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Escape the Cold: Best Indoor Attractions for the Winter in Chicago

The winter winds in Chicago can be brutal, but you don’t have to miss out on Chicago winter events in order to stay warm and cozy. The windy city is home to several attractions and indoor activities for kids and adults alike. Check out some of these hotspots and events when seeking out the best things to do in Chicago indoors during the winter months.

Browse the Collections at the Art Institute

As one of the most popular Chicago attractions, the Art Institute of Chicago on South Michigan Avenue is home to thousands of pieces of art, as well as reference materials, books and writings. The Art Institute of Chicago also hosts special exhibits and events year round that spotlight specialized work in photography, oil paintings and more. You don’t have to bundle up to enjoy the Chicago winter events at the art institute either with a trip to this indoor hotspot.

Expand Your Knowledge at the Field Museum

Located right in the heart of downtown on South Lakeshore Drive, the Field Museum is an educational mecca. Offering exhibits on dinosaurs, bugs and more, as one of the most visited Chicago attractions, the Field Museum is a must-do when looking for indoor activities for kids and adults. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Field Museum hosts special events and exhibits that allow the entire family to participate in hands-on discovery.

Catch a Broadway Show

Stay warm and entertained when reserving tickets for a broadway show at either the Oriental (now known as the James M. Nederlander Theatre) or the Cadillac Palace Theater in downtown Chicago. The winter months bring holiday musicals and plays to the theaters, as well as special events for kids and adults. Put a broadway show on your list of the best things to do in Chicago this winter.

Cheer on the Chicago Bulls

Winter in Chicago offers you plenty of opportunities to cheer on your favorite team. And, the Chicago Bulls top the list when it comes to enjoying the action. Reserve tickets for your entire family fan base and head to the United Center for some fast action at this Chicago attraction.

Explore the Adler Planetarium

Treat the kids to an indoor adventure at one of Chicago’s most sought-after attractions. The Adler Planetarium features films, exhibits and hands-on activities that take kids on a space adventure that is out of this world. As one of the best things to do in Chicago during the winter, the Adler Planetarium also features evening family events so you can relax under a makeshift sky and learn more about the wonders of nature.

Money Saving Tip: If you are going to the Adler and the Field Museum, you can save money by purchasing a Chicago CityPASS. You will also be able to go to the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck as well as get a $5 discount to get into the Art Institute. The Chicago Explorer Pass and Go Chicago Card are also good for saving money on even more admissions.

There is absolutely no shortage of fun things to do in Chicago during the winter. And, if you’re looking to steer clear of the wind and cold temperatures, you are in luck. Chicago attractions indoors offer just as much fun as the outdoor sledding and ice skating adventures that are popular. Shed those winter coats and start your own indoor adventures with this list of Chicago winter events and activities. Check back often for even more suggestions.

Chicago Breweries You Won’t Want to Miss

If you’re thirsty for a dark lager or pale ale, Chicago is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Whether you’re planning a night out or a day trip with friends, don’t miss out on these breweries in Chicago that offer brews, food and fun.

Band of Bohemia

Located in Lincoln Square, Band of Bohemia is definitely known for its tasty brews, but it also provides you with a bit of nostalgia. From the canary yellow door that greets you at the entrance to the curved bar and elephant-printed curtains, this bohemian-styled brewery is a must-see. And, the food and brews deliver the same amount of uniqueness you’re craving. Try out the prawns or treat yourself to a slice of almond cake while sipping on a taster or pour of the herbal grilled apple tarragon beer or the warming orange chicory rye.

Revolution Brewing Tap Room

As a citywide favorite, Revolution Brewing Tap Room in Avondale is an industrial-styled brewery warehouse that is famous for its crisp Anti-Hero IPA. The brewery serves tasters and full brews on site or you can opt for a growler or can of your favorite beer to go. This brewery does not offer food on site, but is affiliated with Revolutions BrewPub in Logan Square that features pizza and burgers.

