CHEERS TO 2024!
CHECK OUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL’S “TO DO” LIST AS WE DELVE INTO THE NEW YEAR…
YES, IT’S DRIVEN BY THE 5 SENSES [WE LOVE A THEME]!
SEE
1. City on Fire: Chicago 1871 @ theChicago History Museum. The History Museum is great for everyone — lots of fun facts about Chicago, cool special exhibits on rotation, a life sized Chicago hot dog (gotta see it) for the kids to play with plus a really beautiful patio that flows into Lincoln Park.
Before or after your visit, grab lunch in the form of a classic Chicago hot dog @ The Wiener’s Circle.
2. The gorgeous Chicago sky @ The Bean in Millennium Park! Meander through the face fountains and maybe catch a concert at the Frank Gehry designed Pritzker Pavilion. The playground here is an instant hit with the kids. In the winter months, take a spin around the rink! If you have energy left, time at The Art Institute is always special.
Need a bite? Head across the street to The Gage – you won’t regret this burger and/or mussels.
SMELL
1. The Lincoln Park Conservatory where it always smells and feels like summer! The orchids and other tropical plant delights smell as good as they look. During the holidays, they have tons of poinsettia plants and a toy train that meanders through the greenery. Lots of other pop ups happen here too – it’s a special place and happens to be directly next to the zoo! On a gorgeous day, you can picnic and run through the garden.
After your visit, hop across the street to Mon Ami Gabi for a cozy, steak frites dinner.
2. Ok, this one is a bit of a combo (smell/taste). But, we feel the need to mention pie & coffee — like, actual pie, not pizza.
PIE: Spinning J. This place features a rotating selection of pies plus other delicious things like whitefish salad on a bialy. The vibe is old school, hipster soda fountain and simply delicious. Humboldt Park is also full of great street art, fun shops (Humboldt House and Peach Fuzz) plus the actual park has some nice playgrounds, a groovy old boat house and a pond where an alligator (named Chance the Snapper by locals) was found a few years ago. No one is sure how the poor thing ended up in that water, but it was a Chicago news sensation for nearly a week! He has been relocated.
COFFEE: Head to the West Loop to Metric Coffee. Yes, the coffee smells as good as it tastes. Fun fact: Metric grounds can be found in rooms at The Neighborhood Hotel’s Chicago locations. Metric visits small coffee producers across the world to hand-pick the very best lots of the season―all with the singular purpose to be enjoyed. Don’t miss exploring the West Loop (The Neighborhood Hotel’s 5th location will open here in 2025). It’s an endlessly fun neighborhood – lots of energy, great food and shops!
TOUCH
Snow on the beach, fresh dirt & crisp lake water in Southwest Michigan! Warren Dunes State Park is great for sledding & hikes. Chikaming Township Park & Preserve is a cool spot to explore wetlands, woodlands, prairie, Galien River frontage, and an inland lake. SW Michigan is the ideal place for cozy, indoor games around a fire or for days spent bundled up enjoying outdoor adventures!
End your active day with a delicious dinner @ Farina’s Supper Club – cozy, comforting and delicious.
HEAR
Classic Chicago Blues @ Kingston Mines! This place has been THE spot for Blues since the late 60’s. It’s loud, it’s fun, it’s very Chicago.
Before music, feast on pizza at nearby Lou Malnati’s. It’s delicious & rounds out the very Chicago vibe of the evening.
TASTE
Classic, Chicago Italian comfort food @ Pompei in Little Italy. This place has been family owned since 1909! A piece of pizza is simple yet divine and Marie’s Salad has the best [family secret] dressing!
After dinner, grab a night cap at Little Joe’s – the charming, neighborhood dive bar! In the warmer months, hit Mario’s Italian Lemonade – it’s legendary!
And if you already need a vacation, we hear you. BOOK NOW.
About The Neighborhood Hotel:
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded by travel enthusiasts who enjoy spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchenettes, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel aims to transform old buildings with cool history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh + fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The Neighborhood Hotel serves as a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill.The suites are simple + clean punctuated by accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2025 opening), New Buffalo, MI and Grand Beach, MI.
