Brit + Co's Ultimate Self-Care City Guide

Brit + Co's Ultimate Self-Care City Guide

We all want to make the most of our limited vacation days, but it can be challenging to find the right balance between exploring and relaxing. It's easy to overbook ourselves when we finally get away, trying to see and do everything possible. Instead of just enjoying our free time, we end up stressed. That's why we created the Self-Care City Guide to help you plan the best of what to see, where to eat, and how to pamper yourself in some amazing destinations.

Atlanta Self-Care City Guide

Sure, Atlanta has its “Hotlanta” moments during the summer months but heading into fall and the rest of the year it’s pretty much outdoor bliss. Green spaces everywhere – and a rich cultural landscape to boot – make this city a walking, jogging, outdoor yoga-ing oasis. We hit the streets of the urban mecca (Georgia’s capital city) to recharge and relax with a healthy dose of sweet southern charm and food.

Piedmont Park

First stop: Piedmont Park, between Midtown and Virginia Highland ‘hoods, where we kicked off our morning workout with the Atlanta skyline in clear view. There's a reason Atlanta's billed as the City in the Forest. So. Many. Trees.

This 200 acres of parkland is popular with joggers and picnickers alike and is minutes from the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a must-see.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Walk, skip, jump and connect with nature inside this ever-evolving outdoor garden. Get your chance to fall down the rabbit hole into the Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland exhibit, on display through October 27.

‘Gram giant topiaries like a 27-foot White Rabbit inside an upside-down umbrella, a towering dragon and a Cheshire Cat, not to mention a walkable chessboard filled with heart-shaped trees. The first to find Alice wins the race!

Upbeet

A good morning workout deserves a good healthy lunch, which you can find when you head over to Upbeet, one of the “hottest fast-casual restaurants in the United States,” according to Zagat.

We got our clean and whole food fix with the Pretty in Pink smoothie bowl made with a base of pitaya (A.K.A. dragonfruit) and vanilla almond milk, topped with berries and hemp seed (oh my!). A side of Berries + Basil toast (amaze) filled us right up and gave us an easy breakfast go-to idea.

We topped off the meal with a house-made organic lemonade (pro tip: go for the kick of cayenne) and left feeling refreshed – all while giving our tootsies some highly earned R&R.

Jackson Street Bridge

For the best views of Atlanta’s cityscape head over to Jackson Street Bridge (of The Walking Dead fame) for a snap and a breather from an active day.

Comfortable shoes and layered outfits are a must for getting around town but we also want to look cute, right? Self-care = feeling and looking great. We packed a few sporty pieces that travel well, are totally versatile and make us feel like moving. These classic 3-Stripes Tights and Sports Bra kept us going from morning workout to walk around town. We just threw on this cropped pink Training Tee post-workout and took in the sights. And we never met a Cropped Hoodie we didn't like (so flattering). For a pop of color, this gold Postgame Crew Sweatshirt was fun to wear but also really functional. The French terry fabric was so soft but also light enough for late summer.

Experience a whole new way to workout at Dick's Sporting Goods in Atlanta. Join women of all fitness levels at Fitsquad Atlanta, presented by adidas and Dick’s Sporting Goods, on September 14 (sign up here) at the Mt Vernon Hwy location and on October 19 (sign up here) at the Ernest W Barrett Hwy location.

This is no typical fitness event — it's all about building a community for women to sweat together, push boundaries, inspire each other, and create. Grab a friend and join us for a yoga strength class with a live DJ, enjoy acai bowls, make your own mini succulent terrarium, and capture memories in a fun photo booth.

Historic 4th Ward Conservancy

Get busy with a booty workout at this public park in the Old Fourth Ward ‘hood. Stop to catch your breath and a view of the lake. It’s a beaut for sure and not to be missed.

Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail

Walk, run, bike or scoot along the Beltline’s paved path without ever having to hit the actual road. This mural by artist Alex Brewer (among others you'll find under the Krog Street Tunnel) are perfect for your insta’ travel moments.

Millennium Gate Museum

Stroll the pristine grounds, relax by the fountains and admire the beautiful architecture of The Gate, a museum dedicated to the history of Georgia, located at the entrance to the Atlantic Station district (shopping galore!) in Midtown.

