At Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, you can follow the beautiful light trail through the magical gardens, for example, or take a holiday trolley tour or boat trip to see the city decked out in festive finery while enjoying a wonderful warm cider. Our travel tips: The town will be extremely busy while the Christmas market is running, so book accommodation and any special activities well in advance. How to get there: Follow I-90 out of the city then pick up I-94 and head east towards Detroit. to the Bacon and Brews event where you can sample fine bacon and beer pairings, there is always something happening. You might not have heard of it, but the United States has its very own Gevena Lake and it's located in Wisconsin, just across the border from Illinois. " There's also an "Amethyst Room," whirlpools infused with jasmine and weirdly good organic fried chicken. There are only 3 other Luge tracks in the whole of the United States, so if you've always fancied trying out this exhilarating sport, this is probably your best chance. 4 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (300 miles). A complete circle of Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago To Mackinac Island, Asheville is the perfect gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Asheville, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Mount Rushmore, Denver is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, READ MORE - Road trip from Chicago to Denver, Road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of Chicago Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Millions of years of geologic changes are reflected at the Garden of the Gods in We'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your entry, especially if you're visiting at busy times,. Follow the Great River Road as it twists and turns and you will be rewarded with great views the entire way. Although a lot of people will travel to Wisconsin Dells for the waterparks, don't forget to go on a tour down the Wisconsin River gorge. Nearby, Biltmore is a huge gilded-age mansion with vast formal gardens, trails to explore and its own winery. Don't forget to check out some of the Smithsonian museums too they're free to enter so you can visit one or many, and enjoy some of the more popular sites without the crowds, especially if you're visiting after the holiday period. St Julian Winery or Lemon Creek are great to visit and well located just off the interstate. Take a carriage ride through Central Park, which is even more magical when there's snow on the ground. You should ride to the top of it to get unbelievable views of the city below - tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for children with discounts outside weekends. I am actually down for anything, just to get some fresh air and get out of the city. Then, check out the Christmas Village or the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. If you're crossing over the Canadian border to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Icewine vineyards and wineries are probably the first thing that will get your attention. Try the City Lights brewery tour - located in the renovated Milwaukee Gas Light Company buildings dating back to 1902, the brewery has a cool industrial vibe with its mix of old and new. A lot of these are built indoors so you can enjoy a weekend swimming, relaxing and going down crazy slides when everything outside is frozen! Kentucky might only provide about a twenty-degree warm-up, but during the super cold times, those twenty degrees can feel like heaven. Go snowshoeing at Quit Qui Oc golf course or ice skate at June Vollrath Park. The festival also hosts many fun events. This award-winning, community-focused gallery always has something new to see, and with sculptures and exhibits inspired by nature, it makes the perfect complement to a day enjoying the views out on the mountain. That way, current and future visitors will be guaranteed the same fabulous experience of NOLA's longstanding and unique traditions. Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Chicago. Rising 462 feet above the sea, the carillon tower recently reopened to the public after 80 years in solitude. Then, join I-80 and follow it around the south of Cleveland before switching onto I-76 and continuing southeast past Pittsburgh. Driving time from Chicago: One and a half hours Our neighbors to the north will make you feel right at home with a seemingly endless supply of craft beer and cheese. Our travel tips: Pack layers, as even Florida can experience cooler days, but rest assured that with heated pools and plenty of daytime sunshine, you can enjoy yourself outdoors right through the winter. For something a little different, visit Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum to see a large collection of planes, including many vintage models. It will satisfy a wide range of abilities, and you can also try out snow tubing and snowshoeing here. Some