Chicago Speaks

This month’s question: What’s a favorite activity during Chicago’s winter months?

Scott Graham | 29, Lakeview
“I’ve found an underrated activity in the middle of a very overrated activity. The overrated activity: snowball fights after the bars close. The underrated activity: not participating in the snowball fight, but instead people-watching during the fight to find the one poor sap with the trophy wife who is freezing. Usually, the unsuspecting male attempts to hail a cab in the middle of the snowball fight. As a result, a stray snowball always finds its way to the middle of his forehead. Pure entertainment.

 

 

Matt Mohrlang | 30, Lincoln Park
While it’s easy to keep yourself entertained in Chicago when the weather is nice (just head to the nearest beach or street festival), winter is an entirely different story. Fortunately, however, I’ve found one activity that can make me forget that it’s 10 degrees outside and I haven’t seen the sun in four weeks. I’m speaking, of course, about bowling. Just round up a few friends and head to either Diversey Bowl or Waveland Bowl for a few beers, some black lights and some classic hair-metal music, and good times are sure to follow. If you’re not concerned about having the peripheral lights and music, Southport Lanes is another fine option. Not recommended for those who take themselves too seriously.

 

Michelle Seagraves | Wicker Park
My favorite Michigan Avenue decorations of the year are the large glass balls they put out in January after they bring down the holiday decorations. I always find some excuse to shop after holiday sales on Michigan Ave. just to see them. January is the best time to be stuck indoors in Chicago. I like to catch up on my museum time, especially at the Art Institute.

 

 

 

Jennifer Wolf | 27, Uptown
Going to the Chicago Symphony during the winter is nice. I’m not sure why I equate going with winter, but it probably relates to the brilliance of the symphony hall during Christmas time, the warmth of the season and seeing the city dressed up in Christmas lights. I love the city streets during that time.

 

 

 

Tracy Bienaisz | 26, River West
I look forward to renting the movies I didn’t get to see over the summer because I was too busy drinking and going to the beach. I enjoy making snowmen in my front yard with the dirty snow, only to have some hoodlums from the neighborhood knock them down. There always seem to be more formal fundraisers in the winter, so I like the excuse to dress up.

 

 

 

Sarah Ihmels | Lakeview
Considering how cold it can get, there is little I like to do outside on a bitter, windy Chicago afternoon (aside from watching football in a warm bar or being at home with a good movie and a burning fire). I am, however, looking forward to taking my 13-week-old golden retriever, Floyd, to the dog parks to watch him in the snow. He cannot get enough of burying his body in the leaves and pouncing out of them, so he should be a blast in the snow.

 

 

Sara Vinson | Lakeview
Some of the touristy favorites I love to do are: Seeing “A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theatre (an annual tradition that puts priorities in persepective for the busy holiday season), walking up and down Michigan Avenue to see the beautiful lights and great people-watching, Lincoln Park Zoo for Zoo Lights (it’s free and very family-oriented), hot chocolate and fondue at Ethel’s Chocolate lounges (truly the best hot chocolate out there). When I’m not in the mood to go out and do a “touristy” activity in the city, I frequent the bars that have a great winter atmosphere, such as Moody’s Pub for the toasty fireplace and burgers, Guthrie’s for the board games (a great winter activity), any bar that has a euchre league (they’re always in need of extra people to sub), Cullen’s for its great pillared bar covered in lights with the best bartenders out there. It’s also fun grabbing a drink at the top of the Hancock and seeing just how beautiful the city of Chicago is in the wintertime.

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