That’s Amore in Chicago: 5 Ideas for a Romantic Retreat
From romantic restaurants and bewitching bars to inspiring vistas and intimate activities, Chicago is an urban aphrodisiac that packs the perfect date-night punch.
Your Guide To The Dreamiest Date Spots In NYC
New York City is the kind of place where even a walk around the block can feel like a romantic adventure — after all, when you’ve got twinkling city lights and an iconic Manhattan backdrop, what’s not to love? But while plenty of NYC’s romance is there in plain sight, the dreamiest experiences remain well-kept
Your NYC Gallery-Hopping Guide For A Chilly Winter Day
Art lovers, rejoice: New York City is home to some of the finest art galleries in the world, and there’s no better way to stay warm on a chilly winter day than gallery hopping through some of the city’s most thought-provoking exhibitions. Grab a warm cup of coffee and wind your way through NoMad, Flatiron,
5 Must-Visit Spots on Your Trip to Chicago
There’s no denying that Chicago has become one of the top U.S. destinations for travel. With a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class museums, vibrant parks, and top-tier dining experiences, there’s an endless number of things to do and see in the remarkable Windy City. While it might be hard to narrow down your Chicago
Your Guide to NYC’s Best Holiday Markets
Each winter, holiday magic comes alive in New York City with elaborate department store windows along Fifth Avenue, the high kicks of the Radio City Rockettes, and most of all, the city’s many holiday markets. Even on the chilliest December days, stay cozy amid twinkling lights and holiday cheer at these seven festivity-filled spots.
Step into The Magic Show with Franco Pascali
There are many things that make a performance by magician and mentalist Franco Pascali unforgettable. Sure, he can stun audiences by seemingly reading minds and pulling off over-the-top, did-he-really-just-do-that? tricks. But then there’s the fact that this polished and impressive performer is just 21-years-old, which makes the phenom’s feats all the more extraordinary. Pascali has
The Hottest Dance Tickets to Snag This Season in Chicago
There’s a captivating new trend dancing its way into the Windy City. Home to the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance, and more, Chicago is having a moment as one of the country’s top destinations to snag a hot dance ticket. From holiday favorites to international spectacles, here are some of the most anticipated shows this season.
Inside New York City’s Top Speakeasies
Searching for a secret hideaway to leave the city behind for an hour or two? Through secret doors and up winding steps, you’ll find some of New York City’s most charming speakeasies. Come for the exclusivity, but stay for the one-of-a-kind decor and unforgettable cocktails.
The Best Cider Bars in Chicago
While Chicago is known for its robust beer scene (the city is home to the most breweries in the country, after all), lately, there’s been some competition in the libations department. Cider bars are popping up all over the city, proving that you don’t need hops to make a delicious boozy beverage. And with a
Haunted LA: Gourmet Ghosts in the City of Angels
In a city as storied as Los Angeles, ghost tales don’t take long generate buzz. So while spooky myths are aplenty, corroborating reports of spirit sightings and haunted happenings is a different story.
The Best Spots in Nomad for a Caffeine Fix
There’s a reason they call it the city that never sleeps: New York loves its caffeine. After all, in a city that’s always pulsing with energy, keeping up with the fast-paced bustle often requires a little jolt (especially when you’re looking to make the most of your Manhattan getaway).
Quentin Tarantino’s Hollywood: Recreating 1960s L.A. for “Once Upon a Time”
The corner of Riverside Drive and Forman Avenue in Toluca Lake does not feel like Hollywood. There’s a Japanese restaurant on one corner, a real estate office on another, and no landmarks to speak of, outside of the Bob’s Big Boy sign down the road. But it was also the home of the Money Tree,
Chicago’s Fall Festival Guide
Fall is arguably Chicago’s favorite season — and the city’s preoccupation with autumn goes far beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The Windy City goes all-out for fall festivals, from a spirited fête inside the Lincoln Park Zoo to a charming event that simply celebrates apples. Here are nine fall festivals not to be missed during your stay at Ambassador Chicago.
