Summer in Winter Wonderland

by Amelia Levin - Citysearch Contributor - 9 Reviews - 11 Lists

Updated: January 16, 2007

It's cold. It's dark. The holidays are over, and it can be a depressing time. What better time to explore all the summery things to do that this glorious city offers year-round? From water parks to gelato, here's a list to get you started.

Seasonal Escapes

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Bank Lane Bistro
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    670 N Bank Ln, Lake Forest, IL 60045 (map)

    Come summertime, people flock to this charming eatery known for its large garden patio, but you can still enjoy the spirit of alfresco even when it's 10 below. Upstairs in the main dining room, an enclosed balcony with ceiling-mounted heat lamps overlooks the cobblestone streets of the charming, suburban square. With romantic, candlelit tables in a cozy little space, you'll hardly notice that it's winter and, yep, you're still inside.

  2. 2 North Beach Chicago
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    1551 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

    Craving that feeling of sand between your toes? Get your fix on the indoor volleyball court at this Weed Street bar. Non-league members looking to play a few matches can round up a group and call a week ahead for open time slots on weekends and weekday evenings. Cost for court rental is $50 per hour. Why wait till June when you can get cold-weather-free fun now?

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended A Mano
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    335 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    What says summer more than a scoop of yummy ice cream? Try the Italian version of summertime--gelato--at this River North spot. Chef John Caputo learned to make the creamy treat from a master gelato maker from the old country. Choose from 12 daily-rotating flavors (three flavors for $7), including double chocolate and mascarpone.

  4. 4 2 Star Rating: Below Average Key Lime Cove Resort and Water Park
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    1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031 (map)

    Head to Gurnee for this massive, 65,000-square-foot indoor water park with a Tsunami wave pool, two giant body slides more than 500-feet long, plus tube slides, a swirling ride for the non-motion-sick, a lazy river and a whirlpool spa area. And for some more grown-up fun, there's also a pool-side, tiki-style bar with summery drinks to sip.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Spa Space
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    161 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606 (map)

    The bronzing treatments and pineapple scrubs are popular summer-in-winter choices at this contemporary day spa, but try the Organic Blueberry-Guava Detox Wrap for an even fruiter experience. The treatment begins with a dry brushing to remove dead skin cells, followed by an application of the super-hydrating berry-guava concoction. Then you're wrapped in warm bath towels and cozy blankets while a spa tech works on your neck and shoulders. A slathering of aloe-like lotion and optional Swedish massage rounds out the bliss.