Looking for that cozy winter-time weekend away? Or are you searching for a Spring Break holiday that has something for everyone? Experience a weekend getaway at Explore Elgin Area that includes activities, museums, music, nightlife, and delicious flavors from our many fine restaurants! Explore Elgin Area serves 11 communities located northwest of Chicago and just 20 minutes from O’Hare International Airport.
For your first day of a winter-time getaway, savor snow and indoor fun with a winter hike at Plank Road Taproom, a 7-acre property with trails around its woodland beer garden. Or spend the day at Villa Olivia, which has several hills for downhill skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. Enjoy family fun ice skating at the Polar Dome Ice Rink, once a practice rink for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1960s.
On day two, explore some indoor fun. Visit Gail Borden Public Library for some time in the Kids Corner or to enjoy one of the many exhibits and programs offered at this nationally acclaimed library. Schedule a family outing to the Escapade 360, Elgin’s premier escape room, where you can choose from five different rooms to test your escape skills. All ages would revel in visiting Epic Air Trampoline Park or Adrenaline Monkey, an adventure and performance training facility offering ninja courses and vertical adventures.
If you are visiting near the Holidays, wander Downtown Elgin during Holly Days to see the holiday windows created by local artisans, discover family crafts and shopping, and taste all the flavors of a holiday pub crawl. Visit Goebbert’s Farm for its spectacular holiday light show. Take in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concerts or catch the annual Nutcracker performances.
The Water Park at Santa’s Village
Traveling to the Elgin Area for a spring or summertime trip? Spend the day visiting several architectural wonders, including the Muirhead Farm House, designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright, and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a traditional Hindu place of worship that boasts beautiful architecture and is located on 27 acres.
If you are looking to spend a day outdoors, plan on hiking, biking or kayaking on the Fox River Water Trail, which offers nearly 40 miles of trails. Another favorite activity is playing a round of golf at one of our many courses throughout the area. Families will want to check out Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park, a Christmas-themed park that includes carnival rides, zoo animals and Santa Springs Water Park.
Explore Authentic Foods from Around the World
No matter when you visit, plan to spend your first night sipping cocktails and pizza made from their wood-burning oven at Mockingbird Bar + Garden. You can dine indoors and in a covered patio, perfect for every season, with a view of the Fox River Trail. Sample nearby Bleuroot for farm-to-table freshness all year round. After a busy afternoon, feast on fine food served at Buckingham Steak House inside the Grand Victoria Casino or plan a relaxing dinner at Old Republic Kitchen + Bar, which serves up American cuisine for all ages and live music on the weekends.
Embrace the authentic Mexican cuisine at El Patio in Elgin, which serves Marranda in a sizzling ceramic pig filled with charred meats and grilled vegetables. Sample tacos from one of the many taquerias and restaurants. Or try the delicate Mediterranean flavors found at Schwarma Stop before treating yourself to a traditional coffee, gelato and delicious crepes at its sister store, Stop N Dip. Indulge in the cuisine at Kubo Sushi & Sake Lounge, a restaurant offering traditional Japanese culture and food, with a slight Cali twist. The Elgin Area has something for everyone’s palate, from Americana to fine dining!
Start planning your visit to the Elgin area by using the weekend itineraries here: www.exploreelginarea.
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