What To See, Hear, And Eat Around Chicago This Weekend

A restored grassland ecosystem at Morton Arboretum in Illinois
A restored grassland ecosystem at Morton Arboretum in Illinois Dustin M. Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons
A restored grassland ecosystem at Morton Arboretum in Illinois
A restored grassland ecosystem at Morton Arboretum in Illinois Dustin M. Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons

What To See, Hear, And Eat Around Chicago This Weekend

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Every so often we like to check in with people in the know about things to see, hear and eat in and around Chicagoland. Granted, it’s so cold so you might not want to venture outdoors too much…but, if you do, we have some suggestions from Nina Kokotas Hahn, a contributing writer at Chicago magazine and Conde Nast Traveler.

WHAT TO SEE:

  1. The Wilmot Ski Resort - One hour from Chicago, this could be a great option for a quick, low-hassle weekend trip with friends or family. 
  2. The Morton Arboretum - In Lisle, Ill., the arboretum boasts wooded, beautiful hilly grounds that feel a thousand miles outside of Chicago. 
  3. Photographer Dawoud Bey’s latest exhibit - Night Coming Tenderly, Black runs Jan. 11 - April 14 at the Art Institute. The exhibit reimagines sites along the Underground Railroad. 

WHAT TO HEAR: 

  1. Moth Story Slam - Like an open-mic storytelling! If you like the Moth Radio Hour podcast, you’ll love this. Lincoln Hall, Jan. 30. 
  2. La boheme at Lyric Opera - Final performances for Puccini’s beloved romantic opera run on Friday, Jan. 25 through next Thursday, Jan. 31. Tickets start at $39. 
  3. Wanda Sykes - Sykes’ “Oh Well” Tour comes to the Chicago Theater next Friday February 1 at 8pm. Tickets are still available from $39 to $75. 

WHAT TO EAT: 

  1. Au Cheval for burgers that are perfect for a blustery winter night. 
  2. Ramen San in Fulton Market has some of Nina’s favorite Old Fashions. 
  3. Duck Duck Goat, Iron Chef’s Stephanie Izard’s Chinese cuisine-inspired restaurant, has a Dim Sum Brunch Nina highly recommends.