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The Best Road Trips from Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Near & Far, North America, Road Trips and Weekend Getaways, Uncategorized, USA, Wisconsin
One of the best things about living in Illinois and the Midwest, in general, is its accessibility and the fact that you can get to seven other states in a matter of hours. If the concrete jungle walls start caving in and the urban sprawl feels…
February 15, 2021
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2 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/route66chicago.jpg 764 750 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2021-02-15 18:00:142025-05-05 16:11:56The Best Road Trips from Chicago

The Ultimate Chicago Bucket List – 22 Things Every Visitor and Local Must Do in Their Lifetime

Chicago, Foodie Travel Experiences, Illinois, North America, Popular Posts, Summer Travel, Things to Do, Uncategorized, USA, Weekend Guides
Chicago’s food, lake, theater, and arts all contribute to the rich cultural tapestry and there are a number of iconic things to do and signature places to eat that are required to have the quintessential Windy City experience.
January 13, 2020
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8 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/chicago-bucket-list-thumb.jpg 467 580 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2020-01-13 16:39:012026-02-20 22:58:54The Ultimate Chicago Bucket List – 22 Things Every Visitor and Local Must Do in Their Lifetime

A Historic Route 66 Road Trip from Chicago to St. Louis

Chicago, Fall Travel Ideas, Illinois, Near & Far, North America, Road Trips and Weekend Getaways, Spring Travel, Summer Travel, Uncategorized, USA, Weekend Guides
Whether you’re a history buff, motorhead, photographer, road trip enthusiast, or general travel lover, driving Route 66 is a trip everyone should take at least once in their lifetime. Here's how to get your kicks on the Mother Road.
October 30, 2019
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7 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/chicago-route-66-thumb.jpg 467 580 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2019-10-30 22:18:382026-03-08 19:56:57A Historic Route 66 Road Trip from Chicago to St. Louis

The Best Beach Towns in the Midwest for a Magical Summer Getaway

Beach Trips and Ideas, Chicago, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Near & Far, North America, Ohio, Outdoor Adventures, Spring Travel, Summer Travel, Things to Do, Uncategorized, USA, Water, Weekend Guides, Wisconsin
Most people think about heading to one of the coasts when they need a beach retreat, but you don’t need an ocean to find an epic beach town. It’s actually the middle of the country that’s privy to some of the most surprising travel gems for summertime fun.
May 23, 2019
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3 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/best-midwest-getaways.jpg 467 580 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2019-05-23 22:10:362026-02-20 23:09:13The Best Beach Towns in the Midwest for a Magical Summer Getaway

17 Awesome Things to do in Chicago That’ll Help You Resist the Urge to Hideout and Hibernate this Winter

Chicago, Illinois, Near & Far, North America, Things to Do, Uncategorized, USA, Weekend Guides, Winter Travel
It’s super easy to want to crank up the heat, bury yourself in a blanket, and Netflix and chill from November through April. But fight the urge because Chicago actually has plenty of year-round attractions, many of which are even better in the winter.
February 20, 2019
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0 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/things-to-do-in-chicago-in-winter.jpg 467 580 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2019-02-20 23:45:032025-11-20 17:23:4717 Awesome Things to do in Chicago That’ll Help You Resist the Urge to Hideout and Hibernate this Winter

It Wasn’t the Midnight Train to Georgia, but I Did Take an Overnight Sleeper Train from Denver to Chicago – Curious What it Was Like?

Chicago, Travel Tips
Just a quick 18 hours from Denver's Union Station to Chicago's Union Station via Amtrak. For some reason, I've found that holiday travel brings out the worst in people. It’s supposed to be a time for cheer, but instead, the airport…
January 5, 2018
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9 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/amtrak-thumb-580x467-1.jpg 467 580 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2018-01-05 01:47:132025-05-16 19:37:51It Wasn’t the Midnight Train to Georgia, but I Did Take an Overnight Sleeper Train from Denver to Chicago – Curious What it Was Like?

My Least Favorite Question

Boulder, Chicago, Colorado, Denver, Foodie Travel Experiences, Restaurants
The best places to eat in Denver span the map but are always more than your basic farm to table small plates. When people meet me for the first time and find out what I do, they generally ask one of two questions: “What’s your favorite…
June 27, 2016
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0 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/oysters-thumb.jpg 467 580 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2016-06-27 05:36:022025-05-23 16:48:52My Least Favorite Question

Chicago

June 27, 2016
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0 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/chicagoroute66.jpg 501 750 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2014-12-12 15:14:292021-06-27 18:11:04Chicago

The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide to Chicago’s Wicker Park

Bars, Chicago, Restaurants, Shopping, USA
A local's guide to Wicker Park, Chicago's hipster heaven.
December 9, 2014
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1 Comment
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wicker-thumb.jpg 467 580 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2014-12-09 03:50:052025-05-22 15:04:45The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide to Chicago’s Wicker Park

A Goodbye Letter: Why I Ultimately Left Chicago (But Will Always Love It)

Chicago
While I regularly complained about the hassles of living downtown (creeps on the El, terrible drivers, the lingering stench of pee), leaving Chicago was by no means an easy decision. Sure, you make choices that steer your direction…
November 3, 2014
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4 Comments
https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/chicago2.jpg 400 533 Lo https://thedownlo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/downlo_logo-no-tagline.png Lo2014-11-03 04:20:382026-03-17 21:02:02A Goodbye Letter: Why I Ultimately Left Chicago (But Will Always Love It)
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Lauren Monitz

About Lo

When my third grade teacher told me I should be a writer, I laughed because that was so basic. After all, my best friend was aspiring to be a princess. Lo and behold, 20 years later, here I am, biting my tongue.

A Chicago native, a Denverite by choice, and now an accidental Texan, I've made it my mission to see as much of the world as possible because life is short, but sweet for certain. Subscribe to follow the (mis)adventures.

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