Blog Appétit

Another season, another Chicago guide post.

When I first moved to Chicago we experienced what we called “Chi-beria”, one of the coldest winters in years where the snow accumulation was taller than me (and that’s saying a lot as I’m 5’11”). I remember thinking “why the heck did I move here? I hate the cold”, but after surviving that (thanks to the help of my floor length parka jacket) I like to think I can survive just about any winter storm.

Well maybe not any winter storm, but at least bare it enough to still enjoy the winter season. So no more hibernating inside when the temperatures start to drop, grab your gloves, wools socks and get ready to head out as I share my top things to do and see this winter in Chicago.

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Movie Mondays: After a long Monday at the office, nothing beats a rooftop movie with a cocktail in hand and a custom candy bag from the candy bar at ROOF on theWit’s Movie Monday series. Plus the view from this rooftop is unbeatable at night during the holiday season. To see what movie is playing this Monday, be sure to check out their event calendar here. 

The Art Institute of Chicago: Escape from the cold for an hour or the whole day at this downtown Chicago museum. They have everything from holiday exhibits to contemporary photography, plus guests can enjoy free tours of the exhibits by staff or on your own with a headset. On Thursdays the museum is open until 8 p.m. and free for Illinois residents from 5 p.m. until close too! See what exhibits are happening here. 

Brewery Tour: Grab your beer blankets and warm up at one of Chicago’s local breweries. Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the hoppy process while sipping some seasonal brews. Lucky for you Chicago is flooded with many great brewery tour options, be sure to check out TimeOut’s round up here. 

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Second City: Laugh off the cold weather at Second City Comedy club. Grab your friends, family, co-workers or the random neighbor you run into on the elevator every morning for a show where you will be sure to laugh until you cry. Be sure to buy your tickets early though as these comedians are known for their sold out shows. View current shows here. 

Mindy’s Hot Chocolate: Nothing says winter more than a warm cup of hot cocoa in a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting, but nobody does hot cocoa like Mindy’s Hot Chocolate. This cozy and decadent dining destination located in Wicker Park is the perfect getaway from the cold and the ultimate sweet tooth satisfier. If hot cocoa isn’t your thing, be sure to check out the dessert menu where no matter what you order you can’ go wrong. 

Maggie Daley Ice Skating: Lace up the skates and head out to this interactive family park located on the East side of Millennium Park where ice skating in circles with boards will become a thing of the past. Plus be sure to bring the camera or phone to snap a picture of this breath taking view of the city. For more information and hours, visit here.

Headquarters: Take a step back in time at this local arcade themed bar. Grab your friends and go head to head in bubble hockey or run away from Pinky and Blinky in a game of pac-man. No need to bring your quarters as all games are free. Find the location closest to you here.

Tea at The Drake Hotel: The girls are coming in town and while beer and games may not be their thing, they are sure to love an evening at The Drake hotel sipping hot tea and snacking on swan shaped creme puffs. Pinkies up and dresses on for this elegant and girly afternoon activity. For full tea schedule, check out their online listings here.

  

Looking for more Chicago winter fun? Be sure to check out my Events page where I list the top events happening in Chicago each month . Also join me this coming Monday, December 23 at Saks off Michigan Ave. as we celebrate the newly remodeled Women’s Contemporary floor and watch the live streaming of the New York store’s Holiday Window Unveiling. More details on the events calendar.