ROAM MAGAZINE
SPRING 2017
EXPLORE: CHICAGO+ ATLANTA + LAS VEGAS + MORE
03 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 04 EXPLORE: CHICAGO 12 EXPLORE: ATLANTA 16 EXPLORE: LAS VEGAS 21 TIPS & TRICKS
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR “Don’t settle down and sit in one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon... You will see things and meet people and there is much to learn from them… Don’t hesitate or allow yourself to make excuses. Just get out and do it, just get out and do it. You will be very, very glad that you did.” This is a quote from successful book Into The Wild and a phrase I am reminded of it every time I travel. The world holds many riches to share with us. These being things like stories, tradition, and culture. How can we know what we know if we haven’t broadened our horizons and seen the world from a different perspective? If we haven’t breathed different air or tasted the salt from a different ocean? How must we learn if we haven’t taken a walk on the other side? Travel is beautiful because it is empathy. Enclosed in this magazine is a collection of a few favorite cities, filled with some special people. I hope this issue encourages you to step out and get uncomfortable. To see the world, and if not the world, your nation and all the joys and wonders hidden in the corners.
SHOULD I STAY OR
CHICAGO
Known for its loaded hot dogs, bone chilling weather, and recent triumph in the 2016 World Series, this city has been singing its song of celebration and it isn’t stopping any time soon.
But if you know anything about big cities, it’s that you can easily miss the hidden gems if you’re not briefed on them beforehand.
Also dubbed “The Second City” and “The Windy City”, Chicago has been a pillar in the business world while also showcasing its classic architecture, historic jazz music, and oh so delicious cuisine. Popular sights include the Lakefront walk at Navy Pier, the birds eye view of the Skydeck, and the giant reflective bean at Millenium Park.
So to avoid the distractions and traps of tourist, we asked successful graphic designer Nicole for some helpful hints on taking on big cities. And now we got you covered with the best deep dish slices of Chitown.
Q&A WITH LOCAL RESIDENT There are always galleries to go to, movie screenings, photoshoots or creative talks happening. I constantly run into same people, both at these events or at hot spots throughout Chicago - they are wildly creative, warm, smart, influential and don’t take themselves too seriously. There is a mentality of “we are in this together, to create together, to dream together” When you find people that share the same vision as you, the city shrinks and becomes something more tangible than something that is out of control. RM: Can you share a certain memory or special story with us that took place in Chicago? NM: About a year ago, I was jobless and endlessly sulking around the house because of it. It was the middle of winter and it was one of those “polar vortex days.” I was so sick of being locked up with nothing to do, so I boarded an afternoon train that took me straight downtown. I had 5 layers of clothing on and was still absolutely freezing. I put my headphones in, played only good vibes and went to Intelligentsia, a Chicago native coffee shop. With a coffee and some Chinese food from a shop down the street, I headed straight for the Lake Front. In the absolute bitter cold, I sat alone by the lake and enjoyed my make-shift dinner. I think that was the first time I really loved chicago for both her perfections and her faults. I thought, “You’re here in Chicago whether you like it or not, it’s time to grow up and make a name for yourself here.” Four months later, I sat in the same spot with a coffee and some Chinese food - I was on my way to an interview which came to be the job I now have. That lonely cold day, I gained some perspective, that not everything will be perfect, but regardless, dive deep into that moment of time.
TO EAT: TOAST RM: Tell us about what it’s like to be a Chicagoan. What separates this city from the rest? Why Chicago? NM: The answer will be different depending on where you grew up in Chicagoland (Some people wouldn’t even consider myself a “true” Chicagoan because of where I was born in Chicagoland). In reality, I think it comes down to your involvement in the city - how much you take from it and how much you give back. What do I mean by give and take - I can only give my perspective of course. I go to the city Monday through Friday to work, to put in hours, to get a paycheck and then leave. This is taking-- I am forced to be in the city because of my job. On the weekends, I spend my time in Chicago with friends, sipping coffee, going to museums, and grabbing dinner. This is giving back-- I am in the city by choice, enjoying it for what it is, the good points and bad because that is where I find the best quality of life, where I want to spend my time. The city has opened up to be my home and I give back by loving it in its entirety. Why Chicago? It picked me. It’s really a gentle city. It won’t chew you up and spit you back out. RM: Often times in big cities it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. What are some ways to get plugged in to a community? NM: Chicago is packed with people from all walks of life, with different stories, dreams and visions. Don’t be fooled because under the surface are tight knit communities that embrace, encourage, and energize. Being a designer, I am really close with the creative community here in Chicago.
NM: To escape the busy Chicago streets, I would say go to Toast. A small brunch place in Chicago’s neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Every type of bread you could can imagine, the best pancakes and crepes, fresh fruit, paninis and coffee you will just melt into a corner with. It’s cozy and warm, but still has that city vibe. The cinnamon raisin toast is everything I could ever want.
