Lauren Viera

Chicago

Writer at Freelance

Writer; semi-colon enthusiast. Author of "The 500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago."

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Articles

10 great day trips from Chicago that deliver nature, culture and superb food

Jul 25, 2024 | chicago.suntimes.com | Lauren Viera |Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis |Cindy Hernandez |Kade Heather

Even if you live for summer in the greatest city on the planet, breaks are warranted. Whether you’re escaping big festivals that choke downtown or the Democratic National Convention’s swarm of lanyards, there are plenty of roads less traveled that are worth taking. For this list, we narrowed travel time to under four hours and highlighted nature sojourns, tiny towns, architectural icons and more. Less than 1 hour from the LoopNeed a break from the crowded city beaches?
10 great day trips from Chicago that deliver nature, culture and superb food

Jul 25, 2024 | flipboard.com | Lauren Viera

1 hour agoFed up with high living expenses and toxic politics, more Americans are looking to move abroad. Here are the top 24 countries, and 96 recommended spots, based on costs, amenities, health care, climate risk, language, crime, and whether they welcome U.S. retirees. By William P. Barrett, Senior …
10 great day trips from Chicago that deliver nature, culture and superb food

Jul 7, 2024 | newsbreak.com | Lauren Viera

Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
10 great day trips from Chicago that deliver nature, culture and superb food

Jul 7, 2024 | wbez.org | Lauren Viera |Courtney Kueppers |Mike Davis

Even if you live for summer in the greatest city on the planet, breaks are warranted. Whether you’re escaping big festivals that choke downtown or the Democratic National Convention’s swarm of lanyards, there are plenty of roads less traveled that are worth taking. For this list, we narrowed travel time to under four hours and highlighted nature sojourns, tiny towns, architectural icons and more. Have a favorite spot that meets our criteria that isn’t on our list?
These 5 Chicago history tours will show you a different slice of the city

Jul 5, 2024 | chicago.suntimes.com | Lauren Viera |Courtney Kueppers |Cindy Hernandez |Kade Heather

In a city with a history as rich as Chicago’s, summertime is full of opportunity to explore outside your neighborhood, fire up your kids’ summer brains or simply try something different. This list presents you with options. Why go on a walking tour that openly plugs rats? Because those critters own this city just as much as we do.
These five Chicago history tours will show you a different slice of the city

Jun 16, 2024 | wbez.org | Lauren Viera

In a city with a history as rich as Chicago’s, summertime doesn’t always have to mean taking a break from learning. Whether you want to explore outside your neighborhood, fire up your kids’ summer brains or simply try something different, this list presents you with options. Why go on a walking tour that openly plugs rats? Because those critters own this city just as much as we do.
Transcript: These are the 'can't-miss' Chicago street festivals this summer

Jun 11, 2024 | wbez.org | Erin Allen |Lauren Viera |Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco

As the summer approaches, street festivals are making their way back to Chicago. WBEZ contributor Lauren Viera has been tracking down the best of the best to help you curate an unforgettable summer. She sat down with WBEZ’s Rundown podcast host Erin Allen to discuss the “can’t miss” festivals happening this year. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. Click the "play" button to listen to the entire interview.
Let's dance: Chicago's best dance parties this summer, from cumbia to swing

Jun 4, 2024 | wbez.org | Lauren Viera

For al fresco dancing, nothing beats Chicago in the summer. The city’s longtime SummerDance series, which runs from June through September, skips around to various neighborhood parks and provides a live band soundtrack — for free – with lessons at the start. What’s more, an enthusiastic live dance scene powers nights around the city. If you want to put on your dance shoes every night, you can – and likely have multiple options.
In a summer of street fests, these are the 10 Chicago parties to not miss

Jun 4, 2024 | wbez.org | Lauren Viera |Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis |Courtney Kueppers |Mike Davis

WBEZ’s Summer Guide 2024 will help you live your best season. Find more stories here. There’s no better way to get to know the vast network of Chicago neighborhoods than to roam the open streets during one of the city’s many street festivals. A summer tradition in many neighborhoods, these street parties — which are often free or request a small suggested donation – feature tastes, sights and sounds of different parts of Chicago. But the best have a unique flair.
5 Best Cafes for Sitting for a Spell

Oct 25, 2023 | chicagomag.com | Lauren Viera

5751 S Woodlawn AvenueHyde Parkpleinaircafe.coLocated adjacent to Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Robie House, this charming French-inspired cafe knows its espresso drinks, but there’s so much more. Stay for hearty sandwiches, yummy hand pies, perfectly flakey pastries, and a nicely curated list of wines. If it’s nice out, find a spot outside at the lushly landscaped communal table to people watch.