Chicago Winter Wonderland

November 15, 2010 11:25 AM

What should I do for a long-weekend-style vacation in Chicago this winter?

I'm thinking about heading out to Chicago for a long (President's Day) Weekend. I like touristy crap, museums, parks, architecture, good food, beer/wine bars, and nature and environmental preserves.

I'm not big on concerts, clubs, or college hangouts.

As I'll be there in the middle of February, some of the attractions better suited to warmer weather may be off the table. So with that in mind...

What should I not miss while I'm there?
With what should I not bother?
What are some hidden gems?
In which neighborhood(s) should I try to stay?

Misc. advice/suggestions?

posted by coryinabox to Travel & Transportation around Chicago, IL (8 answers total)

My trips are all about eating. So when I went to Chicago, that's what I did.

My top picks:
- Drinks at the Violet Hour
- Lunch at Blackbird (good value, great food, M-F only though)
- Dessert tasting at TRU (fun, fancy, men need jackets unless you sit in lounge area).
- I would have said Mado for dinner, but they're closing or closed.

There are other great places that are super expensive or I didn't get to. Definitely want to return at some point.

You can get the summary post here that leads to more detailed posts about each restaurant if you like. Photos. Lots of photos.
posted by jlunar at 11:39 AM on November 15, 2010

Forgot to add: Mercat A La Planxa! That was pretty decent eats. But that was a substitute for Topolobampo.
posted by jlunar at 11:48 AM on November 15, 2010

Michelin is releasing its star rankings for Chicago this Wednesday so that might be something to keep an eye on if you're looking for restaurant suggestions.

Until the Michelin list comes out, you may want to take a peek at their Bib Gourmand list they released last week. (The Bristol on that list is one of my faves.)

Also, jlunar, Mado isn't closed. After the owners left, it stayed open with the same name but it's a totally different restaurant that's still working out some kinks, from what I've heard.
posted by awegz at 12:06 PM on November 15, 2010

Good wine bar, good beer bar.
posted by lholladay at 12:18 PM on November 15, 2010

You say President's Day? February is free month at the Art Institute of Chicago, which is a must-see.
posted by dnash at 1:19 PM on November 15, 2010

Millenium Park is outdoors, but still a very cool thing to check out. As a bonus you can just cross the street and take dnash's brilliant advice of checking out the Art Institute (especially the new Modern Wing). While you're at the park you can stay warm by renting some skates & going ice skating.

Going to the top of the Willis (formerly known as Sears) Tower, but really the more fun (& cheaper) activity is getting drinks at the lounge at the Hancock Tower.

If you're willing to go up to the Botanical Gardens they are very nice in the winter & they have a nice cafeteria.
posted by cuando at 1:31 PM on November 15, 2010

@awegz ahhh.. I see! Too bad! I liked the husband/wife team. I think they're going on to owning a butchery.

The Bristol was another place I had wanted to go - just not enough time to hit them all!
posted by jlunar at 1:32 PM on November 15, 2010

Shedd Aquarium! It's amazing, truly. But please do not pay extra to see the whales. THAT will probably make you feel like a bad human. But the rest of the Shedd is great.
posted by cyndigo at 9:32 AM on November 16, 2010