Centennial Olympic Park

Test out your best Olympic moves – or squats – at this downtown gathering space developed for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Cool off by the Fountain of Rings or snap a selfie at The Spectacular, a new sculpture of the Olympic Rings added to park in 2018.

Whiskey Bird

Whiskey Bird proves why Atlanta ends up on so many top food-city lists.

The innovative Asian-inspired menu is anything but boring – it may just take a while to choose from the so many good dishes. But first, cocktails: Chill with a margarita, whiskey sour or aperol spritz to wind down from a long day of self-caring. Salut!

Catch up on carbs (because you deserve it) with a spicy soba noodle salad and whole roasted cauliflower loaded with smoked gouda-miso fondue (one word: YUM) at this full-of-surprises eatery.

Ready to plan your own trip to the ATL? Share your travels with us on social by tagging @BritandCo and @dickssportinggoods #HERFITSQUAD.

Creative Director: Anjelika Temple

Author: Theresa Gonzalez

Photography: Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

Design: Marisa Kumtong

Art Direction + Modeling: Elizabeth Lamb

Model: Jasmine Jakes Parks

Chicago Self-Care City Guide

In the summer months, Chicago totally comes to life. What we all think of as a cold, windy city thrives in warmer temps and is a great place to take a weekend trip for a little rejuvenation and self-care. A city that’s jam-packed with opportunities for being active alongside foodie favorites, Chicago’s got something for everyone and the locals are always happy to share insider info. For our next Self-Care City Guide, we spent a day exploring Chi-town and are happy to share our fave spots with you!

Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk

Start your day surrounded by nature and wildflowers for a nice morning stroll or jog, coupled with an inspiring city view and contemporary architecture.

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness

If you’re craving an alternative workout that challenges, inspires, and rewards, bouldering is the answer. Choosing your own unique path to get to your destination makes for a fun invigorating exercise in a space that encourages and uplifts. The staff is super kind and helpful with a beginner-friendly attitude, with a sport that can seem intimidating to jump in. We appreciated the peaceful, judgment-free supportive community vibes felt here. First Ascent has five Chicago locations, so you can climb all over the city.

Maison Marcel

After getting our workout on, off to the adorable (and v photogenic) French-inspired cafe and patisserie Maison Marcel.

With both vegan and gluten-free options and plenty of treats, smoothies, caffeinated bevvies, and food, there’s something for everyone. It doesn’t hurt that you’re surrounded by beautiful boho Parisian decor and an outdoor mural that transports you from a city alley to a bountiful garden.

Bonus: The staff is just as sweet as the macarons :)

Lakefront Trail

You get the best of both beach views and skyline scenery on this trail suited to fit all kinds of activity on foot and otherwise (bikes, skates, etc).

Of course, one of the key components to a successful weekend of self-care is making sure you’re comfortably and stylishing outfitted. We’re all about packing a few sporty pieces that can be mixed, matched, and layered. This Knotted Tank Top has just the right amount of looseness to wear all day long, and the classic 3-Stripes Tights are part of our year-round uniform. For beachside yoga, the 3-Stripes Racerback Sports Bra is supportive and light, and we love the Ringer 3-Stripes T-Shirt for going on a run. For all day comfort for your toesies, a pair of Ultraboost 19 Running Shoes are the way to go.

Get your workout on with Fitsquad Chicago on August 3rd at Dick's Sporting Goods in Lincoln Park, presented by adidas and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Forget about your typical fitness event — this is all about creating a community for women to sweat together, push boundaries, inspire each other, and create. Grab a friend and join us for a yoga strength class with a live DJ, enjoy acai bowls, make your own mini succulent terrarium, and capture memories in a photo booth. Get all the deets here.

Oak Street Beach

That’s right. Beachfront bliss is possible smack dab in the middle of Chi-town.

Zen out with a dose of yoga in the sunshine. Located on North Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street Beach legit makes you feel like you’re on the coast with the backdrop of stunning Chicago behind you.

Then, time for a little nourishment. After a short yoga routine, we stopped for a relaxing picnic on the water, a serene scene to take pause from the city.

Maggie Daley Park

Surrounded by contemporary sculpture, architecture, and life, this artfully designed park is buzzing with lots of activities to offer. And you can still see the water!

