Nature & Outdoors
Winter Festivities in Chicago
Come see why we were voted #1 on Hostelworld.com for the month of October. In addition, Take advantage of these great events….
ZOOLIGHTS!
Lincoln Park Zoo Zoolights is back & brighter than ever. First off, the free zoo stays open late (5-9pm), and gets decked out with a fantastic light display. This event is free and here are the dates: Nov. 25–27 & Dec. 2–4, 9–11
Open Nightly Dec. 16–Jan. 1 (Closed Dec. 24 & 25).
Christkindlmarket
The Christkindlmarket is an open-air Chicago Market with a Bavarian twist. Selling foods, beverages, arts & crafts, this place is a splendid holiday destination. It is opened from Nov 23rd-Dec 24th & is located downtown in spacious Daley Plaza.
Division Street Holiday Fest
Want a free carriage ride? Or in the market for some great gift ideas head to Do-Division Street Holiday Fest on Dec. 3rd (11am-6pm), another great event sponsored by The Renegade Craft Fair.
Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Enjoy Chicago’s Winter Wonderland with Ice Skating at Millennium Park. Check out all of the details below!
Title: Ice Skating at Millennium Park
Location: Millennium Park Chicago
Link out: Click here
Description: Kicking off Chicago’s winter season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park will open on Friday, November 18, 2011 and will remain open through Sunday, March 11, 2012, weather permitting. The rink, now in its eleventh season, draws more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10. The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison streets.
Regular Hours for the season are as follows:
Mondays through Thursdays: 12 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Fridays: 12 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Saturdays (through Dec.17): 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.
Saturdays (beginning Jan. 7): 10 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Holiday Hours:
Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving): 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 24: 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 25: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 31: 10 a.m. — 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 1: 12 p.m. — 9 p.m.
Start Date: 2011-11-18
End Date: 2012-03-11
Chicago Tours
Chicago Trolley Tours
Explore Chicago with a hop on/hop off trolley tour. You are free to get on & off the bus during its 13 mile route to eat, shop, & see all the Second City’s sights. See the front desk for details on a discounted rate.
Alternative Things To Do In Chicago
Here’s some alternative ideas off the tourist’s radar…
Play Whirlyball!
Agility. Speed. Strength. None of these qualities will be of any use in the highly-competitive world of WhirlyBall. Although it combines lacrosse, hockey and basketball with bumper cars, WhirlyBall has caused great athletes of every stripe to laugh and holler their way to a crushing defeat. Check out Whirlyball at 1880 W. Fullerton Ave.
The Chicago Lakefront
As we are within walking distance to the lake, this summer is the season where you need to be LAKESIDE, whether at a beach, on the bike/running path….or how about dining……..?
The Dock at Montrose Beach
Check out The Dock at Montrose Beach & their menu that boasts beachside compliments like kobe burgers, fish tacos, & tuna ceviche. Better yet, The Dock is newly revamped and now features a liquor license with about 20 different beers to choose from. This lakeside eatery is located north of Lincoln Park at Montrose & the lakefront.
Chicago Festivals in June
Summer is upon us and Chicago is the place to be, here are some popular fests to experience this month…
Green Music Fest
Randolph St. Market Fest
Check out Taste of Randolph St.…why because? Well, this fest focuses on the culinary creations of some of Chicago’s great restaurants surrounding the area. Good music, good food, and a good neighborhood…June 17th is the kickoff date…900 W. Randolph St.
Chicago Beaches Revisited
Beach season has finally bestowed itself upon our city once again, take advantage of these great locations…
North Ave Beach
North Ave. Beach is one of the city’s most popular sunny summer spots. This beach also offers a fair share of lakeside amenities: a restaurant/snack bar, chess, volleyball, as well as the popular Castaways Beach Bar. Better yet, this beach is within walking distance of our hostel.
Bike The Drive 2011
Later this month, beautiful Lake Shore Drive is cleared of all cars for your pedaling pleasure…
Bike The Drive 2011 happens May 29 & the drive closes early at 5:30am to traffic, so you’ll be able to catch the sunrise during a 30 mile stretch of open road. This event is $42 and includes a number, a wristband, a free tee shirt, as well as access to the post ride festival which includes breakfast, live music, and various vendors…sign up now.
Downtown Chicago Exploration
The weather is getting more pleasant, and there’s always fun to be had in the downtown area…
Navy Pier! Number one on many travel to-do lists, this is Chicago’s lakefront playground. The sight alone is worth the trip down there, and at night it shines bright along the Chicago coast. Navy Pier features restaurants (we recommend Harry Caray’s Tavern), a giant ferris wheel, an IMAX Theater, Segway tours & a ton of cool boat tours.
Bike Rentals at Chicago Getaway Hostel
our rental bikes are ready to ride.
*Bike rental fees:
Half Day (3 hrs or less)- $20.00
Full Day (3 hrs or more)- $30.00
See why our neighborhood is the BEST for bicycling as we are just a 5 minute cruise from the beautiful lakefront path. An 18 mile naturally aesthetic path spotted with parks, trails, beaches, gardens, and concession stands. This is a integral part of Chicago you must experience.