travellers prefer to make this journey on a longer route via the I-90, heading south near Mount Rushmore to reach Denver. Along the way you'll pass the cities of Madison, La Crosse and Sioux City, and you'll cross both the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Ride down the Kalamazoo River on a paddle steamer, explore the lakeshore and river in a kayak, or charter a yacht. Plus, if you're in the market for some Christmas shopping you can take your pick of fabulous department stores, designer brands and boutique sellers. Hot Springs (Arkansas) Distance: 650 miles. Head across the border to see the falls from a different perspective, or visit the fabulous wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. When it's time to warm up, head back into town to Old Sugar Distillery, a small local spirits producer, for a warming taster. Through the rest of the season, winter sports fans will love to ski at Wilmot Mountain, a popular ski resort with over 20 ski runs suitable for a wide range of abilities. Our travel tips: Timed tickets are needed for some of Philadelphia's winter attractions, including Longwood Gardens and Dickens Village. The same road takes you right across Indiana and Ohio then along the whole length of Lake Erie, before you finally turn onto NY-5 through Buffalo around 5 miles before you reach your destination. The Cinco de Mayo festival is one of the biggest in the country, with parades, live music and dozens of food stalls to choose from. Harbor Country is one of the most popular getaway destinations for Chicagoans. The World of Winter Festival is the perfect post-holiday pick-me-up - the ideal way to brighten up the dark, cold months after Christmas. Back outdoors, visit DC's largest outdoor ice rink at Washington Harbour, for views out across the waterfront, or see the Holiday Boat Parade, which includes fireworks and live music as well as festively decorated boats parading down the Potomac River. The cheese fondue is right up there on our list of the best foods in the world! The two-lane road winds its way through the mountains, with plentiful overlooks and hiking trails to stop and explore. For a really exhilarating ride, fly right above the snow on one of the 9 ziplines. This idyllic shoreline in Michigan's southwestern corner stretches from the Indiana border to the town of Sawyer. After a rapid period of growth through the first two thirds of the 20th century, Detroit suffered an economic collapse and a massive decline since the 70s. The main reason to go to Lake Forest now is a weekend away at the 57-room Deer Path Inn ( from $329 per night ), a fabulous, little-known gem that puts you in arm's reach of the . How to get there: Similar to the Grand Rapids trip, follow I-90 then I-94 east out of Chicago as far as St Joseph. Rockford lives up to its main nickname with plenty of outdoor spaces to explore - the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Klehm Botanic Garden and the Rock Cut State Park are all within the metropolitan area. I don't want to go to the Wisconsin Dells like every year but something different, fun, good places to visit, similar to New York. There are festivals throughout the year from the world's largest Bratfest (you can eat a lot of sausages here!) Our highlights: The highlight of most people's visit to Niagara Falls is to see the mighty waterfalls up close, but if you visit in winter you can also marvel at the massive icicles that form right by the viewing platform on the Journey Behind the Falls. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (150 miles) Why you should visit: Wisconsin's state capital has all the cultural and foodie delights that you'd expect in a big city, with added snow that opens up a whole range of other activities to enjoy. You have a few to choose from, including the outdoor Downtown DC Holiday Market, the Swedish Christmas Bazaar in Georgetown, and the Heurich House Museum Christkindlmarkt. Canada produces a significant proportion of the world's Icewine, a dessert wine created from grapes left on the vine to freeze before being harvested. This popular vacation town is also less crowded in winter compared to the summer months. This leads you eventually onto I-95, which you'll follow south to Savannah. Key stops include Minneapolis, Sacramento, Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Monterey, plus the Grand Canyon, Mojave National Preserve, Lake Tahoe and Yellowstone National Park. Chicago is a fantastic hub for history, architecture, gastronomy and sports. Alternatively, tour the galleries and independent shops in the city's downtown area, which showcase the work of the thriving local arts community. You can see Cinderella's Castle made even more magical at Walt Disney World, or visit EPCOT's International Festival of the Holidays to take a whistle-stop tour around the world's traditions. The village represents a historic view of Dutch settlements and you can even visit a wooden clog (shoe) making factory. A few of the upcoming options on our road trip list are all due north in Wisconsin. You'll have seen pictures of the beautiful and elaborate masks that are such a feature of the Mardi Gras parades. 