Chicago Staycation Guide: Hidden gems, budget-friendly escapes
It's that time of the year when everyone is longing for some sun and dreaming of spring break.
For those of us not going somewhere tropical, we've compiled some staycation ideas and close-to-home getaways.
The great outdoors
If you're looking to get some steps in and clear your head (and pores), head to the lakefront and relax in a portable sauna.
For those seeking a more scenic adventure, a road trip to the Indiana Dunes, Beverly Shores, Starved Rock State Park, or other hiking gems is well worth the drive.
Free museum days
Whether you're into the arts or interested in exploring a museum, be sure to make the most of the free admission days available to city residents.
The Art Institute is free every Monday, Thursday and Friday until March 14.
The Field Museum every Wednesday through March 26.
Adler Planetarium every Wednesday 4-10pm.
DuSable Black History Museum every Wednesday.
Feeling spring
Colors In Bloom
Step into spring at the Color Factory's latest immersive installation, "Colors in Bloom."
Now through May 12 inside the Willis Tower.
The Orchid Show
The Chicago Botanic Garden always brings floral wonder and magic, and "India Blooms" is no exception.
Every Friday, beginning this week, there are special cocktails and bites at Orchids After Hours.
Garfield Park Conservatory
The free flower and plant paradise is truly an oasis in the city.
Listen to live jazz Friday at 6:30pm for their Women in Jazz series.
New views
Stay nearby and check out Chicago's great 'burbs. We compiled this list of great spots on the North Shore, western suburbs and Southland for fall, but these definitely apply to this winter blues period, too.
And don't sleep on Northwest Indiana!
📧 What are some of your favorite staycations? Send them our way!
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Chicago Staycation Guide: Hidden gems, budget-friendly escapes
It's that time of the year when everyone is longing for some sun and dreaming of spring break. For those of us not going somewhere tropical, we've compiled some staycation ideas and close-to-home getaways. The great outdoors If you're looking to get some steps in and clear your head (and pores), head to the lakefront and relax in a portable sauna. For those seeking a more scenic adventure, a road trip to the Indiana Dunes, Beverly Shores, Starved Rock State Park, or other hiking gems is well worth the drive. Free museum days Whether you're into the arts or interested in exploring a museum, be sure to make the most of the free admission days available to city residents. The Art Institute is free every Monday, Thursday and Friday until March 14. The Field Museum every Wednesday through March 26. Adler Planetarium every Wednesday 4-10pm. DuSable Black History Museum every Wednesday. Feeling spring Colors In Bloom Step into spring at the Color Factory's latest immersive installation, "Colors in Bloom." Now through May 12 inside the Willis Tower. The Orchid Show The Chicago Botanic Garden always brings floral wonder and magic, and "India Blooms" is no exception. Every Friday, beginning this week, there are special cocktails and bites at Orchids After Hours. Garfield Park Conservatory The free flower and plant paradise is truly an oasis in the city. Listen to live jazz Friday at 6:30pm for their Women in Jazz series. New views Stay nearby and check out Chicago's great 'burbs. We compiled this list of great spots on the North Shore, western suburbs and Southland for fall, but these definitely apply to this winter blues period, too. And don't sleep on Northwest Indiana! 📧 What are some of your favorite staycations? Send them our way!
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After starting a job that requires me to travel a lot, I've learned to make the most of each trip. I turn every trip into a mini vacation by maximizing my evenings and mornings. I try to extend my trip by arriving a day early and staying over the weekend. When I started my new job, I was thrilled to discover the position would entail occasional travel. I daydreamed about packing my bags and jetting off to new places, but quickly realized that most of my time would be spent in hotel ballrooms and windowless convention halls. I struggled with the thought that I'd mostly get to see each city during the drive from the airport to the hotel. However, I realized it didn't have to be this way. Here are a few strategies I've developed to maximize my time and create mini vacations on every work trip. I arrive a day early and knock out some of the touristy activities. Traveling for work has taught me to feel comfortable exploring new places by myself. I like to arrive a day early to make sure I have time to see everything I want to. Since I'm usually able to check into my hotel room early, I can drop off my bags and get right to exploring the area. In Pittsburgh, I used this extra time to go on a self-guided walking tour of the city, stopping by the Andy Warhol Museum and Point State Park. During my first day in Chicago, I made sure to hit all the biggest tourist attractions, including the Riverwalk, the Bean, and Lake Michigan. I wake up early to make the most of my mornings. Waking up early is a great way to work some more time into the day. Even if I can only get a few hours to myself on a trip, I at least try to visit an art museum, a popular restaurant, and a local coffee shop, exploring the surrounding area along the way. Having a limited amount of time can sometimes pose a challenge — but a fun one. My fiancé was able to join me in Chicago, where we embarked on a quest to try as many restaurants featured on "The Bear" as possible. One morning, we visited Kasama, the first Filipino restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Another day, we opted for an early lunch and ate at Mr. Beef, the sandwich shop that inspired the TV show. I dig into my evenings and experience the city by night. While in Chicago, I caught a Cubs game in the evening and watched the sunset over Wrigley Field. Another evening, I wandered around the Art Institute and enjoyed a view of the skyline at a rooftop bar and restaurant. If I'm not feeling up to leaving my hotel, I'll do a quick internet search for some of the top restaurants in the area and order takeout. This way, I get to experience local flavors from the comfort of my bed. I try to extend my visit and stay over the weekend. If possible, I try to stay in the city for an extra day or two to truly indulge in a mini vacation. After a long week of conferences and networking, I like to relax during my remaining time and visit some places I didn't have time for earlier. My Pittsburgh trip was short, but before I returned home, I stopped at a local coffee shop and walked through Randyland, an eccentric outdoor art museum. Even though traveling for work can be tiring and time-consuming, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most out of each trip.
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