Rocking Right Now- Staycation! March 10, 2017
What's the next best thing to a vacation?? A STAYCATION of course! I have a few ideas for you if you want to feel like you're escaping, but you just don't have the time this weekend. Enjoy! Click here for my radio segment on 101-WKQX
Virgin Hotels Chicago
Need a mini-vacay? You don't need a plane, just drive down to The Loop. I've been a huge fan of Virgin Hotels Chicago since they opened a couple years ago. I love the trendy, hip, and rock n' roll vibe that oozes out of every square inch of the hotel. It's luxurious yet approachable and the decor is a chic and kitschy sensory overload. It has a cool factor that is untouched by any other hotel in the city, and trust me, you'll know it the second you walk in.
Photo courtesy of Virgin Hotels
The rooms are spacious and effectively designed. So if you're looking for a weekend getaway, you won't feel guilty if you spend too much time in the room. Even the beds are unique. They're perfect place to sleep, work and play because they have a custom ergonomic headboard and corner footboard that serves as a nook-like seat. Not that you'll want to work on your stay-cay... but if you must, might as well do it comfortably.
Photo courtesy of Virgin Hotels
For apps and drinks, you can head down to the Commons Club. It's swanky yet incredibly cozy and their cocktail/small bites menu is eclectic and downright delicious. To really play up the staycation theme, order some oysters with Hendrick's Gin mignonette and a Cape Codder cocktail. YUM.
Photo @eattravelrock Instagram
And for your farewell breakfast or brunch, venture down to Miss Ricky's. It's a classic old-fashioned diner with some of the best "diner" fare i've ever tasted. I CANNOT say enough about their Chicken and Waffles. It's hands down, the best i've had in my life.
Virgin Hotels Chicago- 203 N. WABASH- The Loop
Maple and Ash
Photo courtesy of Maple and Ash Instagram
Steakhouses are a dime a dozen in Chicago. But what if I told you that you can go to one of Chicago's most posh "steakhouses" but not feel like you're in a steakhouse?? If you want something unique and you want to take your special someone to a luxurious night out and feel like you're on a jet-setting adventure, head to Maple and Ash. I firmly believe there is no more beautifully constructed and decorated dining venue in the city. It's jawdroppingly stunning. But the food is what really transports you. Everything is fantastic, but what gets me every time is their fire roasted seafood tower. I'm drooling just thinking about it. All of their high quality seafood is smoked in their maple and ash filled hearth before serving it in a tower made for kings. Filled with succulent King Crab, lobster, shrimp, clams, and scallops, it's one hell of a seafood feast.
Photo courtesy of Maple and Ash Instagram
They even have caviar service if you really want to indulge and all of their other steaks, chops, and seafood are also cooked over a live wood fire. Oh and their wine and cocktail list?! To die for.
Maple and Ash- 8 WEST MAPLE STREET- Gold Coast
Flamingo Rum Club
In case you haven't heard, Americans are now (somewhat) legally able to travel to Cuba. But there are still a lot of hoops to jump through in order to get a visa, and it's still more of a "rustic" destination, if you know what I mean. So if you want to FEEL like you're in Cuba, but you're not ready to hop on a flight, head to River North and check out Flamingo Rum Club.
Photo courtesy of Flamingo Rum Club Instagram
The have incredible food towers that feel like a Caribbean feast and they have a ton of classic rum cocktails that will make you feel like you're in old school Havana. Want something a bit more modern? They've got that too. But what's sure to impress are the nightly live cabaret shows. Come for the food and drinks and stay for the spicy entertainment. Viva Cuba!!
Flamingo Rum Club- 601 NORTH WELLS STREET- River North