TO DRINK: CAFE INTEGRAL NM: There is a wonderful coffee shop + small bites place in the Freehand Hotel called Cafe integral. Hands down some of the best hand crafted coffee in Chicago (and with their avocado toast, you can’t go wrong). The lighting is dimmed giving the place a kind of moodiness - perfect for getting cozy on a date or cranking out work.
TO EXPERIENCE: CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATE HOTEL NM: One of the hidden gems of downtown Chicago is definitely The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Built in 1890, it was originally a men’s athletic club, and even though it has now been transformed into a hotel, it still maintains a very speakeasy, old hollywood glamour like interior - giant fireplaces, stained glass windows and beautiful wood arches framing the doorways. Even though its right on michigan ave, the lobby is on the second floor, so it doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic. You can grab a bite to eat, a drink or just work in the lobby. if you want to experience a piece authentic chicago - this is the place to go.
“WHY CHICAGO? IT PICKED ME. IT’S A REALLY GENTLE CITY. IT WON’T CHEW YOU UP AND SPIT YOU OUT.”
NICOLE’S MIXTAPE
01 02 03 Homecoming Kanye West feat. Chris Martin
2faded RVRB
Open Seasons High Highs
04 05 06 Otis Jay Z, Kanye West, Otis Redding
Your Wish Talisco
Pull Me Down Mikky Ekko
PTL AT L FOR THE
Though rooted in the thick of the south, Atlanta is anything but. Once dubbed “Too busy to hate” this city has exploded in all senses of culture, music, film, and livelihood. With the help of hit television shows like The Walking Dead and Donald Glover’s Atlanta, this city has been drawing attention to itself and people are flocking to it, and fast. With usual tourist sights such as the Coca-Cola musem, the Aquarium, and the sight recently home to the 1996 Olympics, we sought out a band member of one of Atlanta’s local bands--Family and Friends to share with us about what makes this city so special. So without further ado, meet JP.
Q&A WITH LOCAL RESIDENT RM: Atlanta has really made a name for itself in the past few years with a sudden fresh wave of food, music, and art. Can you tell us what makes this city so dang cool? JM: The city has been making a name for itself with a phenomenal surge in culture that started with the migration of the film industry into the city. An even greater influx of tech startups and marketing companies have brought in the demand for more hip restaurants, coffee shops, and activities. Also, the city has funded artists to do installations around the Beltline (a walking path that connects the city), which allow for us to be able to have an even greater taste of the southern roots. I like to think it was all made possible by OutKast paving the way for forward thinking. RM: It’s easy to get sucked in to the typical tourist attractions and miss the hidden gems that make each city unique. Do you have some tips on how to find them? JM: I think the best way to avoid the tourist traps of Atlanta is to talk to the locals, like asking the baristas, or a waiter, an uber driver, or just call me. Obviously, there are tourist-y places that can be cool but I’d rather take people to the fun parts as opposed to spending too much money to slowly roll around a ferris wheel and not get a good view of the city. RM: Can you share a special memory that took place in Atlanta? JM: My favorite place to see the city was the Crown Plaza Hotel near the Varsity in downtown Atlanta. While I am admitting to illegally getting onto a hotel rooftop, it was the greatest thing. Since 2017, the security got significantly tighter. One night, a group of photographer friends and I decided to have a hang out/ pizza picnic party on the roof. As we were getting together in the hallway, we realized we heard footsteps coming up the fire escape. One friend said “There was a security guard in the elevator asking us a lot of questions.” It all dawned on me: we were about to get caught. The security guard came up to us and said “What are you doing?”
Dumbfounded, I said simply “Having a picnic, do you want pizza?” He didn’t want pizza. He wanted justice. Confused, hungry, and apprehensive we followed him to the basement to await the penalty for our crimes. He told us that we were getting off with just a warning, but that he needed to get pictures of us. We were prepared for headshots; however, he decided to get a group shot. We all smiled because of how funny the situation was, and imagining how ridiculous our group shot probably looked. He told us that we needed to leave and never come back and that he wasn’t going to text us a picture of our group “mug shot.” The pizza was cold, but the memories were warm. RM: Speaking of pizza, can you share some good munchie spots with us? JM: There are so many good restaurants in Atlanta and even more popping up by the minute. We are fortunate to have the industry grow rapidly with incredible places, and as you venture outside of Atlanta down Buford Highway you will find authentic, family-owned restaurants that offer a wide-variety of ethnic foods.
