By L. Roberts
Chicago winters can be dreadfully cold, but that's what makes them
romantic! There's nothing like snuggling up with your sweetheart in front of a roaring fireplace after a long day, especially if you've both got nice hot mugs of cocoa to sip. But Chicago is full of chilly weather fun and games, and you can always get cozy after a day out in the snow. Just remember to bring your hat, scarf and mittens to keep "Old Man Winter" at bay.
Ice Skating
A romantic activity that's guaranteed to get you warmed up is ice skating at Millennium Park. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open to the public, and you can skate for free (though skate rental costs $10). From 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., hold hands with your lover and zip around the rink on blades of steel. Grab a cup of coffee or cocoa to keep yourself warm as you're strolling home down Michigan Avenue.
Holiday Lights
Check out the holiday window displays throughout the Magnificent Mile. A favorite amongst children and adults alike, the window displays and lights along Michigan Avenue always offer a romantic look at the city, particularly if there's a light snow falling. Catch the fireworks over the Chicago River on Saturday nights for added sparks!
The Chicago Botanic Garden also makes for a romantic stop on your holiday lights tour, offering plenty of gorgeous flowers and plants to admire in their greenhouse, for those who want to get in out of the cold.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
Tel: (847-835-5440)
Navy Pier
Rain or shine, winter or summer, there's always something going on down at Navy Pier. Although most of the outdoor activities like the giant Ferris Wheel are closed during the winter, there's still plenty to see and do at this lakefront playground and shopping center. Check out the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, featuring a wide variety of Tiffany windows as well as work by Chicago natives Ed Paschke and Roger Brown. There's also tons of entertainment to be found at Navy Pier's IMAX Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze, and even dinner cruises departing each evening.
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
John Hancock Building
Check out the art deco Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. With live jazz on the weekends, signature martinis and a great view of the city and Lake Michigan, this lofty perch is perfect for a romantic evening out on the town. Be sure to make your reservations at least 48 hours in advance, as this hot-spot books up quickly.
The Signature Room at the 95th
875 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: (312-787-9596)
Resources
About the Author:
Laura Roberts is the editor-in-chief of Black Heart Magazine and author of the weekly sex column, "V for Vixen," at Hour.ca. She is currently working on her first book, a guide to the sexy side of Montreal.
