Fun fun fun at the beach beach beach

August 2, 2005 6:37 PM

I'm looking to get away this weekend to somewhere within, say, a two hour drive (at max) of the Chicago metropolitan area.

My only requirements are: a natural swimming area (a beach, a swimming hole, whatever), and accomodations that are available at this short notice for less than three arms and a leg (say, under $200/night, but cheaper is better).

I'm obviously thinking inside the proverbial box here, because all the places that I can point to on a map and say, "hey" to are either completely booked or accessible only to non-non-millionaires.

Am I hosed or can you clever MeFites make my weekend?

posted by hoboynow to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

Are the Dells too dear, too far or too full? They would otherwise fit the bill.
posted by caddis at 6:46 PM on August 2, 2005

I'd say drive a little farther and find something in Door County.
posted by FlamingBore at 7:07 PM on August 2, 2005

The Indiana Dunes arent too bad. After nature gets boring, and she certainly does get that way, just hit the beach. I don't know if there's any nightlife out there, I've never stayed overnight.
posted by skallas at 7:08 PM on August 2, 2005

I love the Indiana Dunes. We always stayed at the Spring Hill Inn, where each room has porches overlooking the forest and vaulted ceilings (you may want to request the top floor, facing the forest). It's only a 1/2 hour away and thus a great escape via the Skyway. Also, there's a great rib place, Wagner's Ribs, and the first time I went there, we ate there twice in 24 hours, it was so good.
posted by scazza at 7:16 PM on August 2, 2005

Oh yes, and the Dunes are going to be a quiet peaceful getaway, with no nightlife or culture. It's all about hiking in the forest preserve, or relaxing on the beach in the middle of nowhere. And if you want to be sheltered from Middle America, stay away.
posted by scazza at 7:19 PM on August 2, 2005

Growing up I always went to friends' beach houses around Michigan City, IN. Not sure what the hotel situation there is though, but it the beaches were nice -- it might be worth looking into.
posted by awegz at 7:28 PM on August 2, 2005

I've only ever camped in the Indiana dunes, so I couldn't recommend a hotel, but I had fun camping. Be aware though that on some weekends the campsites can be rather crowded. You could also try the slightly farther-afield Michigan dunes.
posted by mai at 8:30 PM on August 2, 2005

Come to the Dunes. :) Here's a Dunes-centric planner that has lots of info, including lodging - you may find a bed-and-breakfast.

Merrillville is sure to have anything you want in terms of stores and restaurants. If Merrillville is too expensive, there are hotels off the toll road in Portage, or some on 30 in Valparaiso. Chesterton (famous for being home to the annual Wizard of Oz fest, coming up in September) has TONS of antique stores, if you're into that sort of thing. There are 2 waterparks nearby (Deep River on US 30 in Merrillville and Splashdown Dunes on Rt 20 in Chesterton.) Indiana Beach is only about 45 minutes away, depending on exactly *where* in NW Indiana you'll be staying, if you do choose the Dunes.

Michigan City and Chesterton are closest to the Dunes, generally speaking. Michigan City has Lighthouse Place with 120 stores in an outdoor mall... no need to fear, there's free trolley service around the mall.

Valparaiso also has a (rare these days) drive-in theater.

Take it from someone who lives here. There are tons of people from Chicago who come out here for the weekend. You could even catch the South Shore and hop off in Ogden Dunes, Beverly Shores, or Dune Park, if you want to rent a car or something.
posted by IndigoRain at 11:55 PM on August 2, 2005

Depending on how fast you drive, This might be just out of range, but it's an awesome place, Point Beach. Door County is probably pretty expensive.
posted by drezdn at 6:47 AM on August 3, 2005

I was going to post a similar question today! But I'm open to any location within 5 hours or so...bonus points if you can get there by train (but not entirely necessary).

Not into shopping, into natural water (lakes, rivers, etc.), coffee house sitting, walking, hiking, etc.
posted by jeanmari at 7:11 AM on August 3, 2005

HOUSE ON THE ROCK
posted by jennyb at 7:14 AM on August 3, 2005