Discover the perfect summer road trip with our curated guide featuring scenic routes, engaging car games for kids and adults, and cozy stays at The Neighborhood Hotel.
Summer is in full swing! Hopefully you’re enjoying slow, balmy days spent around town. While some embrace the low keyness of summer, other feel a little antsy. If that’s you, keep reading.
Want to get out of town yet not in the mood to battle the airport? Looking for a boutique hotel that’s comfortable and convenient? The solution: hit the road and stay at The Neighborhood Hotel! A great road trip is fun, freeing and efficient. You can build in cool stops along the way, indulge in classic car snacks, drive in silence, dive into deep convo, sing at the top of your lungs or listen to that novel you’ve been meaning to read ON TAPE!
Bonus: We love a trip that ends with comfortable lodging that feels like home… THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL!
TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT:
The journey from Indianapolis, IN to Southwest Michigan or Chicago!
This trip includes roughly 4 hours [total] of driving with sweet side trip options! If you’re traveling with kids, let’s begin with some kid friendly roadtrip games.
I Spy
“I spy with my little eye, something that is… red!”
Great for preschoolers and up. Gets kids looking out the window and noticing things.
License Plate Game
Spot plates from as many states as possible. Keep a list or print a map to color in.
Variations: spell words using letters from license plates.
Would You Rather
Silly or thoughtful: Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?
Good for laughs and conversation.
Name That Tune
Play a few seconds of a song and have kids guess the title or artist.
Or hum/sing it yourself if you’re unplugged.
Guess the Animal/Character
Like 20 Questions, but only for animals, Disney characters, superheroes, etc.
STOP #1 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN: BEFORE EVERYTHING, COFFEE. GRAB A DELIGHTFUL BREW @ CALVIN FLETCHER COFFEE COMPANY.
What’s not to love about a place with this kind of company statement: “COFFEE IS COOL. PEOPLE ARE COOLER. We strive to honor each individual person from the farm to your cup as we roast and prepare drinks.” This place is the spot for a smooth and delicious drip coffee but word is that their seasonal drinks are also fantastic.
HIT THE ROAD, CAFFEINATED.
Drive time to next destination = 1 Hour + 40 Minutes
STOP #2 – FAIR OAKS, IN: STRETCH YOUR LEGS & INDULGE IN DELECTABLE DAIRY @ FAIR OAKS FARMS!
Highlights:
– The Dairy Adventure: See the future of Dairy Farming in the Robotic Dairy
– The Pig Adventure: Learn all about raising pigs and enjoy a Ropes Course!
– The Crop Adventure: Learn how the farm is feeding LOTS and LOTS of people
CONTINUE DRIVING, ENLIGHTENED.
Drive time to next destination = 35 Minutes
STOP #3 – MERRILLVILLE, IN: TOUR THE ALBANESE FACTORY! SNACK ON DELICIOUS CANDY WHILE LEARNING HOW IT’S MADE.
“For more than 40 years, Albanese has made the World’s Best Gummies and Chocolates in the United States by using our simple recipe for success: putting flavor and texture first, always finding a better way, and never taking ourselves too seriously.”
ONWARD, SUGAR BUZZED.
Drive time to next destination = 1 Hour + 15 Minutes
STOP #4 – SOUTH BEND, IN: GET YOUR GAME FACE ON @ A NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAME!
Take in gold helmets, the ”Word of Life” mural, aka, ”Touchdown Jesus,” and lots of cheering!
…you’re getting close! From here, you’re only 45 Minutes [35 miles] to New Buffalo, MI or less than 2 Hours [95 miles] to Downtown Chicago!
PROCEED… CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN’T LOSE (ok, Coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights gets credit for that one).
This is the CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE point in the road trip.
Option #1: Final Destination = Southwest, Michigan
NEW BUFFALO, MI: Book a room and drop your bags at The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo and stretch your legs during the short walk to the beach. Breathe in that fresh air while you chill on the sand or in the water (maybe your kids hit the beach playground)?
Starving? Enjoy a delicious meal with the locals across the street from the hotel at Brewster’s or BBQ at the hotel (it’s stocked w/ s’mores).
SLEEP, YOU’RE EXHAUSTED.
GRAND BEACH, MI: After a hike around the Warren Dunes, check in to The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach for a nap, dip in the pool or round of lawn games (maybe all three!).
Venture to local breweries and vineyards, feast at PostBoy or Farmette, catch a band at Out There or hire a chef to cook dinner at the hotel. All meals here end around the campfire!
REFUEL, HAPPY.
Option #2: Final Destination = Downtown Chicago [Lincoln Park OR Little Italy]
LINCOLN PARK [CHICAGO]: Welcome to The Neighborhood Hotel Lincoln Park! Ditch your car – you’re done driving for a while- and hit the Lake path, your legs will than you!
Grab a classic Chicago style hot dog at The Wiener’s Circle next door to the hotel or a deep dish pizza at nearby, Lou Malnati’s! End the evening with some classic, Chicago blues at a celebrated local spot: Kingston Mines!
Rest in a comfy bed topped with deluxe linens and wake up with coffee brewed in your in-unit Moccamaster Coffee Maker! Head down the block for breakfast at Colectivo or scramble some eggs in your fully equipped kitchen. Oh, and wash those road trip clothes in your in-unit washer/dryer!
LITTLE ITALY [CHICAGO]: Welcome to The Neighborhood Hotel Little Italy! Park your car, drop your bags and take a walk down Taylor Street! Grab a slice of pizza at Pompei or sit down for a classic, Italian meal at Tufano’s! Check the United Center schedule if you’re up for a Bulls game, Blackhawks game or a concert — it’s minutes away and always lots of fun!
CHILL, DESTINATION COMPLETE.
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by Jonathan Gordon — a travel enthusiast who enjoys spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2026 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
Connect with @the.neighborhood.hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn!
