hoopsgalore

Bermondsey beer mile for drinking

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Lack of travel prep is what leads to bad experiences
I don't understand it

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Depends - We winged Japan without any advanced planning beyond hotel accommodations, and it was one of the two or three best trips we've ever done. Did similar in Brazil and it was great, as well.

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Even before Covid? Seems like 5-6 years ago more people were drinking than ever before and just the last 3 years or so consumption has taken a sharp decline.

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Yeah, I guess my definition of "awhile" was more the years post-COVID, when indoor re-openings expanded in 2021.

Pre-COVID craft beer was quite the time with BA lotteries, lining up the night before, etc. shite, Assassin release at Toppling Goalith is a shell of what it once was and GI Prop just rots on Chicago grocery store shelves all year. Quite the departure from what we saw in the 2010s.

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Possibly but I doubt we will want to. Will be travelling with an infant. Which location would you consider better to base?

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Both cities are very different from one another, but I'll say Kyoto since nightlife isn't going to be much of a consideration.

Given the choice, I would 100% stay in Michigan. Summertime can be tricky without advanced planning, but definitely check out places like Traverse City, Grand Haven, New Buffalo, and Saugatuck.

Your LDL panels have to be a total disaster :lol:

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Wed. - Arrive and have Lou Malnati's near Midway Airport

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If your preference is eating near MDW, I'm going to toss a vote in for Danny's Pizza Place. Thin crust reigns supreme for everyone that lives in Chicago. Deep dish is fine every now and then, but very much a "tourist" thing. You can try plenty of deep dish downtown in The Loop and River North.

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I'll be there next week (Wed - Sun) with my wife and "kids" ...they're 23 and 26

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Especially with the age of your "kids," definitely check out my Chicago thread. Plenty of food, drink, and sights recommendations. Here is the link: LINK

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Wed. - Arrive and have Lou Malnati's near Midway Airport. Figure out the logistics of the CTA near our AirBnB (in the Illinois Medical District). I think the Blue line has a stop not far that will get us downtown.

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Few thoughts / questions in this section:

1. Any reason you chose IMD for your Airbnb? My assumption is cost. It wouldn't be my first choice, but you're pretty close to Little Italy and Pilsen. For Italian, check out Tufano's in Little Italy. Pilsen is a historically Hispanic neighborhood that has undergone quite a bit of gentrification over the years. Some really good cocktail bars and taquerias, and a quick hop on the Pink Line at Polk (right next to Rush University Medical Center).

2. Going back to your Airbnb, make sure you board a Blue Line train bound for Forest Park. There are some that finish their route at UIC-Halsted. If this happens to you, it's ~25 minute walk to IMD or quick Lyft/Uber.

3. I will caution this part of the Blue Line run is quieter, as opposed to some of the "it" neighborhoods on the NW side (e.g. Logan Square, Avondale, Wicker Park, and River West). That said, your part of the route is probably a bit more crowded on the weekend with people coming in from Forest and Oak Park. The 'caution' piece comes from the Pulaski and Western stops - You'll be on/off before, but they are the "border" along 290 between Garfield Park and North Lawndale. Not great neighborhoods, so don't be shocked to see a couple sketchy characters. If you're uncomfortable, sit in front car of the train. Had to go over to IMD yesterday for my annual check-up. Was just me and one homeless guy in one of the cars, but he was harmless.

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explore the city after that.

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Again, check my linked thread above. Pretty much everything you'll want to know about neighborhoods to explore but it will take some planning since you aren't technically on the north or northwest side.

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Brunch at either 4th base or Central Standard Crafthouse. Historic Milwaukee Boat tour, Visit Lakefront Brewery or Miller. The Brewers vs. LA Dodgers game.

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Might I suggest Wicked Hop for brunch? Directly across the street from the Public Market, Third Ward is a great area to walk/shop, and Wicked Hop has, in my opinion, the best one or two bloodies in MKE.

If you go to Lakefront, walk across the river to the Lower East side and check out a couple bars on/around Brady, including Wolski's and Malone's. Fantastic dives.

Architecture Boat Tour, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Skydeck (Willis Tower), Museum of Science and Industry, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Garfield Park Conservatory, Montrose Beach / Bird Sanctuary, Green City and Logan Square Farmers Markets, Maggie Daley, and Museum of Ice Cream.

All worthwhile stops with kids.

If you and the wife want a little time to enjoy yourselves with the kids, highly recommend Malt Row breweries in/around Ravenswood and North Center. Accessible via Brown Line and an opportunity to see a couple neighborhoods outside the usual tourist areas of The Loop, River North, etc. These breweries are very much family friendly, as well - You'll see a lot of kids running around.

ETA: Recommend checking out my definitive Chicago thread. Ton of information there.

ETAx2: Forgot to add our summer street festivals are a good way to see different neighborhoods. All have sections with activities for kids/families. Looks like you may be here May 29 weekend? Do Division might be worth it. Wicker Park is a great neighborhood and you can stop at Parlor (Division location) for pizza with the kids on their patio. Otherwise, here's the street fest calendar: LINK.

Metro is a rapid transit system. There's no advanced booking. Use Apple Pay or add SmarTrip to your Apple Wallet from the Transit Card menu.

Bermondsey Beer Mile is a must for drinking - Very fun stretch of pubs and breweries in southeast London.

Haggerston / Dalston is also a great area for pubs and cocktail bars - Stag's Head, Duke of York, and A Bar with Shapes for a Name are all worthy stops. May need a reservation for A Bar with Shapes for a Name.

Use Abita's Boston thread