7 Ways to Enjoy the Rest of Winter in Chicagoland

by Cecilia Kleiner 02/09/2024

 

While Phil the groundhog may have predicted an early spring, in Chicagoland, we still have weeks, if not months, of chilly weather in our future.  But fear not – while winters here can undoubtedly be long, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season.

Embrace the Great Indoors

 

Culinary expeditions without leaving your kitchen
Sign up for a virtual cooking class with Sur La Table. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your knife skills or delve into the intricacies of French cuisine, their expert chefs have you covered, with all classes accessible from your home kitchen.

 

DIY wine tasting
Perfectly paired with a live stream or fun to enjoy on its own: an at-home wine tasting. Grab some selections from Verve Wine then head to Beautiful Rind in Logan Square to snag cheese and charcuterie, and you’ve got a perfect night in.

If you’d rather sit back, relax, and let the experts curate your wine night, check out in-home sommeliers like the Windy City Wine Guy. From choosing a theme to perfecting the pairings, they do it all – and bring it right to your home.

A day at the (virtual) museums
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago virtually through their online exhibits or explore the online exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum. These cultural treasures offer deep dives into art, history, and culture without stepping outside.

Cold Weather Excursions

 

Ice skating in Millennium Park
Strap on your skates and head downtown to Millennium Park. A staple of Chicago’s winter activities, this is the perfect spot for skaters of all ages – and experience levels. Enjoy the skyline as you glide across the ice.

Winter hiking in the forest preserves
Embrace all things winter with a cold-weather hike through the Cook County Forest Preserves. With over 70,000 acres to explore and spots like the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center to check out, this is a great way to get out solo or with a hiking companion or two.

Relaxing Escapes

 

Rejuvenate with a spa day
If winter’s left you feeling less-than-your-best, book a day of indulgence at The Peninsula Spa Chicago in Streeterville. From their signature massages to rejuvenating facial treatments, it’s a haven of luxury and relaxation amidst the winter chill.

To make a weekend of it, grab a plus-one and book a night in one of the hotel’s stunning rooms or suites – and with “Peninsula Time” for check-in and check-out, you can truly relax, unwind, and take the weekend at your own pace.

 

Curl up in a cozy cafe
Spend an afternoon at The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square, enjoying a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) and finding your next read among their carefully selected titles. Check out their events calendar for even more reasons to head over.

Share with us your favorite winter activities.

 

About the Author
Author

Cecilia Kleiner

Your Trusted Resource for Real Estate

@properties shares my commitment to offering the most comprehensive and professional marketing, sophisticated technology, and expert market knowledge, supporting the highest standards of service and representation you expect and deserve. With local leadership and national and international reach, I bring results to clients wherever their buying and selling goals take them. I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.  

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