Now is a good time to plan a visit close to home, a day’s drive out or a little further away because lots of travel destinations are beginning to open and gas is still in the budget range.
!["Coud Gate" (The Bean) reflects people and skyline in Millennium Park. (J Jacobs photo)](https://travelsmartwithjodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/patty-weekend-072.jpg)
Chicago
Restaurants and bars have opened their outdoor seating areas. Among them is The Loyalist at 177 N. Ada Street near Randolph Row. It has had walk-ins but will likely be taking reservations beginning Wednesday, June 24,2020. If you go: expect more French style choices.
Millennium Park and Lakefront
Yes, you can visit Cloud Gate (The Bean). If you go: take selfies and don’t touch it. Most of Millennium Park is open but masks are encouraged as is social distancing.
The same goes for the lakefront which isopen as of today, June 22, 2020 to movers, not sitters. that means walkers, joggers, cyclists.
![The historic town of Galena, IL has yummy shops and good festivals. (J Jacobs photo)](https://travelsmartwithjodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/galena-fall-2011-014-e1562095141909.jpg)
Galena
Tucked into northwestern Illinois near the Wisconsin and Iowa borders is the charming town of Galena. There are lots of good B&B and restaurant choices because rolling hills, historic homes and fun shops make the town a popular summer (and fall) destination.
If you go: stop at the American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, the Fried Green Tomatoes restaurant and Galena Cellars.
![Lorraine Hotel site of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. (J Jacobs photo)](https://travelsmartwithjodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/memphis-trip-034-e1592849279104.jpg)
National Civil Rights Museum
Memphis, TN has a lot to offer as vacation destination. However, if interested in understanding more about the global Black Lives Matter movement then visit to the famed museum based at the Lorraine Motel, 450 Mulberry St, where Martin Luther King Jr was shot. The museum plans to reopen July 1, 2020.
If you go: you will need a timed ticket and have to wear a face covering. For tickets and other information visit National Civil Rights Museum.