Lake Geneva Winterfest

Lake Geneva 28th Annual Winterfest 

The City of Lake Geneva holds the 28th Annual Winterfest, featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship February 1 – 5, 2023. 

This is the only national snow sculpting championship in the United States.  This is the 28th year of the Winterfest and it welcomes the most talented and award-winning sculpting teams from across the country to compete against each other.  

The snow sculpting competition runs 11am Wednesday February 1st through 1pm Saturday February 4th at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along the beautiful shore of Geneva Lake. 

Admission is FREE to attend and the ice sculptures will remain on display through Sunday (and until they melt).

Lake Geneva Winterfest Snow Sculpture 

This is considered the gold standard of snow sculpting competition and draws over 60,000 guests annually to enjoy the snow sculpture competition and an array of fun winter-inspired events and activities throughout the region.

The winter fest has loads of fun events and activities including “BONFIRES ON THE BEACH,” which includes cozy bonfires, live entertainment, warm drinks, and tasty s’mores and other treats.

Besides the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship competition Winterfest includes a local school snow sculpture event, a fire and ice bar, the downtown ice sculpture walk, a snowball white party, and the Riviera Ballroom warming center. 

Free shuttle bus service is available for the Winterfest.

For the Winterfest schedule, directions, parking, and other information go to:  https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/

Lake Geneva offers a variety of activities for all ages besides the Winterfest.  This is a run down of some:  

• Ice skating 
• Sledding
• Skiing 
• Ice Fishing
• Explore the Ice Castles

Also, the Grand Geneva located at:  7036 Grand Geneva Way  Lake Geneva, WI 53147 has Ice Skating, a Sledding hill, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Bundle up and head out for the Winterfest in February and check out some of these other fun winter activities.

For more travel information and destinations visit our Travel Page.

And to learn about things to do in Hoffman Estates check out the post:  Things to do in Hoffman Estates

Final Thoughts

This is the 28th annual year of the Lake Geneva Winterfest.  The snow sculpture competition produces such amazing creations.  And besides the snow sculpture competition there is a ton of other activities and fun things to do.  Hope to see you February 1st - 5th at the Lake Geneva Winterfest.

(C) 2023 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Free Chicago Museum Days

Free Museum days for Illinois residents to Chicago museums is a great perk.  Chicago has some world renown museums and visiting the museums on free days is helpful on the wallet.  

The free museum dates have been announced by most museums and here is the list for Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and others.

Adler Planetarium

Adler Planetarium has free museum days for Illinois residents:

• Every Wednesday evening from 4 – 10 p.m.

All tickets must be reserved online and in advance.

Art Institute of Chicago

Offers free admission days for Illinois residents during particular days of the year.

Free museum days in 2024 for Illinois residents at the Art Institute of Chicago are:

• Thursday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Free admission tickets for Illinois residents must be reserved online in advance.

Note:  The Art Institute is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators.

Chicago History Museum

Free admission on select holidays and dates throughout the year are available to Illinois residents.

The announced dates for Illinois residents to receive free admission are on the following days in 2024 - 25:

• Dec. 18
• Jan. 20 – 24, 28 – 31, 2025
• Feb. 4 – 7, 11 – 14, 17, 18 – 21, 25 – 28, 2025

Note:  Always free for active duty military and veterans, active duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.

Field Museum

Offers free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.

Free museum days at the Field Museum in 2024:

• Every Wednesday all year long

Tickets for free days are only available onsite.  Free tickets include all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.

Museum of Science and Industry

Offers free admission for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.

Here are the free admission days announced for the Museum of Science and Industry for 2024:

• None remaining in 2024

Note:  The Museum is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Offering suggested donation admission where Illinois Residents can enjoy free admission during these Suggested Donation Days,:

• Every Thursday the museum is open for Illinois residents. Visitors can enjoy free admission during these Donation Days or support the museum with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission.

Note:  Always free for active-duty service members with ID and their families, Illinois teachers, and children under three.

Shedd Aquarium

Illinois residents receive free access to all permanent exhibits, including special exhibits Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch, on select dates throughout the year.

Upcoming free evenings (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.) for Illinois residents at the Shedd Aquarium in 2024:

• Dec. 3, 10, 17

Note:  Advance reservations are required; no tickets will be available onsite.  All adults must provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate.

(C) 2024 jspublishing.blogspot.com

What are the Best Chicago Brunch Places?