17. A wide selection of breweries includes European-style beers and the pizza-serving Harmony. Our highlights: Toronto is a vibrant cultural melting pot, so when you spend time in the city you'll be able to enjoy influences on food, art and recreation from all over the world. Still under construction, this monument is dedicated to the Lakota leader who fought against the federal government to try and protect Native American land from being seized. Two different types of ski lifts were invented here - so when you ski here in modern times you'll be following the lead of some of the country's ski pioneers. Bonus: Macy's Christmas Light Show another of the city's festive traditions is a record breaker! After Gainesville, join the Florida Turnpike which takes you the last stretch of the drive into Orlando. Next, pick up I-40 which winds through a section of the Appalachian Mountains on its way to your destination, Asheville. In Milwaukee, switch onto I-43 and continue north, before leaving the interstate just after Saukville. 2 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (145 miles). About 12,000 acres of lakes, sand dunes and oak savannas are wide open for exploration, including ice fishing, skating, sand dune sledding, fat tire biking and snowman building. (Disney Enterprises . So, pack up your skis and look out for your skates - but don't worry if you're not the biggest fan of the slopes, since you'll also find great restaurants, beautiful views and stunning spas at these weekend destinations. How to get there: Head east out of Chicago on I-90, keeping Lake Michigan on your left, then continue on I-94 as far as Lake Joseph. This is the place to come for a great resort experience, with lodges, bars and of course, slopes, all in one place. Take I-290 W from Chicago's downtown, which leads you out onto I-88. As well as Mardi Gras, New Orleans is also a vibrant city where you can enjoy live music, fabulous food and warm winter weather - perhaps the closest you can get to a trip overseas without needing a passport! The temperatures surpassed the 136-year-old . Stop at the Crane Orchards to sample one of their legendary pies as you make your way around! Whether you're looking for an active break or a peaceful boat trip, there are plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water. The detour will add around two and a half hours so bake that into your planning and consider stops along the way. If you're in Philadelphia towards the end of the holiday season, you'll be able to watch the Mummers' Parade on New Year's Day. It runs parallel to Lake Erie, so if you have a little longer to make your trip then you might like to pause along the way to admire views across the lake. A quick road trip from Chicago to Milwaukee will take you north along the I-94 to the point where three separate rivers (Milwaukee, Menomonee and the Kinnickinnic) merge and flow into Lake Michigan. The town transported a 250-year old windmill from the Netherlands to Holland and placed it on its very own island that is now called the Windmill Island. This makes for one of the best road trips from Chicago. Why you should visit: As you'd expect in a town that sees significant snowfall from December to February, you can enjoy a range of winter sports. As far as Nashville I-55 runs parallel to the Mississippi before passing through Jackson. All through the winter, you can also enjoy the shops and restaurants on fabulous River Street, the perfect place to spend some time whether you're looking for gifts to take home or just something special for yourself. With fast lifts, extensive ski runs and stunning views, you'll probably want to spend most of your time here on the slopes. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Afterwards, take some time to admire the cathedral's architecture - and see if you can spot the Darth Vader gargoyle. How to get there: This is a really simple trip just follow I-90 all the way from Chicago. The biggest ski area in the state is perfectly set up for skiers, with fast lifts and dozens of trails to follow. Distance from Chicago: 353 miles northeast, five-hour drive Why it made our list: Sprawling over 850 acres, the Midwest's largest ski resort offers everything from skiing and snowmobiling to. The key message is to wrap up warm and be prepared for whatever weather the city throws at you - pretty standard for DC! Thanks Denver is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as being a great place to head to in winter if you want to ski or snowboard on nearby slopes. Bonus: Right through January you can enjoy the Icewine Festival, which celebrates this delicious local tipple. 