Looking to stay stateside for your summer travel? We asked three of favorite travel experts which US destinations they love and it just may inspire you to visit cities that are only a car-ride away.
Gloria: I have so much love for San Francisco, New York, and Chicago because they’re all such international cities, that if I were to be based in any of them, I would still feel like I was traveling because of the varied cuisines and cultures on display daily.
Bianca: I love going back home to the places I’ve lived over the years – Cali, New York, and Chicago – all for very different reasons.
I love going to Southern California: Malibu, Venice, Santa Monica, LA, Lotus Park. There are lots of areas that have different cultures so it’s nice to explore and soak it all in. I also love that I can be gluten and dairy-free there without a problem.
Chicago is my hometown, so I go back for the culture, the food, and my family. There is something about Midwest manners that I get homesick for, and Chi-town is a foodie haven. You have to get pizza from Leona’s, wings with mild sauce from Harold’s and watch the fireworks at the Pier. Also, my grandmother’s poundcake is worth the roundtrip flight.
New York is where a lot of my favorite people live, and I love the vibrant community of young black professionals there. It’s the only place I know that is an oasis for the black creatives, professionals, wanderers and trend-setters. There is always something going on, someone doing something worth celebrating and great vibes to be surrounded by. I miss New York all the time just because of the people.
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Cyn: Philly and New Orleans. They are different cities but they both offer so much in terms of food, culture, music, history, shopping (fleas and boutiques), nightlife, great small hotels and so many events and festivals.
For Philly, you don’t want to miss Bloktoberfest, Reading Terminal Market, Roots Picnic, walking Old City and Northern Liberties and HiCityVeg for vegan eats that even non-vegans will love. For New Orleans, you don’t want to miss walking and shopping in the French Quarter and eating at Shaya which has pita bread that’s pillowy heaven. After hours should be at Frenchmen Street and then head on a swamp tour during the day.