Spotlight on 2 Chicago Weekend Trip Destinations
As much as we urban dwellers love living in a big city, it can get to be a bit much sometimes. While the hustle and bustle, the many cultural events and diversity of the population makes cities exciting places to live, all of that non-stop action can become overwhelming and make us just want to escape it all once in a while.
Luckily, there are small towns and rural areas within just a couple of hours of cities like Chicago, so it’s not too much of a challenge to escape the madness for a weekend of country roads and a taste of nature.
Here we explore a couple of the best destinations for Chicagoans to head for a quick weekend away.
- Saugatuck, Michigan
The western coast of Michigan has long been a popular vacation destination for Chicago residents. Many people who live in Chicago even own small cabins there that they go to as often as possible during the summer and even during the colder months. Towns like New Buffalo, Union Pier and Saugatuck are all within 2-3 hour’s drive from Chicago, making it an ideal location for city folks who don’t want to spend their precious weekend hours in the car.
Saugatuck is special because it’s known for its lively art scene and beautiful natural landscapes. One Saugatuck hotel recommends Oval Beach, the town’s biggest public beach, has even been named one of the most beautiful American coastlines by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. There’s plenty to do here if you like an active vacation – art galleries, wine tastings, microbreweries, etc. But if you’d prefer to just kick back and relax, Saugatuck is the perfect place to do it.
- Door County, Wisconsin
Just a few hours north of Chicago lies Door County, a perennial favorite for Chicagoans looking for a quaint weekend away. In fact, it’s been called the Cape Cod of the Midwest for just how lovely and popular it is with city dwellers who want a change of pace. The area is also famous for its many lighthouses – 12 in all, most of which were built during the 19th century and are even on the historic registry.
Door County is also famous for its cherry orchards. Those who love the sweet fruit should head here in the summer and fall to enjoy picking cherries and enjoying them incorporated into the delicious food at local eateries. And if roughing it is more your style, you’ll enjoy exploring the 5 state parks that the county contains. It’s truly a beautiful area that will let you breathe a sigh of relief when all you need is a bit of nature and small town charm.
Before the weather gets too cold, you’d do well to hightail it out of the city for a relaxing weekend in one of these lovely small vacation towns within just a few hours of the city. You’ll eat well, relax, take in some natural beauty and come back to Chicago with your batteries recharged.
For more info, check out http://www.thekirbyhotel.com
