The best of 11 states - here in NYC

With bonus factoids from our resident quizmaster, Noah Tarnow of the Big Quiz Thing (bigquizthing.com).

Shake Shack Shack-cago dog.

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

Illinois

Unlike their streamlined New York counterparts, Chicago-style hot dogs practically require a fork and knife: An all-beef link is piled with toppings, including fresh tomatoes, relish, celery salt and pickled sport peppers, and plopped into a poppy-seed bun. Inhale the Shack-cago dog ($4.25)—made with Vienna Beef hot dogs straight from the Windy City—at Shake Shack (locations throughout the city; visit shakeshack.com).

Catch an improv show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (307 W 26th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves; 212-366-9176, ucbtheatre.com), whose founding members (including Amy Poehler) studied in Chicago under comedic legend Del Close. Close developed the Harold, a style of long-form improv now practiced by troupes all over the country. The theater’s annual Del Close Marathon, named in his honor, takes place August 14–16 and features 72 straight hours of made-up hilarity—occasionally showcasing big names like erstwhile SNL star Horatio Sanz and current 30 Rock naif Jack McBrayer (he plays Kenneth).

Chicagoans can visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park home and studio, the design center for some of his most famous buildings; here, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (1071 Fifth Ave at 89th St; 212-423-3500, guggenheim.org; $15–$18) is the finest example of the seminal architect’s craftsmanship. The museum pays homage to its designer with the exhibit “Frank Lloyd Wright: From Within Outward,” on view through August 23.

Much has been said about Abraham Lincoln in the past year, particularly comparisons to President Obama—the two leaders do share the distinction of being elected from the state of Illinois, after all. Learn more about the life of Honest Abe at the New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West between 76th and 77th Sts; 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org; $6–$10), which presents two exhibits about the 16th Prez this year: “Abraham Lincoln in His Own Words,” on view through July 12, and “Lincoln and New York,” which opens October 9.

Will the Chicago Cubs ever win another World Series? If they do, Kelly’s Sports Bar (12 Ave A between E Houston and 2nd Sts; 212-388-1464, kellysnyc.com) will be the epicenter of expat celebrations in NYC. Fans of the Cubs congregate here for the games broadcast on huge widescreen TVs, the camaraderie—and, of course, the drink specials. Happy hour goes from noon until 8pm, and kamikaze shots are only $2 between midnight and 2am. Holy cow!

Fun fact: Two years ago, a census analysis named Illinois “the most average state,” with a big city, lots of countryside, plenty of suburban sprawl and America’s übertypical town, Peoria.

NEXT Louisiana

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

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