Hi

Before Covid turned the world upside down, we were planning a road trip across the northern states of America, starting from New York and ending in Seattle over a 4 week period.

There are 4 of us and intend to hire an RV, we had a decent idea of the first part of the route mapped out (basically NY-Detroit-Chicago), it would be great to get any recommendations on places to go (mainly drink ) in Chicago and Detroit, we are looking for friendly bars (or maybe areas in general) where we can mix with the locals and share a beer or two. Any recommendations on places to eat would be welcome too.

The part of the route between Chicago and Seattle is less clear at the moment, although we know we would like to spend some time in the Yellowstone national park.
Therefore I would also be grateful for any input from members of this forum on any idea of places to visit/interesting and scenic routes to take between Chicago and Seattle.

We are from the UK and all have an interest in sport, so any chance to experience some American sport would be good (although I am sure this can be satisfied in NY and/or Chicago). We are also interested in American craft beer and would not shy away from learning about the odd piece of relevant or important American history.



I realise we are a long way off from actually being able to do this, but talking about it and getting ideas will give me a much needed lift.

Thanks!

I can't help you with places to drink along the way, but if you really want to see the country. I would recommend you pass through Jackson Hole Wyoming.....

EdR

For Chicago food, you'll want to hit Wicker Park/Bucktown area, Randolph Street, and Logan Square...these 3 spots have the best restaurants. Everything's different with covid and not sure who will survive, but you can research these and find a ton of gems (Owen and Engine, Lula's Cafe, The Girl and the Goat, etc. etc.) For wine, hit Webster's. For tap rooms, Goose Island, Half Acre, and Off Color. For beer and food, check out Hopleaf. For fine craft cocktails, The Violet Hour.

Hope this points you in the right direction and come any time except winter.

Thank you both for your suggestions.
Jackson Hole looks like a charming place and seems close to Yellowstone so we will stop by.

And thanks for the info Bigshipper. I hadn't made the connection between Half Acre and Chicago before, I've only seen their Daisy Cutter in the UK so naturally a visit to their taproom is in order.

Can you not just wine and dine your lovely wife in all these places you mentioned to keep them ticking over until normality resumes?

Exactly the kind of advice I was after, thanks.

Michigan is still pretty closed off thanks to are "wonderful" governor who feels she is sticking to are president by enforcing strict lock down procedures . Most bars and restaurants are carry out only . Some are open but with super limited capacity. Wont be some time before we get are stuff back over here on the west side of the state. I live near Grand Rapids which is known for breweries and Micro brews if you due make it here Founders is a really good brewery. But there are Tons of breweries around Gr that opened up not sure how they are doing right now. But you want to visit BEFORE winter as we have terrible roads.

In addition to Bigshipper's picks, Maplewood might be my favorite brewery in Chicago. The taproom is tiny and would fill up pre-covid, so get there early. Revolution, Moody Tongue, and Marz are also good.

I'm biased but if you're looking for sports, I highly recommend checking out a Cubs game. There's nothing like Wrigley Field!

I really think its unlikely we will come over in 2020, probs looking at spring or summer 2021, depending on how things go with the current global crisis! I guess we don't know which places are going to still be in business at that point as Bigshipper said, but I still appreciate the tips. What are your thoughts on Detroit? I'm fascinated with the city, but I've heard and read its one of the more dangerous ones. Is it the case like every big city, stick to the popular areas, or do you think 4 clueless Brits are going to attract unwelcome attention wherever we go?

Im sold on the fact that

a) theres a place called Wrigley Field
b) I'm always going to listen to the advice of a Blur fan

Thanks for the suggestions!

Haha yes I'm part of the American Blur fanatic community

Wrigley Field is the 2nd oldest ballpark and the most beautiful in my humble opinion. If you've ever seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off, that's where they go for the baseball game

Some people complain about baseball being boring (not me!), but really...go to a day game on a nice afternoon, have some beers and hot dogs. I feel like it's an essential American experience

Wow I thought Blur, like many UK bands in the 90s made little to no impression in the US!

So we have done a US roadtrip before through the southern states, starting in NY, and we went to a baseball game there. Like you say, its less about the baseball on its own and more about the entire experience, including beers and a hot dog, it was great. And now that you've mentioned Ferris Bueller's Day Off as well, this will be an easy sell to the rest of the group.

Do you have any suggestions in the Chicago area for places which may have a bit of live music?

So for music, if you have one spot to pick, I'd make an effort to catch a band at Metro, fka, Cabaret Metro. Most of the bands you know played there. Mrs. Bee and I have seen tons of shows and used to club there in our 20s! Yikes. Also, of note: Empty Bottle, Thalia Hall, Aragon, and the Riveria (the Riv). (Bigshipper has a Bauhaus tat on his back....ha).

I'm not into sports whatsoever, but even I love a game at Wrigley eating and drinking and soaking up the vibe.

Agreed, the Metro is great! Probably my most frequently visited venue before all of this. Also the Aragon is really beautiful inside. In addition to these, I would go to Lincoln Hall and Schuba's pretty frequently. Schuba's also has a newish restaurant attached called Tied House. I haven't gone yet but it's supposed to be delicious.

A couple of other places that are kind of unique are the Green Mill (jazz club and former speakeasy visited by Al Capone) and Kingston Mines (late night blues bar).