Isn’t it awesome that we Chicagoans have had such a mild and beautiful winter?!?!? The need or desire to hop on a plane may not be that big of a deal BUT the desire to get away and do something fun might be! May I suggest you consider a STAYCATION and what better place than to plan one in no other city than our MARVELOUS city of Chicago!
First you will need somewhere to STAY? So, consider a few of my recommendations:
Bed and Breakfast perhaps, there is an adorable one in the Bronzeville/Hyde Park area, check out Welcome Inn Manor
http://welcomeinnmanor.com/
Or how about a penthouse (3rd floor) Hey, it’s the top floor…Nothing but the best!!! This rental is located in Lincoln Park, and is affectionately called Mr. Clark’s Penthouse and I had
an opportunity to check it out of over the weekend to see that the decor is both hip and swanky! http://bangtel.com/stay/brief/mr-clark-penthouse/
OH, so you fancy huh and would rather be in the Gold Coast, in the mix of it all? The Thompson is one of my personal favs. See what they have to offer and I guarantee that you will enjoy your stay here!
http://www.thompsonhotels.com
If you’re real fancy…The Peninsula Chicago is another fave, with all of the personal touches and the concierge service that is top notch! Nothing is missing from this upscale lodging!
http://chicago.peninsula.com
There are plenty of options in the city and surrounding burbs. Maybe you have heard of a place and have always wanted to stay there…well, just do it!!!
So once you decide on a place to stay, now let’s get some activities on the agenda!
OF COURSE food…One can never run out of dining options in Chicago and why not take advantage of a few hot spots while you are on your staycation!
Breakfast or may I suggest Brunch, since you may want to sleep in for once! After all, you ARE on a STAYCATION…
Brunch at Tavern on Rush is perfect for people watching! They offer a wonderful wide selection of various menu options as well as any brunch cocktail you can think of!
Lunch- I suggest that you hop in a taxi and venture out to a neighborhood that you have been dying to get to for some vittles! Remember, you are on a STAYCATION and you are doing things that you have wanted to do but just haven’t had time for.
West Loop has some great spots and so does Lakeview and Lincoln Park. Lakeview and Lincoln Park also have great boutique shopping, might I add!!
Dinner – Soooo many options in the area, the new Maple & Ash is not only swanky, but a beautiful spot to just have one of their very creative cocktails. Also, let us not forget about the new STK steakhouse – a lively spot that is NOT your father’s steakhouse – the music alone will have you not wanting to leave! And YES the food most certainly lives up to the hype!!!
Are you up for some activities or adventure!?!?! Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park with the City’s skyline as a backdrop, where a ribbon of ice winds through a rolling landscape providing an ice skating experience unlike any other. The skating ribbon is dramatically different from typical civic ice rinks, creating a multisensory activity that is integrated into the landscape. Not an iceskater? The views and other activities alone are worth the visit! Plenty of things for the kids to do also! In the summer, there is a climbing wall available too! Last day of the ice skating season will be March 6th, weather permitting. See the link for further details. http://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/
FTW Chicago, located at 322 E. Illinois Street, brings together state-of-the-art gaming, chef-driven food and craft libations, and miniature golf in one innovative venue. Combining sleek sophistication with gut-busting fun, FTW is a paradigm- shifting gaming mecca like no other emporium in the city or the country. http://www.ftwchicago.com/
You are a patron of the arts, or sorta-kinda!?!?!! Well what about a cultural activity? You can check out the Goodman Theatre, The Chicago Theatre, or any one of the Broadway in Chicago theatres for a taste of performing arts during your staycation.
One event that is coming up, and that I will be attending is the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. This performance will be here March 8-13th at the Chicago Auditorium Theatre. This is a “don’t miss” performance with new choreography from some of the best in the country..heck world! If you have never been, I would suggest that you make plans to go to witness an awesome production of dance, now in its 46th year! Get your tickets now! http://www.auditoriumtheatre.org
What’s the flick you have been dying to see?!?!? Well go Recline and Dine!!! Now is the time to check out a new release at the new movie theatre at Gallery 37 because it is amazing. They have reclining seats, a full menu, with beverages, and a wait staff that’s attentive but won’t get in the way of your movie watching. Please don’t get full, recline and fall asleep!!!!! But I must warn you, it may happen because the seats are very comfortable! https://www.amctheatres.com
Start your adventures on the famous Museum Campus along Lake Michigan. Three world-renowned museums call it home: The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, The Field Museum, and The Shedd Aquarium, and all are filled with opportunities to stretch your mind. For art lovers, the Art Institute located on Michigan Ave is just steps away from Millennium Park. Check out the link below because there is a Museum for just about anything you might want to check out!
http://chicago.about.com/od/artsculture/tp/Top-Ten-Chicago-Museums.htm
If you venture south or if you are staying in Bronzeville/Hyde Park at the B&B I mentioned, check out the DuSable Museum for African American History. How many times have you driven by and said to yourself, “SELF, One day I am going to make time and go see what they are all about?” Well what better time to do that is when you are on your STAYCATION? Remember, you are doing things that you haven’t done and have always wanted to do in your very own city!
http://www.dusablemuseum.org/
Enjoy and please comment and let me know what you did on your staycation!
