So tomorrow is the big day, with Valentine's Day falling on a Thursday. If you can spare it, and you two really want to fan the flames, why not schedule Friday off and stretch out the holiday as a three day weekend! I’ve got some fantastic last minute ideas for you that won’t break the budget, nor will it cause you to drive all that far!
Besides heading down to Millennium Park for some ice skating and checking out the beautifully colored ice, or perhaps hopping on a horse drawn carriage through Lincoln Park, there are other wonderful ways to embrace the peak of winter!
Head up north just beyond the border to get in some skiing or snow boarding! Wilmot Mountain is one of Chicagoans’ best kept secrets for folks who want to squeeze in a little more powder time. Thanks to all the snow we’ve had lately and a prediction for a little more, along with doable temperatures, it is just so worth the hour drive! And if you don’t have any gear, relax, because they rent just about everything you need. Hopefully, they’ll one day get around to extending the Metra train so folks can ditch the car altogether.
And hey, while you’re in the area anyway, why not get in some cross country skiing at the nearby Chain O’ Lakes State Park. The various trails are ideal places to explore, as the winter forest is just so majestic and enchanting. Those wanting to cruise about on their snowmobiles are welcome to do so from various frozen lake water access points, but not on in the park itself. However, the frozen Fox River serves up as a pretty awesome snowmobile highway! And if you get a little too chilly, feel free to warm up in the park office.
Those of you wanting to drive just a little further may choose to head into Lake Geneva just over the border. The town is just so picturesque with wonderful places to shop, eat and play year round. Needless to say, there is a plethora of bed and breakfasts in the area to accommodate all tastes and budgets. In fact, there is even one that is just for vegetarians called Inn Serendipity!
Of course, nothing beats snuggling in front of a fireplace in a cabin out in the wilderness and letting the flames lick your face. If you can score a reservation this late in the game and don’t mind splurging a little, Starved Rock Lodge is your best bet! The surrounding state park is natural beauty defined, making it the absolute perfect setting for popping the question.
Whoops! We can't seem to find any.
If you happen to take any, send some our way