13 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (925 miles). This is a trip that will show off the best of what Lake Michigan has to offer - a complete circle of the lake, heading to Mackinac Island on the opposite corner before making the return trip. 489 miles northeast of Chicago: Lake Bernard Park. Our highlights: From Thanksgiving onwards, enjoy a Reveillon Dinner a local tradition which now sees restaurants across the city offering seasonal Creole-inspired food all through December. 1 hour 35 minutes from Chicago (83 miles). Or if you're in town with romantic intentions, a stroll through the Diamond District might go down well. You can also tour a museum ship to get a feel for the history of the lakes. 8 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (550 miles). Went to New York (which was fun) so that is covered. It's a popular place to visit, so book lift passes in advance if you know when you're travelling. For a more magical festive feel, head to Frederick Meijer Sculpture Gardens. 2 hours 30 minutes from Chicago (147 miles). The local skiing may be limited, but there is a lot to see and do around Lake Geneva. After around 250 miles of driving you'll cross the Maumee River then turn off onto I-75 heading towards downtown Toledo. To make the most of the trip, take a couple of weeks and make a lot of stops along the way. The best thing about Grand Rapids, however, is the food and the drink. You will pass through the cities of Milwaukee, Green Bay, Traverse City and Grand Rapids which are all worth going to in their own right. Several of the hotels in town have excellent in-house spas, so you can treat yourself to some relaxation time during your trip. Your email will not be provided to third parties. The 3 tallest sand dunes are all in the State Park with the tallest, Mount Tom, standing at 192 ft. As a result, you will find some great restaurants and interesting art galleries and independent craft shops up and down the coast - New Buffalo is great for its boutiques and farm shops. With many travelers heading to Asheville to see the stunning display of foliage in the fall, we'd recommend booking ahead to guarantee your choice of accommodation at this time of year. 5 hours 40 minutes from Chicago (350 miles). If you have time to head out of town, make your way to Tampa to see Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. Then, for a unique and romantic end to your trip, you can even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the city. For the equestrian lover, Keeneland is a famous horse racing arena that attracts people from around the globe. Seeing the falls in winter is a magical experience, with massive icicles and undulating snow drifts surrounding the famous vistas. Also B&Bs. For amazing views of the snow-covered landscape, head up the Skylon Tower. It's a tiny city with less than 1000 residents but its white-boarded houses, scenic sand dunes and fabulous beach make it a popular place to come to escape the city. It was founded by a group of Swiss settlers from the Swiss canton of Glarus in 1845. If you want to test your senses, the Limburger cheese holds the title of the world's worst smelling cheese and is only made in Monroe. Then, follow WI-57 towards Plymouth, from where you'll pick up WI-67 to Elkhart Lake. It took 14 years to complete the huge memorial sculpture at Mount Rushmore. The local Fermentorium brewery has some 24 different beers on tap - not too shabby for a local place! There are a lot of activities for children - special rides and a petting zoo so bring the family and enjoy a great weekend out of the city! As you can see, there are still plenty of wintery attractions to enjoy in the city, just wrap up warm and see where your trip takes you. Here you can see works by some of the great European artists as well as a wide collection of American art. Everything here looks, feels, smells and tastes Swiss. Starved Rock State Park is just 100 miles southwest of Chicago, offering an ideal spot to enjoy nature with more than a dozen sandstone canyons along with beautiful waterfalls that are especially powerful in the spring. The name gives away what this place is all about - everything here stems from Holland's Dutch origins. You could . Treat your group to an exhilarating zip line adventure with Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. St Louis, MO Driving time from Chicago: 4 hrs 30 min While beer, blues and BBQ are likely on the top of your St Louis bucket list (and rightfuly. This after-dark spectacle sees City Park lit up with more than a million lights. For a different experience of New York in winter, skip the crowds and visit in January to enjoy NYC Winter Jazz Fest or NYC Restaurant Week, where restaurants put on their best fare at affordable prices. It makes sense to book ahead if you're planning on visiting between Christmas day and New Year, or weekends during January and February. Bonus: After Christmas, a free maze is built on the lake shore out of the branches of discarded Christmas trees, a custom that has become firmly cemented in Madison's holiday traditions now. Less than half of Toronto's