Bad Hunter

Proudly “veg-forward”, this hip spot boasts a well-crafted menu curated seasonally with a sustainable conscience that accommodates to all dietary needs. We’d call it indulgently healthy ;) The space is cleverly designed with charming details abound. With delightful service, food, and atmosphere, Bad Hunter is a must visit.

The 606

This greenery-lined path gives you a proper dose of nature on a newly-constructed trail that suits all kinds of physical activities, especially great for running (with a rubbery side path for those concerned with joint stress).

Everyone seems so happy and active here, including the butterflies enjoying the wildflowers.

Now, time to plan your own trip to Chicago! Share your travels with us using on social by tagging @BritandCo and @dickssportinggoods #HERFITSQUAD.

Check out our Miami and Denver Self-Cares Guide below!

Photography: Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

Design: Marisa Kumtong

Art Direction + Modeling: Elizabeth Lamb

Denver Self-Care City Guide

There's something about that crisp Denver air, and it's not just because the city's elevation is exactly one mile above sea level. Colorado's capital is located just a short distance to the majestic Rocky Mountains, where you can find some of the country's best skiing and outdoor activities. But that doesn't mean Denver itself doesn't have its own appeal — as one of the fastest growing cities in the US, it's attracting visitors and new residents alike with its bustling food scene, walkable neighborhoods, big outdoor parks, and laidback attitude. So take a deep breath, and see all that the Mile High City has to offer.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning concert venue than the open-air Red Rocks Amphitheater, just 45 minutes outside of Denver. Due to the two 300-foot monoliths that flank the sides, it's the only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world, and it has hosted everyone from the Beatles to world-class opera singers.

It's also an ideal place for anyone looking to add a little challenge to their workout routine. On non-event days Red Rocks is open to the public one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Yoga classes are offered throughout the year, and if you're a cardio lover, the stairs and benches are guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

Fort Greene

Fort Greene is tucked away on a residential street in the Globeville neighborhood; you'd likely drive by this hidden gem if you didn't know what you were looking for. Step inside though, and you're welcomed into an eclectic, whimsical bar with plush, velvet couches, marble tables, mismatched vintage glassware, paper poppies hung from the ceiling, and a dance room (complete with disco ball) in the back.

Grab a CBD mocktail or one of their inventive cocktails — Lovers in the Parking Lot is a mezcal drink as fierce as the Solange song it was named for, and Match Point blends lavender gin with lemon and seltzer — and settle into one of the leather chairs or spacious patio outside.

Confluence Park

Centrally located near lower downtown Denver, Confluence Park is an urban park along where South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet. The area has bike and walking paths for exploring and sandbanks for taking in the sun and views of the skyline.

During warmer temperatures, visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, or tubing along the river.

When traveling, it's important to pack versatile pieces and layers that can keep up with any activity and temperature. This 3-Stripe Back Training Tank Top will add a pop of color to your morning workout, and a comfy pair of 3-Stripe Knit Shorts is perfect for both exercising and lounging around. And if you're looking for some effortless style, rock this cute and comfortable All Me Primeknit FLW Sports Bra and during your workout. If the weather gets chilly, just throw on this super cozy Changeover Crewneck Sweatshirt for some extra warmth.

Join us for a memorable day featuring a HIIT yoga class, live dj, customization stations, terrarium building, acai bowls and giveaways! Event will be held at dick’s sporting goods at Broomfield on Saturday, May 4th from 10am-4pm. Sign up for a start time here.

Larimer Square

A healthy lifestyle is all about balance, and sometimes that calls for a little retail therapy. Head to Larimer Square, Denver's oldest block, where the historic brick buildings have since been converted into trendy boutiques, restaurants, wellness services, and bars. Stroll along the tree-lined streets, look up at the twinkling string lights, and treat yourself to a little shopping (window or actual).

Beast + Bottle

This rustic American restaurant located in the North Capitol Hill Neighborhood uses responsibly-sourced, seasonal, and local ingredients.

The menu is also fresh and always changing, and that applies both to the food and the drinks. Think guanciale butter toast (they've somehow found a way to make butter more deliciously buttery), braised octopus, and pizzas on whole grain crust.

The hand-crafted cocktails are named after famous songs, but have a twist; Standing in the Pain is for bourbon lovers, while A Letter to Jimmy Sage and You Can't Always Get Sochu Want both provide hints of their ingredients directly in their titles.

