Big cities are full of little-known, back-alley, underground secrets - and Chicago is no exception. From restaurants to parks, you may be surprised to find that there is so much more to do here than you originally thought. If you've already done all the popular attractions, try these hidden gems. Whether you've lived here all your life or just enjoy the occasional visit, you're about to find something you didn't know about the Windy City. Keep scrolling as we share with you more thoughts on what we think are some of the best hidden gems in Chicago!
Located in River North, this hip hotel features a fresh and modern design and is located close to downtown. Guests enjoy free coffee delivered to their rooms in the mornings and have several different sleeping options.
Opened in 1972, Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder is a much-loved restaurant ibest known for its pizza pot pie, which is served in a bread bowl-like crust filled with homemade sauce made from fresh tomatoes and peppers, then topped with melted cheese. They also serve grinders, which are like pizza sandwiches.
This budget-friendly Chicago venue embraces that thing Shakespeare said about the world being a stage. Actors play themselves and tell their own stories, so the shows are authentic, unique, and excellently unpredictable.
Located in Chicago's business district, the Chicago Pedway is trail of bridges, concourses, and tunnels and a magnificent part of the city. It helps people get to work, restaurants, shops, and attractions, especially in rain or snow.
Like most Chicago parks, Maggie Daley Park is a fabulous place and open daily until 11:00 p.m. It is a project that continues to expand to include new play equipment regularly. It features several playgrounds, gardens, mazes, and other fun things to climb on and slide down.
This lovely glass top atrium at the Harold Washington Library is the perfect spot to spend a morning or afternoon in contemplation or reading a good book. It can also be rented out for events like weddings and corporate meetings.
Myopic Books is an award-winning used bookstore boasting more than 70,000 books for sale at any given time. It also hosts fun events like readings and live music.
Located inside an old brick building, this large stock of literature, children's books, magazines, and newspapers is a hidden gem worth regular visits. 57th Street Book also has a sister location that sells scholarly titles.
As one of only eight structures of its type, this temple is the oldest surviving Baha'i House. It is popular for its incredible architecture, stunning dome, and intricate carvings, and is one of the many houses of worship in Chicago.
Which of these hidden attractions have you been to? Would you agree that these are among the most fascinating hidden gems in Chicago? Do you know of other awesome Chicago best kept secrets to explore? Share your experiences and photos with us below!
Looking for a charming small town in Delaware to escape to? Look no further than Smyrna, a historic gem nestled in Kent County. If you only have one day to explore this delightful destination, here's how to make the most of it:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Helen's Sausage House. This down-home institution has been serving up a variety of delicious sausage sandwiches since 1983. A local favorite, Helen's is the perfect place to fuel up for a day of fun. And don't forget to grab a side of scrapple—a true Delaware delicacy.
Next, immerse yourself in history with a stroll through the Smyrna Historic District. This national historic district encompasses over 850 contributing buildings and has a fascinating blend of architectural styles from the mid-to-late 19th century. Admire the beautiful historic homes, with their intricate details and grand porches, and be sure to visit the Smyrna Museum, housed in a building known as "The Barracks." Inside, you'll discover interesting exhibits showcasing Smyrna's rich history and heritage. The Smyrna Museum Complex also includes the Plank House, one of the last original examples of early Swedish Delaware plank dwelling architecture from the late 1700s.
For a taste of local craftsmanship, stop by Painted Stave Distilling. This award-winning distillery produces small-batch spirits using locally sourced ingredients. Take a tour, sample their handcrafted creations, and maybe even pick up a bottle to enjoy later.
2. Lake Como
After your historical explorations, it's time to experience the natural beauty of Smyrna. Head to Lake Como, a scenic spot for enjoying the outdoors. It's a family-friendly recreation area that has a beach, playground, picnic tables, and pavilions. Take a nice walk around the lake, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Watch the boats glide across the water, or relax on the beach and admire the scenery. If you're visiting during the summer months, you might even be tempted to take a dip in the refreshing water.
Or, if you're looking for a bit more nature and wildlife, you can visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This 15,000-acre refuge is home to an abundance of wildlife, including migratory birds, waterfowl, and deer. With its diverse habitats and scenic trails, it's a go-to destination for outdoor lovers who enjoy hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
End your day with a delicious dinner at Dari Kabab & Gyro. It's a popular spot offering Middle Eastern dishes, including flavorful kebabs, gyros, and falafel.
Afterward, catch a show at the Smyrna Opera House. This beautifully restored Italianate building, dating back to 1870, has served as a cultural hub for the community throughout its history. Originally built as a town hall, it has also housed a theatre, fire station, public library, and even a jail. Today, it hosts a variety of performances, from live music and theatre to art exhibitions and lectures.
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Bonus Stop: If you have some extra time, consider stopping by the Smyrna Rest Stop and Information Center. It houses the Delaware Memorial Garden, a beautiful tribute to the state's veterans.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your day trip to Smyrna and discover the charm of this hidden Delaware gem!
What are your favorite things to do in Smyrna, Delaware? Let me know; I'd love to hear your recommendations! Nominate your suggestions, and then check out these other 10 charming small towns in Delaware for more future day trip inspiration.
It wasn't until days after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane that we, as a nation, began to understand the widespread devastation she left in her path. The death toll after this terrible storm was over 220, and that number slowly rose as cleanup crews toiled away at their grim tasks. Residents found themselves stranded by washed-out roads with no cell service and catastrophic flooding in areas that Appalachia has never seen before. Hurricane Helene will go down in history as one of the worst storms we have encountered in the United States...but it wouldn't be the only storm to cause such destruction this year.
