
What we’re about
This group is for people who want to get out and explore Chicago and beyond. If you don't want to wait on their friends to finally say “yes” to get out to enjoy all that Chicago has to offer and to see the world. Life is too short and the world is too big!
The local events in this group are member-driven so if you’d like to host a Meetup in your area (i.e. walk, museum, coffee, play pickleball, concerts, etc), feel free to let me know and I'll help you get it set up in the group!
The trips in this group are usually 90% solo travelers but everyone is welcome, female/male, solo/couple/friends, straight/LGBTQIA+! So let’s travel together with fun, like-minded travelers! If you have an open mind and are kind to fellow travelers, you will fit in perfectly on these trips!
NOTE: The people on these trips are from all over the States but you’ll always be connected with people from the same city on a trip so you can meet up face to face and get to know your future travel buddies prior to the trip. You’ll also be connected to the whole group via email prior to the trip so you can virtually get to know those that are from different areas. On average, the people on each trip are 90% solo travelers but it’s hard to predict the exact demographic for each trip so please keep this in mind.
Feel free to join the Facebook group to connect with past travelers on these trips, see pictures, ask questions, funny travel memes, travel-related articles, etc: https://www.facebook.com/groups/613025845523107
The trips in this group are put on by a tour company called Globe Drifters and they focus on small group trips geared towards solo travelers with the mission of giving new meaning to travel by putting the human experience at the heart of their trips. The groups are small, usually with 12 people maximum per trip and about 90% of everyone on each trip are solo travelers so you’re not stuck being the odd man out on trips with mostly couples. You’ll have the best of both worlds, solo travel with the security of a small group of other solo travelers for some company on your adventure! To contact Globe Drifters directly, you can email [info@globe-drifters.com](mailto:info@globe-drifters.com).
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 🏛️ 🚶♀️ Gilded Age Glamour: Prairie Avenue Architecture & History Tour✨Digital Realty Chicago ORD10 (Former RR Donnelly & Sons Plant), Chicago, IL
🏛️ 🚶♀️ Gilded Age Glamour: Prairie Avenue Architecture & History Tour ✨
Stroll through one of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods on this guided walk exploring Prairie Avenue’s Gilded Age mansions, landmark churches, and architectural gems. Discover stories of Chicago’s elite, industrial might, and stunning design in a district that defined the city’s rise.
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📅 Saturday, July 19, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Start: RR Donnelly & Sons Plant 350 E Cermak
🎯 End: Chess Records, 2120 S Michigan Ave, (~3 blocks away from start)
💥 Cost: $20 per person (paid at start — Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)
🚶♀️ Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles outdoors
⚠️ Note: The walk ends about 3 blocks from where we start. Plan parking accordingly—it’s an easy walk back if you park in between.
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🚶♂️ What to Expect
✅ ~1.5 miles of relaxed outdoor walking
✅ Gilded Age mansions & landmark churches
✅ Chicago industrial & business history
✅ Surviving architecture from Prairie Avenue’s golden era
✅ Stories of Pullman, Armour, Field & other Chicago titans📸 While not a formal photo walk, there will be plenty of incredible architecture and historic spots to snap!
Multi-meetup groups will be attending!
Led by an official, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide (that’s me!), this tour will trace Prairie Avenue’s journey from an 1800s frontier to Chicago’s “sunny street that held the sifted few,” packed with fascinating local history.
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🏛️ Stops & Highlights
✨ Wheeler Mansion – 2020 S Calumet Ave
🏠 Harriet F. Rees House
🏛️ Marshall Field Jr. Mansion
🪑 Glessner House (exterior)
⚔️ Battle of Fort Dearborn Park
🌳 Chicago Women's Park & Gardens
🌳 The Battle of Fort Dearborn Park
🏠 Henry B. Clarke House (exterior)
🏭 RR Donnelley & Sons Plant
🚗 BF Goodrich Co Building
⛪ Second Presbyterian Church
🏛️ And more landmark homes & buildings!
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🍽️ Optional After-Tour Bites & Drinks
After our walk, all are welcome to join for food or drinks at one of these nearby spots:
🍺 Fat Pour Tapworks
🍝 Il Culaccino
🍕 Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
⚠️ Bring cash if joining for lunch—some places don’t do separate checks!
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👟 What to Bring
✅ Good walking shoes
✅ Water
✅ Hand sanitizer
✅ Weather-appropriate clothing for a Chicago summer day
💵 Cost: $20 per person – please pay at the start of the tour (Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)
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🚗 Parking & Transit Tips
• Street parking on Calumet, Cermak, Indiana & side streets (watch permit signs)
• Remember: The Tour ends ~3 blocks from where we start, so plan parking accordingly
• Easy CTA access—check your route with the CTA Trip Planner
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📌 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✅ Please keep your RSVP up to date.
✅ No-shows without updates make planning harder for everyone.
✅ Cutoff time to update your RSVP is the event start time.
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Come experience the hidden history, Gilded Age architecture, and fascinating stories of Prairie Avenue on this guided summer morning walk.✨ Space is limited—RSVP now and join us for this unique neighborhood adventure! 🏛️🚶♀️✨