Feeling trapped in the Northwestern bubble this winter? Get away from it all on a three-day weekend with these trip ideas. You’ll find everything you need — from food to hotels to great activities — in our handy guide.
1. The Couples’ Retreat: Door County, Wisconsin
Voted the best Wisconsin romantic getaway destination by Corporate Report Wisconsin Magazine, Door County is known for its natural beauty, fine dining, shopping, art scene and outdoor activities. Situated on the water, it’s also famous for its romantic sunsets. “Numerous locally owned restaurants, cafes and ice cream stores that become tradition and lack of any commercialized business make it a true get away to relax and spend time with friends and family,” Communication sophomore Mari Baker says. “Along with the atmosphere, there always tends to be a disconnect with TV and the Internet as well, which is very refreshing.”
Approximate cost: $335 for two people over two nights, plus gas.
Distance from Northwestern: 4 hours 15 minutes
How to get there: Car
Where to stay:Colonial Gardens Bed and Breakfast’s Quiet Rose Room
For two nights, you and your honey can live in luxury — that is, a flowery room with a fireplace and a full breakfast delivered to your room every morning. There’s no phone, so the two of you will truly be away from it all. (Don’t worry, the hotel has Wi-Fi.)
What to eat:Inn at Cedar Crossing
Serving traditional American fare such as pasta, steak and fish, this cozy restaurant is perfect for a romantic night out.
What to do: Although Door County’s major tourism season is summer, there’s plenty to do in the snow besides curling up by the fire. Go snowshoeing and enjoy the winter scenery or go on the ultimate date — see a movie at the Drive-In.
2. The Outdoor Escape: Rent a cabin at Hickory Hideaway
If you’re looking to really rough it, get a group of four friends together to rent a cabin in the woods and go into the wild.
Approximate cost: $350 for the cabin, split between four people evens out to about $90 a person, plus extra cost for gas and food.
Distance from Northwestern: 2 hours
How to get there: Car
What to eat: You’ll have to bring your own hot dogs, chips and potato salad, but the cabins are equipped with all the kitchen essentials — stove, fridge, microwave and silverware, as well as a fire pit and charcoal grill.
What to do: If you’re not soaking in the hot tub in Hickory Hideaway’s club house, singing songs around the campfire or playing games inside, you could be out exploring the winter wilderness — and the area is surrounded by hiking trails.
3. The Urban Jungle: St. Louis, Missouri
If Chicago isn’t enough for city-loving students, take the Greyhound to St. Louis and sight-see, eat and wander the streets of an unfamiliar city.
Approximate cost: About $150 a person, depending on food choices and attraction fees.
Distance from Northwestern: 5 hours
How to get there: A Greyhound round-trip ticket costs $44 a person.
Where to stay: Try the Best Western or any other cheap chain hotel.
What to eat: For the penny pincher, Tom’s Bar and Grill offers cheap and delicious bar food.
For the big spender, go all-out at Top of the Riverfront, a classy restaurant with a gorgeous view.
What to do: Everything! Go see the sights such as the Arch, or just walk through the city looking at shops and people-watching. A great winter activity in this city is ice skating at the Steinberg Ice Rink, the Midwest’s largest outdoor ice rink. You can also check out the City Museum, which is a unique conglomeration of art, science and industry, as well as a nice way to get out of the snow. “The City Museum is basically a place to be a little kid again,” Weinberg freshman Megan Barstead says.
4. The Kitschy Good Time: Wisconsin Dells
If the prospect of leaving studying behind to visit the world’s largest indoor water park doesn’t excite you, you should probably reassess your life. Rent a three-bedroom condo with room for 12 people and access to Kalahari water park. “The Kalahari is awesome because the slides there tend to be more extreme, with water that shoots hard so you can go uphill and even a giant toilet bowl,” Medill freshman Danielle Moehrke says.
Approximate cost: The 3-Bedroom Condo Adventure package includes a three-bedroom condo for 12, admission to the water park, two large pizzas and soda, and two in-room movies, all for $500-$700. Split between 12, the most you’ll pay is $60 a person, plus gas and food money.
How to get there: Car
Distance from Northwestern: About five hours
What to do: Swim!