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Only a matter of days after Helene carved a path of devastation, Hurricane Milton arrived on Florida's shores. Making landfall in the morning of October 9th, 2024, Milton was called a "catastrophic Category 5" storm and communities across Florida braced for a life-threatening storm surge, strong winds, and flooding.
10/9/2024, 9:00 a.m. - At the time of updating this article, Hurricane Milton only just began to make landfall. We will update this article with additional information on how to help the state of Florida once the damage can be evaluated.
Millions are without power, supplies, and food, and they need our help more than ever. We have compiled a comprehensive list of ways to help after Hurricane Helene. These agencies are distributing life-saving supplies to those in need and delivering them by any means possible. In some areas, like western North Carolina, that means finding helicopters to airdrop supplies.
There are many ways to donate. You can donate money, your time, or supplies. If you want to donate supplies, here are the most requested donations for Hurricane Helene:
Shelf-stable food (pop-top cans only, nothing requiring a can opener)
Bottled water
Baby formula
Diapers
Cat food
Dog food
National organizations, including FEMA, the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross, are always taking donations. These organizations help the larger region, and the Red Cross has set up shelters all across the region.
If you would like to donate to a smaller, local non-profit, we’ve compiled a list from every state affected by Hurricane Helene. It's not a conclusive list, but it's a good start.
Western North Carolina was hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Many roads were washed away, leaving communities with only one way in or out: by air.
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Until roads can be cleared and are safe to drive on, emergency relief is being airlifted to affected areas via helicopter. A group of independent pilots with helicopters has volunteered to help transport water, food, and supplies. They have set up a GoFundMe, and all donations will go towards funds needed for supplies to be delivered to Western North Carolina.
Grassroots organizations are popping up all over the affected areas. If you’d like to get involved, visit the Hurricane Helene Airlift Relief Facebook page to find out where drop-off zones are and what supplies are needed.
Operation Airdrop is another organization that delivers hot meals and essential supplies to those affected by the storm.
JAARS is a non-profit in Avery County that delivers supplies by air. Supplies can be dropped off at 7700 JAARS Road, Waxhaw, NC, 28173, or donated online.
Other organizations in Western North Carolina:
Manna FoodBank in Asheville is distributing supplies at the Asheville Farmers Market.
BeLoved Asheville is a group of boots-on-ground volunteers collecting and distributing supplies.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue: The facility was destroyed, but all the animals are safe with foster families. However, donations are urgently needed.
McDonald's in Asheville will be serving free food Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 950 Patton Avenue.
Cotton Global Disaster Solutions will be set up at Asheville High School, 419 McDowell Street, on Friday, October 4, 2024, to distribute water and box lunches.
The City of Asheville has set up a water distribution center at Asheville Middle School (211 S. French Broad Avenue). It's a drive-thru that can hold one case of water per family per day.
Ready-to-eat meals are being distributed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 35 E. Antrim Drive at McAllister Square
Harvest Hope: Food distribution at 2818 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611
Redemption Church will have hot meals, water, and charging stations on Wednesday, 10/2, and Thursday, 10/3. 315 Roe Road, Greenville, SC 29611
Spartanburg County:
Spartanburg Water will have a drive-thru water fill station at its Collection and Distribution Complex, 301 S. Avenue, Spartanburg, on October 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Spartanburg County will be handing out bottled water and MREs from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. until further notice at two locations: 1875 E. Main Street, Duncan (SCC's Tyger River Campus) and 9070 Hwy 11, Campobello.
Spartanburg School Districts will be serving hot meals at both Shoally Creek Elementary School and Broome High School.
The Rocky River Baptist Association Union #3 will serve hot meals on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Oconee County:
The Oconee Emergency Services has a full list of all of their locations for food that is updated daily.
Golden Corner Food Pantry has food and water locations: Mountain Rest Community Club, 120 Verner Mill Road, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, and Salem Fire Department Parking Lot 115 East Main Street, Salem, SC 29676
Pickens County:
There are charging stations at 5 Point Church, Liberty Elementary, Pickens Recreational, Pickens City Hall, Snow Family Outdoor Fitness & Wellness, and Larry Bagwell Gym.
Shelter/Food/Showers: The Red Cross Shelter/Glenwood Baptist Church 325 Saco Lowell Road, Easley, SC.
Water/MRE Distribution Centers: Pickens County Building Maintenance 1507 Walhalla Hwy. Pickens, SC, and the Fire Department 2507 Earls Bridge Road, Dacusville, SC.
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How to help Georgia after Hurricane Helene
BAT CAVE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 1: A house along the Broad River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on October 1, 2024 in Bat Cave, North Carolina. The death toll has topped 140 people across the southeastern U.S. due to the storm, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power and the federal government has declared major disasters in areas of North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and Alabama, freeing up federal emergency management money and resources for those states, according to the reports. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta has set up Camp Mikell in Toccoa as temporary housing. The camp has power, hot water, and access to food/fuel. Call 706-886-7515 to set up housing.
St. Pete Laundry Company (8461 4th St. N): 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. (last wash at 8:30 p.m.)
Hurricane Helene donation collection sites across Pinellas County are accepting donations. Visit the donation collection website to find a location.
Volunteer Connect is a statewide portal that matches volunteers with organizations near them. Even if you cannot donate money or supplies, your time is just as valuable.
The City of St. Petersburg is not charging bus fare for service within St. Pete city limits from September 30 until October 13.
Stonewall Harley-Davidson is filling a 50-foot trailer with donations to hand off. They are seeking basic cleaning supplies, water, and non-perishable food at 385 Waugh Blvd in Orange.
These states have a long road to recovery ahead of them. They need our help now more than ever. We know this isn't a full list, but it's a good start, and this will be updated as more information becomes available. If you have an organization you’d like to be included, please email [email protected].
