Chicago is a fun city with a lot of famous attractions. It is busy, bustling with people, and full of excitement. There are plenty of places located just outside of this popular city that also have a lot to offer but is usually overshadowed by “Shy town”. Some people prefer to be in a more relaxed setting, away from all the exhilaration. If that sounds like you, staycations near Chicago in one of these neighboring cities might be just what you need.
One Hour Away From Chicago
The city of Joliet is located in Will County and makes for the perfect staycation for a couple, family, or solo traveler. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Where To Stay on Staycations Near Chicago
For a unique experience, you should check out this home on Air B&B. Along with a cozy home feel, it comes fully equipped with a 77″ TV, surround sound system, reclining chairs, popcorn machine, and a fully stocked bar. For $119 per night, you can have your own private movie theater right next door to your bedroom.
For something more luxurious, you might want to try Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel. This riverfront hotel has four onsite restaurants and exquisite rooms. If you’re feeling lucky, the in-house casino is the perfect place to test your luck. Depending on your room preference, a night here costs between $255-$280.
Where To Eat Lunch on Staycations Near Chicago
Located on the Old Route 66 in Joliet, Hamburgerseria was voted to serve the best burgers in Chicago, although they are not technically in Chicago, but in Joliet. Start things off with an appetizer like the Buffalo tots; crispy tater tots covered in Buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, and crumbles and green onions. There is a wide variety of sides, including homemade potato chips and truffle fries. There is a huge selection of unique burgers to choose from as the main course. There are also a plethora of salads, hot dogs, paninis, and sandwiches if burgers aren’t your thing. Check out a copy of their menu here. Don’t forget to try one of their delicious shakes!
Where To Shop on Staycations Near Chicago
The Louis Joliet Mall offers 90 stores for you to browse through.
There is surely something for everyone here inside this single-level shopping mall, open seven days a week. There are also restaurants, a movie theater, a nail salon, and an eyebrow shaping center. Their website can be found here, for you to explore all they have to offer.
Where To Walk or Run
A popular place for some exercise is the Old Plank Road Trail. This trail is filled with beautiful, serene wildlife including both plants and woodland animals. It is especially lovely during the fall season when all the leaves are changing color. You might also want to bring your bike and go for a ride on the bike paths. You will feel very safe here and when you are done, there are plenty of places close by for a refreshment.
The Joliet Iron Works Preserve is a unique location for a good hike, walk, or run. The entire site is 52 acres. This is a historic site of a once running iron manufacturing site that operated from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. As you make your way through the 3.35 miles of trail that has been carved out, you will be able to see the remnants of this once-thriving industrial iron plant. For more information visit their website here.
Where To Get A Massage
Located at 3563 W Jefferson St., Lily’s Massage is the perfect place to relax. They offer a variety of services including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, chair massage, hot stone massage, cupping therapy, and foot reflexology. You will be treated with individualized care and leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed.
Where To Eat Dinner
Even if you do not decide to stay at Harrah’s Joliet, you should at least do yourself a favor and enjoy a decadent dinner at their steakhouse The Reserve. Although you will be spending a pretty penny to dine here (about $50 an entree), you deserve it and it is definitely worth the hefty price tag. The menu offers a delicious selection of steaks, chops, fish, pasta dishes, and a large list of sides to accompany your perfectly prepared entree. Have a look at their menu here.
Two Hours Away From Chicago
Two hours south of Chicago you can find the city of Champaign.
Areas of this town have historically preserved brick roads and sidewalks lined with ancient trees that provide plenty of shade for a sunny day and a beautiful view when the leaves change color in the fall. Champaign is widely known for being home to the University of Illinois, but there are many other aspects of this city to explore as well.
Where To Eat Lunch on Staycations Near Chicago
Now that breakfast has been handled where should you go for lunch? There are many places to choose from but I would highly suggest Black Dog Smoke and Ale House. If you love tender cuts of meat that fall right off the bone and basically melt in your mouth this is the place for you. The one catch here is that because they cook their meat long and slow to get that delicious taste, certain menu options are only available on certain days.
For example, if you want the beef ribs, you can only order them on Thursdays and Fridays, so please plan accordingly as to when you visit this amazing restaurant. This is not the case for all their food, just the daily specials. Most food is available every day. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, and the food can either be served family-style or individual style depending on your party size.
Where To Shop on Staycations Near Chicago
The Marketplace Shopping Center is the largest mall in town featuring a wide range of popular stores, and 10 different dining options ranging from snacks to quick service, to sit-down restaurants.
The downtown area on Champaign boasts many small shops that are fun to visit. Jane Adam’s book shop is a four-level store filled with vintage books. Ten Thousand Villages is a shop that only sells handcrafted items made by artisans from around the world. Exile on Main Street is a vintage record store that first opened its doors in 2004. It has been voted “Best record store” of the area every year since. Along with a huge collection of records to browse through, they also offer live music on certain dates.
Where To Stay on Staycations Near Chicago
A Victorian-style mansion, built in 1901, hosts the best bed and breakfast in town. The Champaign Garden Inn is located within walking distance of the newly developed downtown area making it a convenient spot for your staycation. Two adorable puppies Dasher and Princess will serve as two of your perfect hosts. They like to cuddle and get belly rubs but will also keep their distance if you would prefer that. The grounds are beautiful. There are expansive gardens for you to explore. Every decision the owners made was with your comfort in mind; from the linen to the mattress to the towels.
Coffee, tea, and an assortment of baked goods are available to you 24/7. Other items are available for breakfast from 7 am-11 am daily. Check out their full menu.
Where To Walk Or Run on Staycations Near Chicago
Resting on 22.2 acres, the .98 mile running path in Hessel Park offers beautiful natural views to accompany your fitness excursion. There are over 25 different species of trees for your viewing pleasure along with a modern art sculpture by artist Ray Katz. You can download a free copy of the tree walk guide here. As you walk the path you’ll be able to observe and learn about the different species of trees you pass.
Where To Get A Massage
According to a recent poll in August 2020, locals voted BodyWork Associates as the best place to get a massage in Champaign. They offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your massage session. All employees are licensed and have been working at this establishment for many years. BodyWorks Associates offers the most up-to-date methods for the relaxation pleasure of its customers.
Where To Eat Dinner
The Courier Cafe has been in business for 40 years. Part of the reason they’ve been open so long is that they only use fresh ingredients. They offer many vegetarian options alongside their regular menu. The ambiance gives off an antique vintage vibe.
Most of the antiques surrounding you actually work. They have won four restaurant awards so far including those for “best casual dining” and “favorite overall restaurant”. They are closed on Mondays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly to try the restaurant awarded for having the “best burgers” in Champaign, Illinois.
Activities For Kids
If any little ones will be accompanying you on your staycation there are a few options to keep them entertained. The University of Illinois has a large ice area located on campus. You can join the locals for some skating fun! The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum has a lot of hands-on activities and live demonstrations throughout the day. This museum is mostly geared towards children ages 5-10. Another option for children of all ages is the William M. Staerkel Planetarium. Astronomy shows are available to the public during weekdays.
A staycation is the perfect weekend getaway, or you can extend it and really explore every aspect these small towns have to offer. Talk to the locals you run into; your hotel concierge, waiters, etc. to find out if you are missing out on any hidden gems. There is so much to see and do in these little cities on your staycations near Chicago. You don’t always have to travel to a big popular city to explore something new and experience the wonder of a new place.
PS: Explore options for staycations near Dallas, Texas!
