Lulu’s Restaurant & Cocktails
8487 Union Chapel Road.IndianapolisIN
Nestled in North Indy, Lulu’s is a favorite spot among young locals. The decor is stylish and fun, and the menu is vast and sure to please. With live music and DJs almost every night, Lulu’s is one of the best places to dance in town. Especially on Caribbean Sundays. Each week, this is the night for reggae, dancing, and steel drums from 7-close. So whether its the drinks, food, or dancing that draws you, Lulu’s is a spot worth visiting. (Photo courtesy of lulusindy.com)
Museum of Contemporary Art.Chicago
220 East Chicago Avenue.ChicagoIL
Wherever I go, I visit at least one art museum. And this contemporary collection in the heart of downtown Chicago is possibly my favorite. As one of the nation’s largest facilities devoted to the art of our time, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago brings everything to the table. Contemporary visual culture is represented to the fullest through painting, sculpture, photography, video and film, and performance. Upcoming exhibition - Earthworks: Robert Smithson, Sam Durant, and Mary Brogger.
Big Fat Burrito
3354 S. National Avenue.SpringfieldMO
Nothing fancy and everything good. Locally owned and operated, this burrito joint is the definition of fresh. Made to order right in front of you by the friendliest crew in town, Big Fat Burrito is the best burrito I have EVER had. I know that may be a little bold, but no matter where I go, I stand by it. The menu is simple and easy to order from, and nothing will disappoint. My personal favorite is the pork and veggie tostada, which I am working to get named after me (I like it and order it that much). And don’t forget to try the jalapeno salsa. So hot and so good.
The Black Keys
Hard to believe this kind of sound can come out of just two guys. I saw The Black Keys on New Years at the Riviera in Chicago and was blown away. Don’t miss your chance to see them at Wakarusa and Lollapalooza this summer.
Mokan Music and Camping Festival
29200 State Highway P.PleasantHillMO
July 8-10, 2010
In its second year, this baby of festivals is naturally small. But with a surprisingly large turnout last year, the people of Mokan are expecting even bigger numbers for this July. This year’s lineup includes: Dirtfoot, LFDC Funk, Ben Hoppes, Somasphere, DJ Geeg, and Inflect, among many others. Charming, intimate, and full of energy, this music and camping festival is ‘three days of bliss that you won’t wanna miss.’ (Photo courtesy of MokanMyspace)
Table Rock Lake
Missouri.Arkansas
Straddling Missouri and Arkansas, this lake is naturally one of my favorite locales. Serene and beautifully breathtaking, Table Rock is an uncovered (for the most part) gem in the heart of the Midwest. Known by enough people to start a party if you want to, but unknown by more to add to its peacefulness, this is possibly the best lake in the United States. Go fishing, tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, cliff-jumping, or start a barge party. Whatever it is that you have in mind for Table Rock, you’ve got it.
Yello Sub
1814 W. 23rd.LawrenceKS
Located in the heart of Lawrence, one of the best college towns in the U.S., this sub shop thrives. Featuring scrumptious, made-from-scratch whole wheat bread, and a variety of meats, cheeses and veggies, the Yello Sub satisfies all palettes. Perfect for those Jayhawk gamedays, or any occasion for that matter, this spot is a KU institution. There’s nothing fancy about the Yello Sub, and that’s what makes it perfection.
Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar
312 South Avenue.SpringfieldMO
The name speaks for itself: two pianos and tuns of fun. Modeled after the dueling piano bars of another midwestern town, Chicago, Ernie Biggs serves up live and high-energy entertainment. ’P Bar,’ as it is affectionately referred to by locals, is the perfect place for birthdays, reunions, and bachelor parties. With over 27 years of experience, this downtown hotspot will not disappoint. Stop in to see what I’m talking about.
Cajun’s Wharf
2400 Cantrell.LittleRockAR
The catch is fresh and so are the tunes. And so is Cajun’s motto. Famous for their fresh seafood and specialty drinks, this restaurant/bar is a gem in the heart of Little Rock. Happy hour here cannot be missed, nor can Thursday’s ‘Big Swingin Deck Party.’ Overlooking the beautiful Arkansas River, Cajun’s Wharf is sure to please your stomach, ears, and eyes.
Crossroads Kansas City
417 E. 18th Street.KansasCityMO
Crossroads Kansas City is a music venue born out of a passion for music and the arts. Located in the Crossroads Art District, just south of downtown KC, Crossroads features a wide array of musical talent, from reggae to bluegrass to hip-hop. The folks at this venue are genuinely concerned with providing the very best live music experience in a festive outdoor environment. You couldn’t ask for much more from Crossroads: friendly staff, amazing talent, beautiful KC skyline, and starry skies. Upcoming shows that cannot be missed: Big Smith, The Black Keys, The Temper Trap, & Modest Mouse. (Photo courtesy of crossroadskc.com)