Chicago is known for its world famous food scene and past posts have provided insight on some Chicago Best Restaurants and best taco places in the area.  Now we take a look at some of the best brunch places in Chicago.      

We take a look at eight (8) frequently recommended brunch places among Facebook users in the Chicago area.  

Lou Mitchell's

About:  Iconic diner serving hearty breakfasts & lunches since 1923.  Located near the Sears (Willis) Tower on Jackson Boulevard.

Brunch Menu Includes:  Fluffy Jumbo Omelettes, Pancakes and Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Country Style Sausage Gravy, Coffee Cake, Doughnuts, Marinated Skirt Steak, Baked Meat Loaf, Burgers, Chicken, etc.

Address:  565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Phone:  (312) 939-3111

Google Stars:  4.6

Price Range:  $$

Cindy’s Rooftop

About:  This restaurant offers one of the best rooftop dining and brunch experiences Chicago has to offer.  Frequently recommended by folks on Facebook.  Cindy’s is atop the Chicago Athletic Association north of the Art Institute and across the street from Millennium Park.

Brunch Menu includes: 

• Drinks:  DIY Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Coffee, Tea, Espresso
• Food:  Oysters On The Half Shell, Smoked Salmon, and Buttermilk Pancakes.  

Address:  12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Phone:  (312) 792-3502

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$$

Honeybear café

About:  Local, family-owned restaurant in the Rogers Park neighborhood offering a full service menu of breakfast and lunch items.  Frequently mentioned on Facebook as a great Chicago Brunch spot.  

Breakfast Menu includes:   Biscuits and Gravy, Huevos Rancheros, Skillets, Vegan Tofu Scrambler, Omelets, Crepes, French Toast, and lots more 

Address:  7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626

Phone:  (773) 754-7450

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$

Beatrix

About:  Neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Oak Brook and Loop neighborhoods.  Brunch Served Saturday & Sunday until 3:00pm

Brunch Menu includes:   

• Drinks:  Mimosas, Bloody Mary, Martinis, Margarita, Fresh squeezed juices
• Food:  Prime Steak & Eggs, French Toast, Pancakes, and more . . .

Locations:  

• City:  River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Loop 
• Suburbs:  Oak Brook

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$

Frances' Brunchery

About:  Landmark in Lincoln Park for over eighty (80) years – serving diners breakfast, lunch, and brunch (before it was even a thing).  Serving daily 9 AM – 3 PM.

Breakfast Menu includes:   French Toast, Omelets, Pancakes, Waffles, Homemade Sausage patties, Skillets, and more.

Address:  2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Phone:  (773) 248-4580

Google Stars:  4.4

Price Range:  $$

Beatnik On The River 

About:   Mediterranean restaurant with a funky-ornate setting with riverfront seats offers a favorite Weekend Brunch experience. Hear world beats by DJs in a riverfront terrace (heated and enclosed with clear panels during cooler months), and sip on tropical drinks while enjoying brunch.

Brunch Menu includes:   Tomato & Avocado Toast, Cubano Breakfast Sandwich, Vegan Chilaquiles, bakery items, and more

Address:  180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Phone:  (312) 526-3345

Google Stars:  4.2

Price Range:  $$$

Wake ‘n Bacon

About:  Trendy destination with extensive, locally sourced international brunch menu.  A unique brunch with American, Asian, and Latin flavors paired with fun cocktails.   Note:  Reservations Are Required For a Table

Breakfast Menu includes:   

• Drinks:  Coffee, Tea, Specialty Drinks, Cocktails, Beer
• Food:  Spiced Maple Chicken 'n Waffles, Berry Bliss Crepes, French Toast, Pancakes, Eggs, and a variety of other unique dishes

Address:  420 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Phone:  (773) 880-5100

Google Stars:  4.2

Price Range:  $$

Yolk

About:  Café chain serving creative breakfast dishes & sandwiches in a cheery, contemporary atmosphere.

Breakfast Menu includes:   Eggs Benedict, Combos, Avocado Toast, Skillets, Omelets, pancakes, breakfast burritos, and more 

Address:  Multiple locations throughout Chicago and Illinois – see website for addresses

Google Stars:  4.1 – 4.4 **Depending on the location

Price Range:  $$

Final Thought

Chicago is home to a wide variety of great food and these venues offer a flavorful and unique experience.   So if you are in Chicago and are looking for great brunch or breakfast places try one of these Facebook user favorites.  Leave a comment on any additional brunch places you recommend and we will research it.   Enjoy!! 

(C) 2023 jspublishing.blogspot.com