Snow has come to the Windy City, with white drifts filtering between the buildings in the Loop and piling up around the shores of Lake Michigan. While some Chicagoans may choose to spend most of the winter huddled indoors, brave city dwellers know that there’s a world of winter adventure waiting just beyond their heated lobby. Residents of the luxury apartment rentals at NEMA in Downtown Chicago have the best of both worlds, thanks to the tower’s central location and collection of cozy apartments for rent. So, strap on your boots, flip up that hood, and check out these winter activities around the South Loop!
Two events coming up quickly take place on January 25. The first is the 19th annual Polar Bear Plunge, where brave Chicagoans strip down to their skivvies and jump into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan to prove...well, something—and to help someone. Over the years, the Plunge has raised more than $400,000 for Chicago families in need. However, if jumping into freezing water isn’t your idea of a good time on a winter’s day, another tradition taking place on the 25th is the annual Mac & Cheese Crawl, billed as the city’s “cheesiest bar crawl.” Fill your belly with seven servings of steaming-hot macaroni and cheese at a string of preselected venues, while drinking beer and enjoying the company of like-minded Chicago foodies!
Residents of NEMA Chicago can see the rolling hills of Grant Park stretching out beneath their feet, and the next activity on our list is located in the northeastern section of Grant at Maggie Daley Park. Every year, Maggie Daley is home to the iconic Ice Skating Ribbon, a unique rink that winds in a long loop through some of the park’s smaller hills, creating a skating experience known as “alpine in the city.” Ice skaters of all skills will love the Ribbon, which features elevation changes and hot chocolate stations set against the backdrop of the iconic Chicago skyline. Best of all, admission is free, and skate rentals begin at $13, meaning a visit to the Ribbon is as affordable as it is memorable.
Residents seeking a steeper gradient this winter will love taking day trips to Devil’s Head Resort in nearby Wisconsin, where skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes for a day of carving fresh powder and be home by dinner. Just a three-hour drive from Chicago, Devil’s Head Resort offers everything from lessons for beginners to a fully equipped terrain park for experienced daredevils who want to show off their skills.
Best of all, after a day of freezing fingertips and steamed breath, your NEMA Chicago apartment will be waiting to welcome you home for a relaxed and comfortable evening of hot beverages and spectacular Downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan views. So, head over to the NEMA Chicago website and start your Windy City winter today!