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.
Mistura
If you like Peruvian cuisine — or even if you simply want to learn more about it — there's no better place to head than Mistura. Stretching across ten days, this event is organized by the Peruvian Gastronomy Society and brings together all the country's ethnic groups and diverse cuisines together in a single celebration that ranks as the most popular food fair in Latin America, complete with a grand market, cooking demonstrations, and more, all set on the shores of the Pacific.
Brutus
Alright, so it's really as much of a bar as it is a restaurant, but Brutus is making a name for itself based on its food as much as its drinks. Why? Because practically everything on the menu contains bacon, including bacon doughnuts, a bacon sausage hot dog, bacon sushi, and the pièce de résistance, Jägerpoutine — a mix of bacon, caramelized red onions, cheese curds, and Jägermeister sauce, poured over french fries, and served in half of a recycled Jägermeister bottle. There's also bacon elements to many of the drinks, making this a must-see for bacon lovers visiting Quebec.
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.
Edmund's Oast
Named for an English-born patriot nicknamed "The Rebel Brewer" and the European term for a kiln used for drying hops, it's little surprise that Edmund's Oast is a restaurant that takes its beer seriously. They're so serious, in fact, that they have a small brewery on-site, and boast an impressive list of draught beers from around the globe. The food is is designed to be authentic and thoughtfully-sourced, with selections including fresh seafood, farm-fresh chicken, and fantastic charcuterie, and an inventive cocktail menu with two punches available on tap provides several options for those who want something a bit more powerful than beer.
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.
Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
Yes, it sounds like a cabin-based club set into the mountains — but while the interior design might sport some rustic flair, the Portland Hunt & Alpine Club is far from remote. Set in the town's Old Port area, this intimate establishment boasts an eclectic cocktail menu featuring classic drinks dating all the way back to the 1850s, as well as many modern creations — including three available on tap. There's also an impressive list of whiskeys and other spirits available, and a short food menu specializing in Scandinavian fare, heavy on sandwiches and charcuterie. Like many great cocktail bars, they also provide educational events on occasion, so if you're looking to expand your mixology knowledge, keep your eyes open for any upcoming classes.
Electronic Sriracha Festival
Yes, you read that correctly. Labor Day weekend — Saturday August 30 from Noon to 8pm, to be more precise — St. James Park will play host to one of the most interesting culinary/musical mashups of the year. The Inaugural Electronic Sriracha Festival will occupy two city blocks, and feature three stages of electronic music from some of the Bay Area's best, four bars, over 40 food trucks and tents with all dishes priced at $6 or less, and reasonable tickets that likewise won't break the bank.
