by Virginia Fay
posted on October 18, 2016
With four teams left vying for the World Series title, baseball fans are ready to travel far and wide to catch a piece of the action. Even if baseball isn’t your game, the cities with home teams in the running have a lot to offer off the field too. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in LA, Chicago, Cleveland, or Toronto over the next few weeks, here’s what you can’t miss (besides the game).
Los Angeles
Just outside Dodger Stadium is the almost-too-cool-to-function neighborhood of Echo Park. Known as the hipster capital of America, it’s not all flannels and thick-rimmed glasses. Swing by The Park (1400 Sunset Blvd) for a brunch of decadent French toast, then hike one of the trails in Elysian Park, where you can even catch a glimpse of the stadium.
Take advantage of the SoCal sunshine with a stroll through the gardens at Huntington Library (1151 Oxford Rd) — let yourself get lost in the property’s 120 acres and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of the city. Keep the good vibes going at the beach (in October?! We know, California is a crazy place). Zuma in Malibu is an especially quintessential choice with surfers and beach babes galore, and in nice proximity to Malibu Wines (31740 Mulholland Hwy), where you can linger over lunch and a tasting.
Check out more recos in our Los Angeles city guide.
Chicago
When you’re not rooting on the Cubs, soak up the fall foliage and crisp air of Chicago in October, before temperatures drop to soul-numbing. Get a good overview of the city with an architecture boat tour, or rent your own electric boat to enjoy the skyline at your own pace (and with the beverages and snacks of your choice).
For entertainment that’s not sports-based, Chicago is an epicenter of comedy. Catch an improv show at Second City (multiple locations) or iO (1501 N Kingsbury St), where greats like Amy Poehler, Vince Vaughn, and Stephen Colbert have performed and taught. Finally, grab a bite to eat at ZED451 (739 N Clark St) for a classed-up buffet, or “sampling” experience — with menus for dinner, dessert, brunch, and cocktails and appetizers, it’s a good pick any time of day.
Get the skinny on more Chicago insider tips in our Chicago city guide.
Cleveland
Get to know the home turf of the Indians the best way to get acquainted with any city: through the food. Take yourself on an affordable and delicious gastronomic tour of the adjacent Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods with stops at Barrio (806 Literary Road), Momocho (1835 Fulton Rd), and Happy Dog (5801 Detroit Ave) for a selection of Cleveland’s brews and bites.
Once you’re pleasantly satiated, make the obligatory stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1100 E 9th St), which, while admittedly touristy, is still well worth your time, especially the current Louder than Words exhibit on rock’s role in social movements. Finish off your Cleveland getaway with a hike through the Rocky River Reservation (24000 Valley Pkwy), where the colors of fall explode against the river.
Toronto
The Blue Jays’ home town is a bustling metro with something to entertain everyone, regardless of your baseball allegiance. Make the most of the season with the Haunted Walk, which offers multiple options to explore the city’s spookiest history.
With almost half the city’s population born outside Canada, the international influence is strong — and it shows in the dining options. Visit Little India, Chinatown, or Little Italy for a taste bud tour, or really mix it up with a fusion option like Hungary Thai (196 Augusta Ave). You’ll find more variety in the live music scene, which covers almost all genres. Check out the local indie scene at Cameron House (408 Queen St West), or head down the street to historic Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen St West), which has played host to artists from The Ramones to Willie Nelson.
Virginia Fay
Virginia is equally enamored with words and globetrotting. Whenever possible, she likes to combine the two through travel writing to help other wanderers discover and fall in love with the world.
