Venturing out of the safety of campus can be a daunting concept for most college students in terms of expectations and monetary constraints. Your friends may be traveling abroad, traveling back home, leaving you nothing to do with an itch for adventure. With its wisping skyscrapers, decadent desserts, and views reaching far across the bridge lattice that covers the river, Chicago is a city that never stops glowing, emitting warmth even amidst the coldest days of winter. There are always chances for exploration outside the normal tourist attractions like The Cloud Gate and Navy Pier; a plethora of whimsical, affordable gems hidden in the steel-plated rough.
- Firecakes
Hot donuts dusted like snow-covered streets, cold hands in need of warm coffee, what better place to go than a toasty shop bubbling with frothed milk and sweet dough? The Hubbard Street location is a smaller store, but it adds to the authentic, cozy thrill of a brown sugar city life. With an aquamarine exterior wall and retro writing, the shop stands out against the gray hue of the weather. They have a smaller window on the side sharing their essential prices (cashless payments only), and a display of the day’s donuts for customers to enter excited about which choice they will make. Flavors change with the season but they have anything from classics like Old Fashioned Buttermilk and Chocolate Espresso to Seasonal Jelly, Cinnamon Roll, and Poppyseed Pistachio. They have vegan options, ice cream concoctions, and even hot tea to satisfy any sugar craving, any temperature preference. Ice cream in December? This is the place for you.
Live out your big city, small shop desires by daydreaming with puffed rounds, piping hot and crisp to cut the sharp bite of the frigid winter winds.
68 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Sun-Wed: 6:30pm -10:30pm
Thur-Sat: 6:30pm -12pm
- Museum of Contemporary Photography
Solace sits and waits to greet you here, an entire experience lying in stillness. Located at Columbia College in the Loop and founded in 1976, this enticing gallery features profound works focusing on current issues in the world and worries in human expression, as well as those reaching as far back as the 1930s. Perfect if you are looking for bold takes from those combating the current societal issues, or simply want to admire skillfully delivered photographic works. The interior is very pristine with clean edges, and all the photographs are arranged together systematically yet haphazardly, turning the conventional notion of a museum on its head. Bundled up together, they help emphasize the progression and connection of human ideas. This museum in particular makes one question just how much they know about themself, zooming out to look in, on the things that define our place in the world. The MoCP houses a permanent collection of work by Ansel Adams (black and white midwest documentation), Henri-Cartier Bresson (masterful candid photography), Dorothea Lange (Depression-era photojournalist), and more. Take a walk in hundreds of other’s shoes, traipsing the scope of your path as it aligns retrospectively. And what could top its price when it’s free?
At Columbia College Chicago 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605
MonTuesWedFriSat: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5:00pm
- Hero Coffee Bar
This cozy beanery peeks out to passersby in a tiny, false cavity between buildings. The air buzzes from the warm fairy lights and the smell of freshly roasted coffee beans and cheddar egg’s decadence drifts through the door. Specializing in coffee concoctions, frothy lattes, and savory breakfast bagel sandwiches, this diamond in the rough holds all the caffeine and sustenance you need to take on a busy day traipsing the city with friends. Homey and warm, you are guaranteed to crave their crisp-bitter drinks. If you want to start your morning off feeling like your own poet, or like Sherlock Holmes working a masterful case, the secrets lie amongst the dark wooden floors and signature coffee blends.
22 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Mon-Fri: 8:00am-3:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Sun: closed
https://www.herocoffeebars.com/
- Transistor Records
A new and used record shop, local artist art gallery, and gift shop tied ‘round with a retro ribbon, this vinyl store is a music enthusiast’s dream. Located in Roscoe Village, this tiny shop brims with original art, eccentric baubles, and an essential record collection. There is also a recording studio inside, seeing as they promote artists from the area. Production occurs straight from the basement! Described as a “conduit for community” by the Columbia Chronicle, this established center for local expression hosts everything one could want to appreciate smaller creators while browsing the shelves for Adele, Michael Jackson, or Arctic Monkeys. Blast back to the past and view the voices of the future lining the shelves of the blue and black walls, and don’t forget to take a look at the books!
2154 W Roscoe St., Chicago, Illinois 60618
Mon-Fri: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Sat: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Sun: 11:00am – 6:00pm
https://www.transistorchicago.com/
- Xi’an
Comfort food is a necessity when the wind nips at your nose, and where better to cuddle up to a hot meal than Chinatown. If you are looking for silky noodle broth or the salty sheen of marinated beef, this is a local hotspot for delicious food without all the fancy decoration and predictability from chain restaurants. They have healthy options, varying portion sizes, and hand-stretched noodles (拉面 – lāmiàn) coming straight from the kitchen. With quick service and home-cooked goodness, they supply an array of traditional Chinese dishes to fulfill any craving or desired flavor profile; critically acclaimed Biang Biang noodles, marinated meats, and lamb flatbreads, this hole-in-the-wall will leave a space in your heart if you leave it’s warm, spicy flavors out of your Chicago travel plans.
225 W Cermak Rd (Between Wentworth Avenue & Cottage Grove Avenue) Chinatown, Chicago, IL 60616-1913
Mon-Sun: 10:00am – 9:00pm
https://www.xiancuisinechicago.com/
6. The Exchange
An immersive listening experience melded with dimmed lights and a jazz-laden mood, this Japanese-style bar and restaurant in the South Loop elevates casual dining with minimalist and vintage ambiance. Don’t worry, it isn’t that type of bar. Even though they serve alcohol you don’t need to drink to go in, the majority of people simply stop by for calm vibes and crunchy bruschetta. It sports a “listening room”, modern-style chairs, mood lighting, and vintage sound systems, making the entire place a modern, gallery look-book. Aiming to provide a relaxing atmosphere for customers to enjoy each other’s company, you are sure to feel in good hands. Some innovative dishes include sprouted grain salads, 2-person charcuterie boards, pistachio spiced cauliflower, vegan yellow curry, and lemon tarragon aioli chicken. They have a full range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to fit everyone’s needs while preserving the authenticity of their crafted flavors.
Visit the Cloud Gate across the street under the stars, and head in for a wind-down and soothing music to speak with your friends about the exciting moments of your Chicago trip. A wonderful place to enjoy dinner and talk while exploring culinary combinations you never thought your soul was missing.
224 South Michigan Avenue, , IL 60604
Tues-Thurs: 11:30am – 8:00pm
Fri: 11:30am – 9:00pm
https://www.thexchangechicago.com/location/the-exchange-listening-room
7. P.O.S.H
As soon as you enter, the bustle of the streets outside goes quiet, dimmed as the past stands around you and smiles softly in the entryway. European charm, teapot treasures, books, and everything vintage, this quaint shop houses a plethora of goods, each with its own personality. Founded in 1997, this boutique holds authentic, indescribable pieces like a 1960s hotel dinnerware set or teapot chandeliers. Even if you don’t intend to purchase anything, simply viewing the dark-stained wooden shelves opens one’s eyes to the relevance of the past, and what brought Chicagoans joy in a time not so different from our own. Bask in the snow’s wonder through the green sunroom nestled in the back, imagining your Victorian tea party or envisioning your vintage New York apartment. Anyone who hopes for the future or admires the past can find something that resonates with them in this beautiful time capsule.
613 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Mon-Sat: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sun: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Treat yourself any dreary weekend when assignments weigh down like packing snow. Grab a few friends and drive down only 2 hours from Kalamazoo to explore the enticing city, taste irresistible eats, and face the winter winds with a smile.
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