TO EAT: LEE’S BAKERY While I’m no Guy Fieri, I know a thing or two about eating and have made my own little trips around the state trying to find the greatest diners, drive-ins, and dives. From the Buford Highway stalwarts like Lee’s Bakery which serves up Bahn Mi’s that are out of this world, to little taquerias like Tito’s which is in an old silver diner and has $1 tacos that are making my mouth water just to talk about. My favorite place to take people when they come to visit would have to be either Victory Sandwich Bar or Bone Garden Cantina.
TO DRINK: BRASH COFFEE For the longest time, Brash has been my favorite coffee shop in the country. The big glass doors that have been custom fitted for the shipping container that houses our sweet, little coffee shop welcome you in and release the warm smell of fresh coffee that we source, roast, and even hand sort. All of our flavors are hand-made in the shop, and I have always felt completely at home there because of the people who work there. The shop is small which facilitates and promotes interaction not only with the barista, but with the people around you.
TO EXPERIENCE: THE BELTLINE There are tons of hidden gems and places to experience the culture of Atlanta, but you can’t go wrong with just spending time walking the Beltline around the city. The Beltline is a walking/biking path that is set up to connect all of Atlanta. Just a few hours can take you all over from Ponce City Market to Krog Street Market and to Justin Bieber’s favorite skate park. It is also overflowing with puppies and babies in strollers so that is a beautiful and exciting perk. Watching the sunset over the city from the Beltline is a dream come true.
An artist relaxing against a wall on the Atlanta Beltline
The rooftop view from the Crown Plaza Hotel
JP’S MIXTAPE
01 02 03 Heaven Los Lonely Boys
You Can’t Live There Forever The World Is A Beautiful Place
So Fresh So Clean OutKast
04 05 06 Never Falling Off King Nitty
Shake It Out Manchester Orchestra
It Hurts Until It Doesn’t Mothers
VIVA
LAS VEGAS The glitz, the glam, the allure of the sin city has reigned over the west for many years. Famed for its casinos, hotels, and shows, this million dollar empire holds a lot to do in a little amount of time. But what lies beyond the border of this grand empire? We sought out a local pal to explore the outside desert territory of Nevada, of course as well as paying homage to the glamorous heart of the state. Without further ado, meet Sarah.
Q&A WITH LOCAL RESIDENT TO EAT: FIREFLY Firefly. It’s a Tapas bar located on Paradise Road that is my friends’ and I go-to spot on special occasions. It has a variety of Spanish cuisine, specifically known for its tapas and cocktails. So many options that you can share or enjoy on your own.
TO DRINK: SAMBALATTE TORREFAZIONE My favorite coffee shop in Vegas. They have wonderful drinks and pastries and have three locations to choose from, as well as a giant world map on the wall. My favorite location is in a fancy, European-styled outside shopping area.
TO EXPERIENCE: THE HIGH ROLLER Located at the LINQ casino, is the world’s tallest observation wheel, and a great way to enjoy an up close aerial view of Vegas’ strip. I love taking friends up there to give them a real glimpse of Las Vegas being in the middle of a desert valley.
SARAH’S MIXTAPE RM: I’m sure it was pretty exciting growing up in a major tourist city. What was it like grow up in Las Vegas? SK: In some ways, childhood in Vegas was very normal - I played outside in my huge desert yard and went on bike rides with my best friends - and in other ways a bit unusual. I have so many memories of driving past the strip as a child and feeling overwhelmed by the lights and casinos. I also vividly remember my conservative mom telling my siblings and me to close our eyes from time to time, so that we wouldn’t see some of the things on display as we drove past. For me, the most compelling thing about growing up in a tourist city like Las Vegas was the diversity and life that it attracts. For a while, Vegas was the fastest growing city in the USA, and it is home to students and workers of many nationalities. The sense of urbanity you get here is probably my favorite thing about my city. RM: Nevada is mainly known for its illustrious city of Las Vegas, but can you tell us anything worth checking out outside the city limits either nearby or far? SK: Las Vegas is located in a valley, surrounded on all sides by mountains and desert. Driving from 30 minutes to an hour out of the city will get you to Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston, both great spots for hiking or simply enjoying nature. Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam are also nearby and shouldn’t be missed on a visit to Nevada. RM: Can you share a special memory or funny story that took place in Las Vegas? SK: As a child, I lived right across from the Las Vegas “zoo”. It was a poor excuse for a zoo, because it was abysmally small and the few animals that it did have were constantly escaping. I used to wake up to the sounds of chickens or peacocks near my house. They looked and sounded so out of place in the desert. The zoo is long closed now, but it still gives me an inner laugh whenever I drive by it.
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Shine Years and Years
Walking on a Dream Empire of the Sun
Ride On/Right On Phosphorescent
“5 Years Time” Noah and the Whale
This Love Maroon 5
Carry on My Wayward Son Kansas
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