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Trip guide
For more information: Choose Chicago, (312) 567-8500; choosechicago.com
What to do
The Art Institute of Chicago The nation’s second-largest art museum parties the day after Thanksgiving during the annual Wreathing of the Lions. (312) 443-3600; artinstituteofchicago.org
Chicago Children’s Museum Creative play spaces, including a Snow Much Fun exhibit, entertain young kids at Navy Pier. (312) 527-1000; chicagochildrensmuseum.org
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade The annual jaunt down State Street runs from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street; park in the garage at Wabash and Randolph. (312) 239-0457; chicagofestivals.org
Where to eat
Farmhouse Tavern New in 2011, the hole-in-the-wall River North spot celebrates Midwest beer, farms and flavors, dotting its menu with Wisconsin cheese curds, a dried cranberry salad and a chocolate pastie dessert that takes Michigan’s U.P.’s meat and potato concept to new heights. (312) 280-4960; farmhousechicago.com
The Gage Just north of the Art Institute, the gastropub balances a casual, friendly atmosphere with thoughtful dishes and excellent service. The menu changes every eight weeks or so, but our grilled Buffalo chicken sandwich, burger and creamy pumpkin bisque were outstanding. (312) 372-4243; thegagechicago.com
Lockwood Inside the Palmer House Hilton, Lockwood’s Thanksgiving buffet is $60 for adults, $50 for seniors and free for children younger than 12. (312) 917-3404; lockwoodrestaurant.com
Portillo’s Christmas decorations and cool Chicago sports memorabilia deck the storied hot dog spot in River North. It also serves killer Italian beef. (312) 587-8910; portillos.com
Where to stay
Condo rentals For an alternative to hotels, consider a condo rental. The pros: You get more space than a hotel room and save money on meals, and some offer parking. The cons: Property owners don’t always get back to you during your search, and you have to pay for your stay up front. But over a holiday and for families, it’s a welcome alternative. From $300. homeaway.com; vrbo.com
Chicago River Hotel A freshly styled boutique hotel along the river puts guests within easy walking distance of holiday fun. From $199. (312) 777-0990; chicagoriverhotel.com
Inn of Chicago North of the river in Streeterville, this simple but classy lodging in a landmark building has a small lobby and elevators, but well-appointed rooms and a beautiful rooftop patio. From $109. (312)787-3100; innofchicago.com
(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® November/December 2012.)
