Tag: restaurants

When you need a day trip from Chicago or a weekend getaway from the big city, you don’t have to go far. These escapes—including Amish Country, Indiana; Galena, Illinois; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; and Holland, Michigan—are within a one- to three-hour drive and offer a variety of activities that will recharge your life. Parks and gardens call to nature lovers; museums and outdoor theater provide plenty of culture; shopping abounds in towns both large and small. Here are 25 of our favorite weekend getaways from Chicago.

Indiana Dunes: 54 miles southeast of Chicago Indiana Dunes National Park lies across Lake Michigan from Chicago. Kevin J. Miyazaki

This stretch of Lake Michigan coastline offers wide sandy beaches, towering dunes, great birding, easy bike trails and interesting history. Head to neighboring Chesterton for creative burgers at the Octave Grill and to Valparaiso for a pleasant night at Songbird Prairie Inn and Spa.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: 80 miles northwest of Chicago Take a Lake Geneva Cruise Line boat tour to learn about the history of Lake Geneva. Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

This resort town of 7,600 has draws for summer and winter. Hotels, resorts and restaurants hug the lakeshore. Most visitors loll on the beach or cruise the lake during summer, but you can also experience the warmth of its winter in January and February during the annual Winterfest.

Michigan’s southwest shore: 70 to 150 miles east of Chicago Relax on Silver Beach at St. Joseph, Michigan. Joshua Nowicki

Towns like New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Holland, Saugatuck and Grand Haven provide pristine beaches, great shopping, lakeside restaurants and front-row view of sunsets over Lake Michigan. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. How far you drive is up to you —each town has its own personality. Take a spin on the carousel at St. Joe, tour a working windmill in Holland or just stretch out on a beach—preferably with a view of a lighthouse.

Galena, Illinois: 163 miles west of Chicago The Galena River flows near charming historic downtown Galena. Troy Walsh/Visit Galena

Shops and restaurants in century-old buildings have long attracted visitors to this town of 3,500. But take time to hike, cruise the river or ski the slopes, sip local wines, taste beer and … do some shopping.

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Photograph Jaclyn Rivas for Time Out

Chicago’s bustling West Loop neighborhood is not short on activities that will keep you busy year round.

Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood is ever-evolving. New businesses are constantly popping up left and right to suit an array of visitors who come to enjoy one of the city’s most popular areas. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to dine, shop, unwind or be entertained in West Loop, from a streetwear store that’ll fit you with the latest in fashion to peaceful and relaxing spas. And of course, there are plenty of outstanding restaurants and rooftops to try as well. You may need several afternoons to explore all of the various options, but we’re here to help guide you with our highlights on the best things to do in West Loop.

RECOMMENDED: The best bars in West Loop

Time Out Market Chicago

We’ve rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market.

Best things to do in West Loop

1. Bottom Lounge

Punk, hard-rock and electronic acts rule the stage at Bottom Lounge, where you can grab a burger, some fried pickles or a beer before heading into the midsize music venue. The bar feels like a rocker hangout that thrives regardless of what is happening in the live room, with some great craft beer options. Thanks to its proximity to the United Center, Bottom Lounge is also a popular destination for Blackhawks fans during hockey season.

2. Notre

Whether you’re in search of a new pair of Air Jordans or the latest pieces from Paris fashion label Maison Margiela, you’ll find some of the most sought-after looks at this high-end menswear boutique. Walk up the brick steps in the shop’s cavernous vestibule and into its minimalist showroom, where you can browse a tightly curated selection of Notre’s latest offerings. Regular programming like the Notre Talk series (which has featured Alinea chef Grant Achatz and Ghostly International founder Sam Valenti) provide a reason to visit, even if you’re not ready to drop a few hundred bucks on some trendy threads.

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