Marz Community Brewing

Located in a transformed warehouse, Marz Community Brewing in McKinley Park houses a taproom that features tables and a circular bar for an intimate or large gathering. Find just the right brew to quench your thirst with selections that range from a Bubbly Kriek Berliner Weisse to a Jungle Boogie Pale Wheat Ale. The menu is just as unique with fried bologna sandwiches and tavern treats.

Off Color Brewing’s Mousetrap

After urging from the Chicago Community the Off Color brewing company gave in and opened a taproom brewery in River North. The Mousetrap offers guests an assortment of brews and 16 draft lines, many that are brewed in-house. If you’re not a fan of beer, check out some of the unique cocktails that are served with caviar. This brewery does not sell food at the moment, but guests are welcome to bring in their own snacks while sipping the brews.

When searching for the nearest Chicago brewery or some of the best Chicago breweries, start your adventures with these hotspots. Check back often for even more top of the line breweries in Chicago.

Healthy Chicago Restaurants Serving Healthy Chicago-Style Meals

If you’ve adopted a healthy lifestyle but have been struggling to find healthy restaurants in Chicago, know that there is no shortage of options. Imagine devouring charred cauliflower or edamame dumplings that are to die for when eating at healthy restaurants in Chicago. Whether you need vegetarian options or are looking for a gluten-free Chicago restaurant, start with this list of Chicago hotspots offering healthy Chicago meals.

The Little Beet Table

Located at 845 North State Street in downtown, this healthy Chicago restaurant offers an upscale environment and an even more sophisticated menu. The menu at the Little Beet Table is 100 percent gluten free and includes healthy meals in Chicago, such as sunflower hummus, crispy spirulina rice bowls, charred cauliflower, rigatoni and more. When choosing healthy restaurants in Chicago, put the Little Beet Table at the top of your list for brunch, lunch and dinner.

True Food Kitchen

Situated right in the River North neighborhood, this popular Chicago restaurant is a haven for healthy Chicago meals. True Food Kitchen has created a menu that follows an anti-inflammatory diet with menu selections such as butternut squash soup, edamame dumplings, tomato and arugula pizza, cauliflower polenta and more. Using only seasonal, fresh ingredients, this Chicago restaurant is a hotspot for healthy eaters. True Food Kitchen is located at 1 West Erie Street.

Range

You can satisfy your taste for healthy Chicago meals and support local farmers when making Range your Chicago restaurant destination. Located at 1119 W. Webster in the Sheffield Neighbors area, this Chicago healthy restaurant is a prime choice for vegetarians, gluten-free patrons and individuals seeking healthy Chicago-style meals. From broccoli grits and roasted cauliflower omelets for brunch to gluten-free pancakes and roasted carrot and red pepper soup, you can satisfy your cravings for healthy Chicago-style meals at Range.

Left Coast

Feel as if you’re dining on the West Coast when making this healthy Chicago restaurant your pick for lunch or dinner. Located at 2878 North Lincoln Avenue in the Lake View neighborhood, Left Coast is a casual Chicago restaurant with fresh ingredients and a flare for all things healthy. Check out the healthy Chicago-style meals that include grain bowls, wraps and salads, complemented by the kombucha on tap and variety of juices and smoothies. Whether you want to stop in for a smoothie or find a healthy Chicago restaurant for daily lunches, Left Coast is the obvious choice.

Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen

If fresh is what you’re looking for in a healthy Chicago restaurant, then Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen is a great choice. And, the best part is that you have a choice when it comes to healthy Chicago-style meals at this Chicago restaurant. For example, opt for the Wok Out Bowl and choose your protein, rice, quinoa or noodles, veggies and sauce to make the best healthy Chicago-style meal of the day. Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen is located at 100 E. Walton Street in the Gold Coast.

Indulge your cravings for healthy Chicago meals when stopping in at any of these healthy Chicago restaurants. Stay tuned for even more scrumptious suggestions as more Chicago restaurants make an impression in the Windy City.

Best Sports Bars for Chicago Football Fans

Chicago loves the Bears. And, when stepping foot into some of the best downtown sports bars, you’ll know it’s true. If you’re looking for the best Chicago sports bar to watch the game, you won’t want to miss out on the atmosphere and the food available.

