Hyde Park is quirkiness defined. The South Side neighborhood, whose borders are roughly 47th Street on the north, 61st Street on the South, Cottage Grove Avenue on the west and the most picturesque, Lake Michigan on the east, is home to one of the world’s finest science museums, one of the world’s finest universities and likely one of the best spots in Chicago to watch fireworks over the lake. Likely the most trafficked tourist draw is the Museum of Science and Industry. Located on Lake Shore Drive at …More

Some of London’s flashier exhibits are found strolling in fine British frockery such as those made at the hands of locals Erdem, Matthew Williamson or Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress and bridal party. Yet while London has long been at the forefront of fashion (Carnaby Street, anyone?), the museums have long been swinging, albeit in a more stately fashion. Any mall store guidebook will map a stakeout of the British Museum, the Tate Modern or the Tower of London. Certainly …More

Moscow has enough museums to keep practically anybody interested so if endless paintings aren’t your thing—fear not! Here is a taste of two of the greatest museums to whet your appetite: One of Moscow’s most spectacular galleries is the State Tretyakov Gallery, a short walk from the Red Square. It takes its name from the Tretyakov brothers whose collection forms the basis of the current museum with Pavel Tretyakov supporting the Peredvizhniki in the 19th Century. The Peredvizhniki (The …More

Getting off the beaten Madrid tourist track not only exposes you to sights, sounds and tastes that are more authentically Spanish, it allows you to avoid the crushing crowds that mob the more famous destinations. Once you’ve taken in the top attractions, turn your attention to these hidden treasures to fully appreciate the city’s cultural riches and romantic charm. To dine at Botin, the world’s oldest restaurant, continuously operating since 1725, is to personally experience a Madrid of …More

Philadelphia was home to some of early America’s best and brightest scholars. Inventions, declarations and liberties were all created in this bustling metropolis. Many homes and places of business still stand today and have been turned into museums for all to enjoy. Horse drawn carriages ride down cobblestone streets just like they did 300 years ago. Take a ride to the entrance of one of Philadelphia’s museum. Named after Benjamin Franklin, the 200-year-old Franklin Institute hosts exhibits inspired …More

One of the struggles we face in the Midwest is coming to terms with our comparatively short and somewhat monochromatic history. While our European forebears have histories teaming with golems, dybbuks and fairy tales, in America—and especially in the Midwest—we face a uniquely human history. Many of these conflicts converge in Chicago itself, which is a city equally as important nationally as it is historically. Here there are tales of struggle, industry, commerce, immigration, arts and literature. …More