If you are looking for a winter weekend getaway with your family, we highly recommend Chicago’s North Shore. And here is why.
Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Prospect Heights, Skokie, Wheeling, Wilmette and Winnetka are all just a short drive away from the city center and each have their own unique charm.
Food
One thing we definitely like about the North Shore, is the myriad of dining options in the area. During the month of February –North Shore Restaurant Month– you can enjoy delicious dining deals in dozens of great restaurants. Indulge in scrumptious multi-course meals and get amazing discounts to complimentary appetizers, entrées and desserts. You can find a list of the participating restaurants and the deals they offer on the North Shore Restaurant Month website.
Natural Beauty
The enchanting beauty of Lake Michigan is one of the main reasons to visit the North Shore. Bundle up and go for a brisk winter walk to enjoy the fresh air and natural ice sculptures. If you’d rather stay warm while you relish in the beauty of nature then you should definitely put the popular The Orchid Show: Magnified at the Chicago Botanic Garden on your list. Bask in the extraordinary colors and fresh blooms of thousands of orchids and other sultry plants at this stunning display.
Sports & Entertainment
Northwestern University’s Wildcats bring Big Ten Basketball to Evanston. Check out these conference games Feb. 2; Michigan, Feb. 12 Purdue, Feb. 15 Indiana, Feb. 19 Indiana. Have dinner on Central Street near the stadium first! Tickets can be purchased here.
If you are looking for live entertainment, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts is a perfect place to meet your needs. Giordano Dance Company performs on Feb. 11, popular BritBeat: A Tribune to the Beatles returns on Feb. 18, Tab Benoit with JD Simo grace the stage on Feb. 25 and Northlight Theater’s production of Andy Warhol in Iran plays through February 19. Tickets and information can be found HERE.
Lovers of country music, head to Space in Evanston for An Evening with Drew and Ellie Holcomb on February 9, 10 or 11.
Coziness
During the entire month of February, Evanston is the setting of the third annual Downtown Evanston Hygge Fest, immersing the downtown area in a snuggly atmosphere. Pronounced ‘hue-gah’, this Danish notion emphasizes finding joy in the everyday moments. Hygge embraces winter and celebrates coziness, warmth and family with gentle mindfulness. There are virtual and in-person events and the local shops showcase everything you need to hunker in style.
With so many things to enjoy, it may be a good idea to spend the weekend. Most of the North Shore’s 24 hotels and other places to stay offer special deals during the winter months.