Timothy O’ Toole’s

Known as the “Official Bears Headquarters,” Timothy O’Toole’s features coverage of every NFL game, so you can keep up on the scores and the highlights. Located on North Fairbanks Street in Streeterville, this popular Chicago sports pub was featured on “Man vs. Food,” and for good reason. The Chicago food menu includes the monstrous “Big Timmy” burger, as well as wings, pulled pork, classic reubens and more. And, it wouldn’t be a sports pub without an impressive beer selection on tap. Just looking for a pre-game spot? Stop by for a beer and then take the free shuttle from Timothy O’Toole’s to Soldier Stadium.

Hopsmith Tavern

If you want to eat and drink among fellow football fans, Hopsmith Tavern is the place to be. Decorated with football memorabilia, this hotspot on the Magnificent Mile at Division Street, features large-screened TVs so you can watch not one, but multiple football games at the same time. Throw back a Fatpour beer in a 23 oz. mug or sample the 30 different types of beer available at this Chicago sports bar. The menu has just as much variety with salads, wraps, tacos, burgers, sandwiches and smoke-housed wings.

Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern

Combine your love of baseball and football when stepping foot into the Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern, located right in front of Wrigley Field. This sports bar offers not just one, but four expansive bars and two outdoor terraces. Catch the game on the large screens and stock up on Budweiser and local brews. As a pre-game option, start with some Bavarian pretzels or loaded potato twists before moving into your main course, which includes options, such as burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos and of course, a Chicago polish dog.

When searching for the nearest Chicago sports bar to watch the Bears play, start your adventures with these hotspots. Check back often for even more top of the line sports bars in Chicago.

Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Chicago

Thanksgiving in Chicago offers you views of the skyline, Lake Michigan and access to the Magnificent Mile. However, when you’re craving comfort food and looking for the best place to eat Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago, you’re in luck. The Windy City is home to several venues that stay open for the holiday to treat residents and tourists alike with scrumptious food options and beverages. Choose one of these Chicago restaurants for your next Thanksgiving meal and find yourself giving thanks for the satisfying and savory meals and treats available.

Shaw’s Crab House

Not all Thanksgiving dinners in Chicago need to have the staples. In fact, you can opt for an out-of-this-world menu option when making Shaw’s Crab House your destination for Thanksgiving in Chicago. Enjoy a feast of king crab legs with a bottle of pinot noir or dive into the traditional Thanksgiving buffet at this Chicago restaurant. Shaw’s Crab House is located at 21 E. Hubbard Street and offers both lunch and dinner options for your Chicago Thanksgiving meal.

Drew’s on Halstead

If a laid-back Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago is what you’re looking for, then Drew’s on Halstead is the obvious choice. Located at 3201 N. Halsted Street, this Chicago restaurant serves up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, complete with appetizers, salad, turkey, pasta, steak, duck or fish options and of course, dessert. Don’t miss out on the scrumptious pies at the end of your Thanksgiving meal in Chicago.

Travelle

Located inside the Langham Hotel on Wabash Ave, Travelle is known as a hotspot for diners looking for a luxurious environment and fine dining. Thanksgiving at this Chicago restaurant includes a lavish buffet with more than 10 culinary stations. Savor the hand-carved meals, snack on sushi and tacos or dive into the delectable desserts available. You can’t go wrong with a Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago at Travelle.

Bistronomic

For diners who are seeking out fresh vegetarian options with fruits and vegetable options sourced from the Green City Market, Bistronomic is the place to go for a Chicago Thanksgiving dinner. Offering three-course meals for diners, you can choose from traditional Thanksgiving spreads or vegetarian options such as pumpkin ravioli and duck confit at this Chicago restaurant, located at 840 N. Wabash.

It’s no secret that you can find delicious food at Chicago restaurants year round, but why not sample the delectable options when spending Thanksgiving in Chicago. From the dependable favorites such as turkey and dressing to Thanksgiving dinner options in Chicago that include spicy appetizers or sweet treats, you can’t go wrong with these Chicago restaurants. Check back often for even more Chicago meal options.