The Hidden History of Los Angeles with Robert Petersen
On screen, LA may look all shiny and new (and filled with beautiful, yoga-practicing people sipping green juice). But the city is also filled with rich history just about everywhere you look, from iconic old theaters to architectural masterpieces to centuries-old Spanish missions.
Say Hello to the New Riverwalk
It’s almost impossible to walk around downtown Chicago without stumbling upon the Chicago River. And while it’s a stunning sight from the many bridges crossing over it, don’t stop with the views from above. One of the best ways to explore the Chicago River is to stroll along the Riverwalk.
7 Boutique Wellness Experiences in NYC for Your Mind, Body, & Soul
Looking to get your wellness fix in New York City? You’re in luck: Manhattan is home to some of the most innovative, unique, and rejuvenating wellness offerings around — and while their health benefits are certainly compelling, the novelty is half the fun.
The Most Photogenic Restaurants in NYC’s Nomad Neighborhood
When it comes to dining in NYC, one of the best ways to capture your attention is with eye-catching, design-centric interiors (that are practically made for Instagramming). Check out these seven Nomad spots where the vibes are just as enticing as the menu offerings.
An Insider’s Guide to Lollapalooza
There’s no shortage of music festivals in Chicago, but there’s one that unquestionably reigns supreme: Lollapalooza. Since 2005, Grant Park has transformed for a long weekend in early August into the multi-day, headliner-packed concert of the year in the Windy City.
A Guide to Chicago’s Sizzling BBQ Scene
As a city that takes pride in its signature hot dogs (hold the ketchup), Italian beef, and sizeable steaks, Chicago is unquestionably a mecca for meat lovers. So it’s no surprise that the Windy City loves its barbecue, too, and offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate the glory of the grill — especially during the summer.
The Best Rooftops in NYC For Soaking Up the Summer Sun
A fantastic rooftop lounge is an essential part of any New York City summer, for visitors and locals alike. After all, in a crowded urban jungle, there’s no better place to bask in the sun and take in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Inside The Spare Room, Hollywood’s Hidden Cocktail Gem
You don’t just stumble upon The Spare Room when you’re in Hollywood—visitors have to seek out the intimate cocktail lounge, located up a marble staircase and tucked behind a dramatic set of dark wood double doors on the second floor of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt. But once you find it, you won’t want to leave.
Dragon Boat Races and Dim Sum: A Taste of Chicago’s Chinatown
To get a taste of the Far East in the Windy City, all you need to do is head due south. Only a 20-minute drive from Ambassador Chicago, visitors will find one of the largest Chinatowns in the United States, filled with sights, sounds, smells, and endless places to satisfy sweet and savory cravings.
The Restoration of David Hockney’s Underwater Work of Art
When the water moves in the Tropicana Pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt, it seems to dance — It’s almost as if the bold blue curves painted on the bottom surface of the pool are crawling. But there’s much more to those paint strokes than simple decoration; it’s a one-of-a-kind work by David Hockney.
6 Charming Indie Bookstores in New York City
In the age of e-readers and audiobooks, there’s still something magical about thumbing through the pages of an old-fashioned novel — especially when you stumble upon it in one of NYC’s indie bookstores. From small shops to grand emporiums packed with emerging writers and classic voices, here are 6 venues to get lost in.
Lunch in Chicago’s Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are known for their colorful arrays of fresh fruits, veggies, and flowers, but there’s more to them than local produce and bunches of blooms: Chicago farmers markets are also culinary hotspots in their own right, featuring a wide variety of deliciously prepared dishes from gourmet grilled cheese to Filipino street food.
4 Sophisticated Alternatives to Hollywood Star Map Tours
Whether it’s driving by over-the-top homes of the rich and famous or hitting the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there’s no shortage of star tours to be found in LA. But there’s plenty more to the city than the wide world of entertainment. From art and architecture to cocktails and cafes, here are some alternative tours to consider.
