The 14 Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago
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New York has the Hamptons; Boston has Cape Cod. The summer playground for Chicagoans consists of eight glistening lakeshore towns dotting the coastline of southwest Michigan, collectively known as Harbor Country. Here you’ll find beaches, orchards and plenty of outdoor activities. At the southern end of Harbor Country, just over the Michigan-Indiana state line and about 70 miles from Chicago’s downtown loop, New Buffalo lures Chicagoans with its casual beach vibe and proximity. Families line up for burgers at The Stray Dog, but only adults can head up to the rooftop bar and patio.
Head about 7 miles east to the Harbor Country town of Three Oaks to get a taste of the area’s history. Check out the antique shops on Elm Street and pay a visit to Journeyman Distillery, housed in a former buggy whip and corset factory. The 1800s factory has been transformed into a hip bar and restaurant. You can learn about the building and spirits Journeyman produces on one of its whiskey tasting tours, and sip a cocktail outside by the putting green.
For accommodations, Harbor Country visitors praise The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach for its modern amenities combined with cozy common areas, fire pits, pingpong tables and board games; they also appreciate the short walk to the beach and the heated pool.