This is our first winter in Chicago and saying that it has been cold is probably an understatement. I have to admit that back in December it had me fooled because the temps weren’t very low and all the talk about the “Windy City” being extremely cold was looking like an exaggeration. Well, not so fast…I quickly found out that it definitely NOT an exaggeration.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, by now you know how cold it was in Chicago. The insane drop in temperature made national news (probably, global) because Chicago was reported to be colder than Antartica, Siberia and Mt. Everest. How crazy is that? As much as I like winter, there comes a point that even I have a hard time coping with gloomy weather on a daily basis. So recently I started looking at a few activities that can get me out of the house and keep me warm at the same time. Here is what I came up with – if you are from Chicago, I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
Try Indoor Rock Climbing
Yes, you read that right! What could be more fun during a gloomy cold day (other than jetting off to a beach..haha!). We recently tried Brooklyn Boulders here in Chicago and loved it. Not only was it challenging but fun and definitely left me feeling sore the next day. I don’t know about you, but I get bored when I don’t switch up my workout routine – so giving my body the opportunity to take up a new challenge feels great. In addition to the climbing classes, BKB offers a wide range of fitness classes including yoga, Pilates, and Bootcamp classes. I loved it so much that, I’ve teamed up with Brooklyn Boulders to give a lucky winner a free session! Make sure you are following me on Instagram to enter this giveaway.
Summer bodies are made in the Winter, right? Start climbing! 🙂
Airbnb Experience
If you read my post on our review of Airbnb Experiences in Sintra, Portugal then you will know that I’m a big fan. Airbnb offers a ton of local classes and tours – trust me they have something for everyone. Thomas and I recently did a walking Architecture Tour of Chicago – I know what you’re thinking, how could this be a good activity during the winter? Well, the buildings were pretty close to one another so we didn’t spend that much time outside. But you can also choose from pasta-making classes, Glass-blowing training, or warm up by learning how to dance salsa!
Visit Museums
Seems like an obvious suggestion but I find that many people don’t jump at the opportunity to visit their local museums. I find Art and History museums to be a place where I can clear my head and find inspiration. If it gets expensive then think about becoming a member – Thomas and I became members of the Art Institute Of Chicago when we moved. But if you are interested, admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to Illinois residents every Thursday evening from 5-8pm.
Read It & Eat
This darling little shop in Lincoln Park is so cute. I came across this place when exploring the neighborhood for the first time. It’s a bookstore that only sells books on food and drinks but also has a test kitchen and offers cooking classes. The shop is not very big and you’ll want to spend hours flipping through the books – check out the schedule online and sign up for one of their yummy classes.