The Local’s Guide to NYC’s Flower District
Searching for a slice of nature in the concrete jungle? You’ll find your very own greenery-filled getaway in the New York City Flower District. This tiny stretch of city block, a little-known paradise on 28th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue, is home to the busiest flower market in the country.
Women Crush Wednesdays: A Spotlight on Hollywood’s All-Female Comedy Showcase
Every Wednesday night at The Lab at the Hollywood Improv, Marcella Arguello performs and curates the lineup for Women Crush Wednesdays, one of L.A.’s original all-female standup showcases. Started as an open mic event, Women Crush Wednesdays has survived to become a trendsetter in a time when women’s voices are becoming more and more important to the standup world — even if there’s still room to improve.
Beyond Beer: A Food Lover’s Tour of Chicago Breweries
With nearly 200 breweries spread across the city and its surrounding areas, Chicago is truly a beer mecca with something for everyone. But there’s more to the Windy City’s brewery scene than just beer: Plenty of them pay just as much attention to the bites they offer as they do to what’s on tap.
A Rainy Day Guide to NYC’s NoMad Neighborhood
One of the best things about New York: Rain or shine, the city never slows down. Here’s a play-by-play on what to see, do, and eat in NYC when it’s pouring out, because there’s no need to let a rainy day dampen your visit. (Just don’t forget your umbrella.)
Beat the Freeze: Winning Ways to Warm Up in the Windy City
It’s no secret that Chicago can get cold — really cold. But if there’s one thing Chicagoans are known for, it’s toughing it out through less-than-ideal weather. After all, cold temperatures don’t have to get in the way of a good time, and there’s plenty to do around the city all year long.
8 of New York City’s Most Iconic Dishes (and Where to Indulge)
Home to over 24,000 restaurants and counting, NYC is a vast melting pot of global cuisines, including plenty of local dishes of its own. And the city’s not all about fine dining — some of the most iconic dishes in NYC started out as some of its most humble (and its most delicious).
Inside Oscar Night’s Star-Studded Governors Ball
Throwing a cocktail party can be an intense undertaking, even for the most experienced of hosts — from planning the menu to keeping glasses filled and guests happy, there’s no shortage of effort involved.
Inside LA’s Vista Theatre, an Icon of Movie History
It’s a reverence for film and moviegoing history that has helped the Vista set itself apart from other movie-watching experiences in a city of countless black-box and multiplex theaters. Located a straight shot down Hollywood Boulevard from The Hollywood Roosevelt, the Vista has seen ups and downs in its 96 years of history, but today it’s found its niche as a throwback to the original days of film exhibition.
Embrace the Outdoors During Winter in the Windy City
Chicago winters may not be for the faint of heart, but they certainly don’t put a freeze on the festivities. Sure, the temperatures take a tumble in the beginning of the year, but the city’s fun factor remains intact. Our advice? Embrace the cold, bundle up, and get ready to have a blast outdoors.
The Best Spots to Drink in NYC’s Zero-Proof Cocktails Trend
What’s the biggest trend in the world of cocktails? No alcohol. Whether it’s because you’re taking part in Dry January, wanting to cut back occasionally, or abstaining from booze for good, there are plenty of smart reasons why zero-proof drinks are growing in popularity.
Inside The Magic Show at The Roosevelt
When it comes to magic, the proper unit of measurement in a performance is the trick, and to talk about the trick is to strip it of its power – its ability to surprise, amuse, and delight. In The Magic Show at The Roosevelt, comic and comedian Justin Willman does all of the above.
6 New York City Art Exhibitions Worth Seeing this Season
A retrospective of pop icon Andy Warhol hangs in the Meatpacking District, a quirky outdoor sculpture series is a focal point in Madison Square Park, and in Midtown East, a gender-bending Japanese artist transforms himself into Marilyn Monroe.