Washington Park

Relax in South Denver's massive Washington Park, which boasts 155 acres of green space that includes two lakes, flower gardens, tennis courts, a soccer field, cycling trails, a jogging path, and more.

It's an ideal place to chill out, stroll or run, do some yoga, get on the lake (on weekends, paddleboats, paddleboards, and canoes are available for rent on Smith Lake), or simply picnic under the shade of the tall trees.

We hope this guide comes in handy next time you find yourself in Denver. Share your travels with us using on social by tagging @BritandCo and @dickssportinggoods #HERFITSQUAD.

Check out our Miami Self-Care Guide below!

Photography: Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

Design: Marisa Kumtong

Production + Styling: Cassidy Miller

Author: Lesley Chen

Miami Self-Care City Guide

Miami is a city full of color — that applies to everything including the street murals, Art Deco architecture, gorgeous beaches, foodie scene, and vibrant culture. And while the nightlife is what most people buzz about, the daytime offers plenty of opportunities to soak in some of Miami's year-round sunshine and recharge the mind and body. Below you'll find all the places to experience the healthy side of Magic City.

WYNWOOD WALLS

Miami is a hub for creativity and there's no better place to witness that than the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor gallery of huge murals by street artists from all over the globe. Go early to avoid the crowds, and take a scenic stroll immersed in world-class art. Afterward, wander around the neighborhood, which is filled with great restaurants, cafes, and shops.

THE STANDARD POOL AND SPA

COLORFUL LIFEGUARD TOWERS ON SOUTH BEACH

Even Miami's beaches have their own artistic flair — bright lifeguard towers provide colorful accents on the sands of South Beach.

Each tower has its own personality, shape, and pattern, and collectively, they provide fun eye candy whether you're running next to the water or sunbathing with a book.

TEN FRUITS

Located in downtown Miami, Ten Fruits is a great place to fuel up in the morning before a day of exploring. Pick up some fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, hearty acai bowls, high-protein waffles, or homemade pastries to keep your energy and spirits high.

Packing for a vacation can be stressful and especially tricky if you’ve never been to the place you’re headed. Even though Miami is relatively sunny year-round (about 70-80º F), it can also get very windy, so dressing in layers is key. This adidas Ace Bra is the perfect pop of color to help you fit right into the vibrant Miami scene during your morning runs on the beach. And this super lightweight Sport ID Wind Jacket is a stylish way to keep you cozy when that ocean breeze picks up.

Every girl also needs a comfy pair of versatile leggings that can transition from plane to play, like these High-Rise Sport Block leggings. And last but not least, keep all your travel essentials handy in this carry-on friendly Defender III Small Duffle Bag, which has easily accessible side pockets, and can also double as a workout bag for your trip.

adidas and Dick’s Sporting Goods invite you to join our community of FITSQUAD women and come sweat, create and refuel together on Saturday, March 30th at the Pembroke Pines Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pembroke. HIIT/Power Yoga classes, a live DJ, delicious food and custom terrarium-building activities will be happening all day! RSVP to attend here.

SOUL TAVERN

As Miami's first plant-based gastropub, Soul Tavern serves comfort food with a healthy twist. Founder Jason Gordon is an acupuncturist specializing in Chinese medicine and has brought some of his practices into creating food that brings both balance and harmony. Sit in the zen outdoor space and order off the herbal elixir tea menu, designed to enhance various aspects of your well-being. For a nosh, the jackfruit gyoza and the hearts of palm cakes are must-try items.

ART-DECO HISTORIC DISTRICT

For a little throwback, head to the beachfront to see all the Art Deco architecture of Miami's yesteryear. Throw on your comfiest sneakers and get ready to get your steps in.

These historical '20s and '30s pastel buildings have been restored into luxurious hotels and nightclubs along trendy South Beach and provide a colorful way to spend the afternoon or evening.

Next time you find yourself in Miami, you'll be well-equipped to find your zen and get the R&R you deserve. Share your travels with us using on social by tagging @BritandCo and @dickssportinggoods #HERFITSQUAD.

Photography: Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co

Design: Marisa Kumtong

Production + Styling: Cassidy Miller

Author: Lesley Chen