7 Ways to Survive (and Enjoy) the Rest of Winter in Chicagoland

While Phil the groundhog may have predicted an early spring, in Chicagoland, we still have weeks, if not months, of chilly weather in our future.  But fear not – while winters here can undoubtedly be long, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. Here are several of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s favorite tried-and-true strategies to beat the winter blues:

Embrace the Great Indoors

Image credit: Shops of Saddle Creek

Culinary expeditions without leaving your kitchen.

Sign up for a virtual cooking class with Sur La Table. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your knife skills or delve into the intricacies of French cuisine, their expert chefs have you covered, with all classes accessible from your home kitchen.

Image credit: Table22

DIY wine tasting

Perfectly paired with a live stream or fun to enjoy on its own: an at-home wine tasting. Grab some selections from Verve Wine then head to Beautiful Rind in Logan Square to snag cheese and charcuterie, and you’ve got a perfect night in.

If you’d rather sit back, relax, and let the experts curate your wine night, check out in-home sommeliers like the Windy City Wine Guy. From choosing a theme to perfecting the pairings, they do it all – and bring it right to your home.

A day at the (virtual) museums

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago virtually through their online exhibits or explore the online exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum. These cultural treasures offer deep dives into art, history, and culture without stepping outside.

Cold Weather Excursions

Image credit: Time Out Chicago

Ice skating in Millennium Park

Strap on your skates and head downtown to Millennium Park. A staple of Chicago’s winter activities, this is the perfect spot for skaters of all ages – and experience levels. Enjoy the skyline as you glide across the ice.

Winter hiking in the forest preserves

Embrace all things winter with a cold-weather hike through the Cook County Forest Preserves. With over 70,000 acres to explore and spots like the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center to check out, this is a great way to get out solo or with a hiking companion or two.

Relaxing Escapes

Image credit: Time Out Chicago

Rejuvenate with a spa day

If winter’s left you feeling less-than-your-best, book a day of indulgence at The Peninsula Spa Chicago in Streeterville. From their signature massages to rejuvenating facial treatments, it’s a haven of luxury and relaxation amidst the winter chill.

To make a weekend of it, grab a plus-one and book a night in one of the hotel’s stunning rooms or suites – and with “Peninsula Time” for check-in and check-out, you can truly relax, unwind, and take the weekend at your own pace.

Image credit: chicagoliteraryhof

Curl up in a cozy cafe

Spend an afternoon at The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square, enjoying a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) and finding your next read among their carefully selected titles. Check out their events calendar for even more reasons to head over.

What did we miss? Share your favorite winter activities in the comments below.