Pan Am Experience
Step into any economy class cabin, and it's clear that the Golden Age of flying is long gone. Or is it? The Pan Am Experience lets you relive what it was like. Your ticket includes a gourmet meal, served in a recreation of a Pan Am 747 jumbo jet from the '70s. Every detail is authentic, from the seats to the uniforms to the china to the price: expect to pay about $300 a head for your "flight."
The Line Hotel
Like the Koreatown neighborhood in which it sits, The Line Hotel doesn't slow down just because it's late. Inside the walls of this new 388-room property — a modern building that dates back to 1964 — you'll find Speek, a mid-century-styled lounge from the Houston brothers that stays open until the wee hours, a late-night bakery, a Poketo store that's open 24-hours, Korean restaurant Pot from chef Roy Choi, with an adjoining bar, Commissary, a fruit and vegetable-focused greenhouse/restaurant, and a delivery service that promises to pick up anything in the neighborhood and bring it right to your door. And then there's the rooms, which feature modern decor, exposed concrete walls, Baxter of California bath goods, curated minibars, and free Wi-Fi.
Buckhead Treehouse
Give yourself all the ambiance of a retreat in the woods and all the convenience of the city with a stay at this Buckhead Treehouse. Nestled in the woods not far from I-75, this unique retreat is made up of three separate areas connected by rope bridges: a living room with 80 year old butterfly-filled windows, a 12-candle chandelier, comfortable, antique seating for 6, and a balcony overlooking an acre of lush woods, a deck with a hammock and dart board, and a bedroom with a pillow-top double bed that can be wheeled out onto an outdoor platform, a small desk, and an antique birdcage. Just in case you feel too isolated, the house also has WiFi, but with a bottle of wine and snacks guaranteed on your arrival, we'd recommend just kicking back and relaxing.
Cane & Table
With warm temperatures and a location close to the water, the French Quarter seems like a perfect place for a rum-focused bar. And in Cane & Table, it has one. This rustic, vintage-looking bar features an inventive cocktail menu of "protoTiki" drinks that often feature the sugar cane-derived spirit — hence the name — as well as a short food menu made up of mostly small plates and sides. Also on the drinks menu are a selection of natural ciders, sherry, beer, and white and red wines, any of which are ideal for enjoying out on the spacious patio.
Soho House Chicago
You don't need to have a membership to enjoy a stay at Soho House Chicago, but it certainly doesn't hurt. The newest member of the Soho Group, which runs 12 houses in places like Berlin, Miami, and London, this new establishment offers tiny, small, medium, and medium plus bedrooms to non-members, with guest status granting them access to the club's bars, restaurant, spa, screening room, and rooftop pool. Should you feel like becoming a member — potential members are vetted and normally come from creative industries — you'll also get access to the drawing room, library, and 15,000 sq ft gymnasium, and, depending on your membership, will be welcomed at all other Soho Houses worldwide.
The Pastry War
Those of you who aren't well versed in your Mexican history might not realize The Pastry War is named after an 1838 conflict between Mexico and France, but it makes perfect sense when you realize this mezcaleria sports subtle French details throughout. The menu includes everything you'd expect, like margaritas, a healthy mezcal and tequila list, Mexican beers, and snacks including tamales and chips and salsa. What you might not expect? Several intriguing cocktail selections, craft beers from both the US and Mexico, a short menu of French wine, and, of course, pastries. Short on dough? Show up for happy hour, when house margaritas are $5, Mexican beers are $3, and games of pool are free.
Poler Flagship Store
Outdoor stuff purveyor Poler's original store was great, if a little cramped. That's not a problem anymore. The new Poler Flagship Store is a spacious 3,000 sq ft space where you can grab, tug on, chew, and otherwise test out their tees, bags, tents, jackets, beanies, hoodies, hats, and other goods before you decide to buy. There's also a selection of collabs with the likes of Raen, Stance, and Nike SB, camp-friendly goods from Juniper Ridge, Pendleton, Leatherman, and Airblaster, a playful mural by Lori D, and a gallery to serve as a pop-up exhibition space. Basically it's everything the old space was, just bigger and better.
Aquarius Records
The Bay Area has been synonymous with great music since the '60s, and one of its best record stores has been around nearly as long. Established in 1970, Aquarius Records is the oldest independent record shop in the city, offering up a selection of music that's as eclectic that the folks who shop there — they claim to only stock records they love, and thanks to an interest in everything sludge metal to bluegrass, that makes for a fantastically weird selection. As you'd expect, the staff is friendly and helpful, and explain perfectly how the store has managed to thrive for over four decades.
Urban Cowboy
Looking for a more authentic Big Apple stay than a chain hotel can provide? You'll find it at Urban Cowboy Bed & Breakfast. Designed to offer guests the feeling of staying in a modern Brooklyn townhouse, this unique accommodation offers four bedrooms in the freestanding townhouse as well as a rustic cabin the backyard and an open parlor floor that combines both modern and rustic elements — just like the rest of the property — and offers a place for guests to meet and mingle, possibly with native Brooklynites on nights when the owner is throwing a dinner party.
The Boston Shaker
There's no shortage of great places to grab a drink in Boston, but if you're the type who'd rather be mixing your own drinks, plan on stopping by The Boston Shaker. This Davis Square store is dedicated to the art of crafting cocktails, and as such stocks a ton of quality tools, ingredients, drinkware, and books. And if you're looking to expand your drink-making abilities, they also host classes on a regular basis to help you hone your craft.
Row 34
An oyster bar in Boston might not be the most original thing in the world, but that doesn't mean Row 34 isn't worth a try. Set in the Waterfront, this self-described "workingman's" venue offers an excellent raw bar with a variety of fresh oysters, as well as ceviche, chowders, lobster rolls, a daily whole fish, and other seafood. But almost as notable as the seaborne fare is the fantastic selection of beer — on tap, in casks, and in bottles — and the workweek-friendly lunch hours.
Coq d'Argent
Yes, we know, it's not technically a bar — it's actually a rather high-end French restaurant. But when we visit Coq d'Argent, we're not there for the cuisine. Instead, we're there to enjoy a drink while taking in the view. Located near the Bank of England and St. Paul's Cathedral, its rooftop garden and terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy a sip of something relaxing while looking out over London. There's also a menu of bar snacks, which, while less grand in concept, are certainly just as well executed, and, for those who enjoy a smoke, a selection of Cuban cigars, as well.