5 Amazing Exhibits in LA to See Right Now
While La La Land is best known for its Hollywood-centric sites, enviable weather, and bustling nightlife, it’s also home to some world-class culture including a string of impressive museums focused on everything from art to photography to history to science.
Cheers to Chicago: Celebrating 85 Years Since the End of Prohibition
It’s hard to imagine a time when kicking back with a cocktail meant being on the wrong side of the law, but when Ambassador Chicago opened in 1926, alcohol was illegal thanks to Prohibition. This 13-year ban on booze in the US did anything but sober up society – it actually ushered in one of
4 Boutique Fitness Studios in NoMad
Long gone are the days when dark, dank gyms with rusty, outdated equipment were the only fitness game in New York. Today, there are countless ways to help you gain stamina, strength, and flexibility, and that’s because of the unstoppable boom of boutique fitness. These small studios are independently owned and dedicated to a particular
5 Chicago Magic Shows You Have to See to Believe
Magic shows tend to be thought of as the stuff of kids’ birthday parties, street performers, and Las Vegas shows. But that’s all changing in Chicago, where it turns out the Windy City has quite the magical history. Possibly the most famous illusionist ever, Harry Houdini perfected many of his stunts here and wowed crowds
NYC Street Art: A Walking Tour
Before Manhattan became the gleaming city of today, it used to be a gritty, graffiti-filled haven for underground artists who gained prominence in the early ‘80s. Pop artist Keith Haring led the pack by creating old subway installations, and while you won’t find these spray-painted masterpieces on today’s trains, you’ll still find Instagram-worthy walls —
Eat Your Way Through LA’s Finest Food Halls
Getting everyone in your group to agree on which restaurant to hit up for lunch isn’t always the easiest feat… and that’s probably why the culinary powers-that-be created food halls, gloriously spacious spots that are home to multiple food purveyors all within mere feet of each other. We’re not talking ‘80s-style mall food courts here,
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra Celebrates 100 Years
There’s a lot in the history of the Los Angeles Philharmonic of which to be proud. As the organization celebrates its 100th birthday, there are highlights throughout the years: “The Dean of African-American Composers,” William Grant Still, is said to have been the first African-American to conduct a major American orchestra when he picked up
5 Next Level Date Nights in Chicago
Thinking of going out with your special someone and settled on the idea of dinner and a movie? You might want to keep brainstorming. Food and a flick might be a safe bet, but there are so many more unique, romantic nights out in the city you could be planning. Our advice: Start out at
Bring Your Own Vinyl: Record Night in Los Angeles
The hook to Record Club, a twice-monthly get-together at downtown Los Angeles’ Bernadette’s, is simple enough: Bring a record – any record – and the bar will play it. That “any,” though, has sometimes been taken quite literally. “There were a couple of people who would try to mess with me, and see how far
The 4 Best New Restaurants Near NoMad
Summer may be over, but for New Yorkers, that’s not a bad thing. For starters, fall means saying farewell to hot and humid temps, while ushering in crisp, cool air and brilliant foliage. Then, there’s the style factor. (You can finally bump up your basic warm weather wardrobe of tees, shorts, and sundresses to items
The 6 Best Carry-Out Restaurants in NoMad
You’ve traversed the sights and smells of Manhattan’s melting pot of cuisines, and now it’s time to rest inside the chic confines of Mondrian Park Avenue. Still hungry? You’re in luck. New York City loves its carry-out and so should you. Whether you’re ordering room service, asking Cleo to send up sharable Mediterranean mezes, or
5 Fitness Finds in the Windy City
Keeping up with a workout routine while traveling can easily feel like a chore. Thankfully, Chicago offers so many cool fitness options, there’s no need to clock time on the treadmill while you’re in town. If you really want to break a sweat the old-fashioned way, you can always go on a run or ride