Feminist City Guide: Chicago

Welcome to the paid subscriber version of Wanderess. In this month’s newsletter: a feminist city guide to Chicago celebrating women and BIPOC-owned businesses to check out. If you’ve found your way here but are not yet subscribed, here, let me help you with that:

Following the recent Democratic National Convention, Chicago has stepped into the spotlight. Nicknamed the Windy City—which, contrary to popular belief, is not because of windy weather—Chicago is a destination worthy of everyone’s travel list. A diverse city that is home to bustling neighborhoods and vibrant communities, the “Second City” proves itself to be a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and cuisines from around the world.

While most Chicago-bound travelers know to check out the Magnificent Mile (the Windy City’s answer to New York’s 5th Avenue) or the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), there is a slew of BIPOC and women-owned businesses worth supporting while in town. From charming bookstores to artisan boutiques and authentic Spanish churros to modern Southern cuisine—here’s how to visit Chicago in a way that supports its diverse and entrepreneurial communities.