The beauty of working remotely at McMillan & Phillips is that we’ve had the incredible opportunity to diversify when and how we work. The M&P team works from all over the globe and as a digital creative agency, that strengthens our understanding of client needs by giving us new perspectives. This has had so many benefits for our company! First of all, it means that our digital creative agency isn’t limited to the hiring pool in any given city, so we’re not limited by geography … we get to work with the best of the best. It also means that we have touchstones in many of the cities we would love to visit just for fun.
No one knows a city better than its locals. With so many different places represented in our company, we’ve decided to come together and make a roundup of our favorite, non-touristy places. From New York to Oregon and several places in between, you can find the great minds behind our digital creative agency. Here’s what we recommend doing if you ever find yourself in our neck of the woods.
The Digital Creative Agency Chicago Crew
Some of us on the team think that the Midwest is best. We happily call The Windy City our home. Chicago is full of tourist traps. Let’s be honest, you may want to stay out of Wrigleyville altogether. That being said, there’s so much that the city offers to its locals. Here are a few of our recommendations.
Zach Phillips (Co-Owner & CMO)
Here are some of the things I love to do in Chicago:
Run along the Riverfront
Take the L to new neighborhoods
Inhale a burger at Au Cheval
Visit any of our 1,000 rooftop bars in the city
Jessica Ervin-Eickhoff (Content Writer)
Most people who visit Chicago never even leave the Loop, but I really feel that the heart of our city resides in the neighborhoods. Here are a few locations you should totally check out.
Music Box theatre on Southport is a movie theater from the 1920s, which still has its original architecture. They do a lot of special events, like an interactive screening of The Sound of Music. You can also find Indie films that are hard to find in other places.
The Magic Lounge in Andersonville is such a fun spot. Chicago has a rich history when it comes to magic performances. The way you enter the venue alone is worth the trip.
Get out of the Loop and see a performance at a real storefront theatre! There are hundreds of theatre companies in Chicago doing incredible work in 50-100 seat theaters. Some of my favorites are Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, A Red Orchid Theatre and Strawdog Theatre Company to name a few.
Kopi Cafe is an eatery that’s inspired by traveling the world. Everything is amazing, and you can sit and work for hours while people-watching.
Brent Ervin-Eickhoff (Content Writer)
I love the Art Institute—their dining is soooo good.
Walking through Winnemac Park in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.
Check out the rooftop bar at Gene's Sausages in Lincoln Square, too! I’m a real fan of supporting incredible local businesses.
The Digital Creative Agency Westerners
Who doesn’t love Nevada? It's an arid climate in the summer and there’s plenty of snowy fun in the winter. Here’s what you should check out next time you’re in the area.
Kaitlin McMillan (Co-Founder & Owner)
Some of my favorite activities to do around Reno, Nevada:
Skiing Mt. Rose in the winter. It's not usually as busy as some of the more popular resorts like Squaw Valley, now known as Palisades.
Walking around Midtown and grabbing some food. Midtowns has been totally gentrified, and has a bit of the ‘60s Old Town feel with a modern update.
Going to antique stores in Midtown like junkees.
And of course, heading up to Lake Tahoe to boat and spend the day out.
The Digital Creative Agency Eastcoaster
For the time being, Morgan is our lone East Coaster, but she has excellent taste. If you find yourself in the Buffalo area, make sure you check out her recommendations.
Morgan McCarns (Social Media Manager)
My favorite things to do in Buffalo, NY:
Buffalo is the home of the chicken wing so you HAVE to grab some while you’re in town. It’s up for debate which place makes the best wings in the city, but I prefer Gabriel’s Gate.
Drinking is the favorite past-time of 90% of the city so you have to hit a brewery while in town. I love stopping by Thin Man Brewery for a drink after work.
Buffalo is 20 minutes away from Niagara Falls which is a nice place to people watch or see fireworks, occasionally. I will say that the American side of the falls isn’t very nice, and I usually go to the Canadian side.
Want to get out of the city and hit the slopes? Head over to Ellicottville, NY. I head here all the time and there are plenty of things to do in town. From skiing at Holiday Valley to throwing axes at Hachet's and Hops it will keep you busy.
The Digital Creative Agency Pacific Northwesterners
Welcome to the great Pacific Northwest! It’s great for a reason. Next time you’re visiting Seattle, here are a few hot tips.
Andrea Larson (Content Strategist)
Some of my favorite things to do in Seattle include:
Visiting the Washington Park Arboretum in fall and spring when the seasons are changing. In spring, the cherry blossoms are AMAZING!
Renting a canoe with friends and paddling around Lake Washington and Lake Union. I love to pack a lunch and eat on the water.
Catching a show at some of Seattle's many iconic venues. My favorites are The Paramount and Showbox Market.
Eating fish and chips at Ivar's Salmon House on Lake Union. They have a killer happy hour!
The Digital Creative Agency Southerners
The southern states are gorgeous, no matter when you visit. Outside of the tourist hotspots these states offer even more than you might realize. Here’s what our southern residents think you should do when you’re in the area.
Laura Davis (Graphic Designer)
I live in Greenville, South Carolina. Although there may be tourists at these locations, they’re popular for a reason!
In the fall everyone goes apple picking at Sky Top Orchard and attends Fall For Greenville.
If you want to get a little more active, you can bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
While you’re in the area, go hiking at Jones Gap or Paris Mountain.
Mae Turney (Production Coordinator)
Here are a few of the awesome things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina:
Raleigh Beer Garden was voted the top beer garden in the U.S. this year, so my friends and I go there a lot!
The Haw River is a really popular hiking spot on the Cape Fear.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most picturesque drives in the country, and it’s only a couple of hours away. We go every fall when the leaves change!
Avery Jankowski (SEO Specialist)
Here are a few great, non-touristy things to do around Nashville, Tennessee:
Hike through the Smoky Mountains at places like Clingmans Dome Lookout.
Go to local breweries, like Living Water Brewing and Southern Grist Brewing Company—East Nashville Taproom.
Spending time at Radnor Lake State Park.
Need help with Digital Marketing? Here at McMillan & Phillips we have a team of experts to make all your brand growth a reality. Reach out todayand let’s start optimizing your website and ultimately, your brand!