residents were born in Canada, making for a varied and welcoming city that's the perfect place to head to on a road trip. Beer and baseball are the two things the city is particularly known for. You can also delve into the natural wilderness of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests where you'll find more hiking opportunities, mountain biking routes, and the North Carolina Arboretum. From wherever you're starting in Chicago, pick up I-90 E and follow it out of the city then right the way across Indiana passing La Porte and Shipshewana. Get into the festive spirit and enjoy the iconic holiday views of the city - if it feels familiar, it's probably because they've featured in so many films and TV shows over the years. Why visit? Then, take I-40 from Knoxville to Asheville then join I-26 south passing Spartanburg and Columbia. It was an early adopter of snowmaking technology in the 1950s. Whether you're looking for a festive shopping experience to ease you into the holiday mood, or a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are plenty of fabulous longer road trips that start out from Chicago. Our highlights: Just outside the city at Cascade Mountain and Devils Head Resort you'll find some exhilarating downhill skiing as well as snowtubing and sledding. A work on this scale had never been attempted in the country before and Gutzon Borglum, who led the project, quickly identified that chisels would hardly make a dent on the vast rockface. Nicknamed the Forest City due to the area's verdant woods and rivers, Rockford is also known as the Screw Capital of the World. From Louisville, I-64 takes you east to Lexington, then turn onto I-75 to make your way through Tennessee to Knoxville. Wisconsin Dells is known for two things - its scenic Wisconsin River gorge and the high number of waterparks which has given the town its nickname as the Waterpark Capital of the World. 3 hours 20 minutes from Chicago (190 miles). You must try the Glarner Stube restaurant in town. 11 hours 50 minutes from Chicago (760 miles). 1. Traffic in Denver is heavy at rush hours as you might expect, but the Friday peak is a little earlier than other days so factor this in if you're trying to beat the crowds. Your email will not be provided to third parties. If it's your first time in Toronto, you'll probably want to see some of the city's sights while you're in town too. Everything from cow's milk to goat and sheep milk is used and there are imitations of European cheeses and unique local flavors available. Although it serves a lot of dishes to serve American tourist tastes, you can try the Wienerschnitzel (pan fried breaded veal cutlet) or the cheese fondue (dipping pieces of bread into molten cheese). Winters are bitterly cold and very snowy - that drive from Chicago might not be the best idea in the middle of February! How to get there: After heading east out of Chicago on I-90, turn south onto I-65 and continue through Indianapolis and Louisville. Visit in early February when the Winter Carnival comes to town and you can see firework displays or catch a fun ride on one of the resort's snow groomers. PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's St. Maarten Guide Jo Ann. Best road trips from Chicago Shutterstock 1. The Great River Road runs the length of the Mississippi river and you can drive part of it on a scenic road trip from Chicago. The capital of Wisconsin is often overlooked in favor of its bigger brother Milwaukee 80 miles east. Staying by the lake, seeing as the water freezes over, you can go ice fishing here with a guide, who can provide all the equipment you need if you don't have your own. Our travel tips: Book in advance if you're visiting Winterfest, as the town gets really busy. Rib Mountain, part of the ski area here, is Wisconsin's tallest mountain so you'll find plenty of downhill runs here to suit all abilities. There's a real variety of activities to enjoy here take to the snow for an active day outside, then relax at a beautiful spa. Louisville is best known as the host of the Kentucky Derby - the famous horse race takes place on the first Saturday in May and has run since 1875. You'll find yourself in a warm weather wonderland with trees, lights, skating and fireworks. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago (186 miles). The city is in a prime spot with a lot of road trip options for you to escape to the surrounding destinations within 5 hrs drive. Our travel tips: Although average temperatures sit around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, they can drop much lower or rise as high as 80, so it's wise to pack for three seasons to be prepared for a winter trip here! The area is also home to a number of very decent wineries. If you're not planning a trip until after Christmas, you'll be able to visit the Toronto Light Festival, when fabulous installations brighten up the city through the cold winter nights.

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