navy Pier's elegant Crystal Gardens is now a retro roller skating rink for the summer, a unique family attraction, reports Time Out Worldwide .

Hannah Pierce· Jun 17· 2 min
Chase Reid, a highly-touted defenseman prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, skates with intensity on a hockey rink.

Chase Reid: Top Blueline Prospect for 2026 NHL Draft

Chase Reid, a defenseman from Sault Ste.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 14· 2 min
Newly upgraded Marian R. Byrnes Park featuring new boardwalks and trails, attracting birdwatchers to Chicago's South Side.

Marian R. Byrnes Park Undergoes Major Upgrades for Chicago's South Side

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Chicago's Far South Side proudly unveils a significantly upgraded Marian R.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 13· 2 min
Mumford & Sons performing a late concert at Wrigley Field, with the Chicago skyline in the background and lights on in nearby Wrigleyville apartments.

Wrigleyville residents shrug off late Mumford & Sons concert

Despite facing a potential $45,000 fine for playing nearly 90 minutes past Wrigley Field's 11 p.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 13· 2 min
Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King testifying before a GOP-led U.S. House Committee regarding district gender and sexuality policies.

CPS CEO Faces Questions on Gender, Sexuality Policies

Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King faced a GOP-led U.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 13· 2 min
Diverse group of queer individuals over 30 dancing joyfully at a daytime outdoor dance party in Chicago with vinyl DJs.

Old Gold queer community events return for over 30s

This summer, Chicago will host daytime dance parties for the over-30 crowd, featuring all-vinyl DJ sets designed to bridge generations on the dance floor.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 12· 2 min
Scenic view of South Burlington, Vermont, showcasing its beautiful homes, green spaces, and happy families enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere.

South Burlington: Top-Ranked City, Strong Education

South Burlington, a vibrant city of 20,756 residents, recently earned the top spot as the best place to live in Vermont on Niche's 2026 list, according to Burlingtonfreepress .

Hannah Pierce· Jun 9· 2 min
Diverse group of Chicago teenagers engaged in a positive community event, promoting peace and safe summer activities.

South Side Peace Takeover Urges Teens to Avoid Risky Gatherings

On May 25, about 1,000 people gathered in Chicago's Hyde Park, leading to three shootings, 53 arrests (including 32 minors), and police closing DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 8· 2 min
A lively street festival in Pilsen, Chicago, featuring food stalls, colorful decorations, and happy attendees enjoying the community atmosphere.

Michelada Fest Canceled, Returns as New Street Festival

Just weeks before Michelada Fest was set to kick off in Union Park, the popular event was abruptly canceled, only to be immediately reborn as a free street festival in Pilsen.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 6· 2 min
Foster Beach with visible police presence and restricted parking signs during summer, highlighting public safety measures.

Foster Beach parking restrictions begin June 4, 2026

More than 50 people were arrested following a 'teen takeover' at 57th Street Beach late last month, setting a clear precedent for Chicago's current preventative measures.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 5· 2 min
Actress Netta Walker on stage at Definition Theatre, starring in the world premiere play 'Keerah' as a TV writer.

Netta Walker Stars in New Keerah Play at Definition Theatre

At 29, actress Netta Walker is not only starring in her world premiere play 'Keerah' in Chicago, but also debuting a second play this year, marking a significant career pivot, according to Block Club

Hannah Pierce· Jun 2· 2 min
The newly reopened Old Town Pour House in Chicago's Loop, a large and inviting establishment ready to welcome guests.

Old Town Pour House Reopens in The Loop This Summer

Get ready, Loop! Old Town Pour House is opening a sprawling 6,206-square-foot location by July, ready to host over 300 guests at 120 N. LaSalle St., taking over the former City Social space ( Block Cl

Hannah Pierce· Jun 2· 2 min
Students attentively listening to a teacher in a modern classroom, with no visible cell phones, symbolizing a new era of focused learning.

Illinois lawmakers pass cell phone ban for classrooms, effective 2027

Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill to ban cell phones in public K-12 classrooms, though it won't take full effect until 2027.

Hannah Pierce· Jun 2· 2 min