From hot chocolate and cozy fireplaces to skiing or ice-skating, Chicago has so much to offer!
When cold weather strikes there is a trend to stay inside and avoid the outdoors at all costs. However, instead of hibernating indoors why not embrace some of Chicago’s most unique wintertime activities that help make Chicago the city it is. From hot chocolate and cozy fireplaces to skiing or ice-skating, Chicago has so much to offer!
For the outdoor enthusiast, the McCormick-Tribune Ice Skating Rink is ideal. With Grant Park as a backdrop, Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is a terrific family-friendly wintertime destination. The ice rink, open from mid-November through early March, is at the city’s cultural epicenter, close to theaters, shopping and museums. Not only is a way to truly enjoy the wintertime, it’s FREE! Learn more here.
Need to warm up after all that shopping or skating? Swing by Medici on 57th for some hot cocoa. From a cinnamon-y Mexican version to creamy cocoa with whipped cream, this is a favorite sipping spot.
Or if you are more into tea, another Chicago tradition for mothers and daughters of all ages is to sip tea and eat scones at Palm Court in the Drake Hotel. English afternoon tea is offered Mon-Fri 1:30pm-5pm and Sat-Sun 1pm-5pm. Enjoy live jazz during cocktail hour from 5pm to midnight Sun-Thu and from 5pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. For more details and information, click here!
If serenity is what your heart desires to soothe your mind and soul, post holidays, then the Ruby Room is just what you need. What started as a single floor in a three flat is now a spa, beauty salon, boutique, yoga studio, healing center and sanctuary. The first floor comprises high-end beauty products by Bumble and bumble, Sue Devitt and others, while a spa provides hair styling, signature Arcona facials and crystal massages. Upstairs, the curious get their chi cleansed through intuitive healing and numerology, while a neighboring building houses guest suites and a yoga studio.
For the more adventurous Chicagoan, why not try The Villa Olivia, located in Bartlett, it is a great place for Chicagoans interested in a local ski place. It’s one of only two downhill areas that realistically allow Chicagoans to work all day, ski or snowboard at night and still sleep in their own beds. To learn more about Villa Olivia’s slopes, read here.
With such a wide assortment of winter weather activities, no Chicagoan should stay indoors. Invest your time in one of these unique, Chicago pastimes. Who knows, it could end up being a new tradition!
1 Comment
January 15, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Hmph. Who knew that you could go skiing in Chicago! Such a pleasant idea on this cold winter day! When the weather is cold and the mood int he city gets sour, it’s nice to hear about things you can do to enjoy this type of weather instead of waiting around for it to be nice out again! Although, the spas do sound like a nicer (warmer) option. All great ideas though! Thanks New West!