Winter is not the time to stay home and try recipes…well, at least not every day. Winter is the perfect time to #ExploreElgin and see why visitors and residents alike love discovering new ways to enjoy the area. It does not matter if you are looking for something to test your mental skills or get your blood pumping, there is something to kick those winter blues in the Elgin Area.
Escape Room
Can you work with your friends quickly enough to beat the clock? Escapade 360 in downtown Elgin is located right along the Fox River Bike Trail in downtown Elgin and is just steps from all kinds of restaurants. The Sherlock Adventure and The Da Vinci Experience will challenge you to the last second. When visiting Panic Escape Room in South Elgin, how you work together as a team will determine whether you make it out or not. Five rooms to choose from will keep you coming back for the adrenaline rush.
Nature
The Elgin Area is located along the Fox River and surrounded by forest preserves so even in the winter months visitors have the opportunity to escape to nature. The Fox River Bike Trail is perfect for walking around or pulling out the bicycle with thicker tires to really fly. The trail runs for over 60 miles but a quick walk will get you from one side of downtown Elgin to the other or a little longer walk will get you from downtown Elgin to East Dundee. While you are enjoying the trail we recommend watching the water. You never know when one of our winter visitors in the shape of a Bald Eagle will fly by on a hunting trip. If you would like to enjoy the eagles from a warm location we highly recommend renting a pair of binoculars at Gail Borden Public Library and enjoying the view.
Flights
One of the best ways to explore a menu is by the flight menu. It does not matter if you prefer wine, beer, or whiskey. Bleuroot offers special flights throughout the week! Plank Road Tap Room is known for its unique selection of American craft beers. They offer flights so people feeling adventurous can try new craft beers without having to commit to a full glass before trying a couple of selections. If you are more of a martini fan then Wednesday nights at Martini Room will be right up your alley. Every month Martini Room comes up with a set flight of five mini martinis with a special theme. BOOtiful flight in October will have you thinking about Halloween and then the Aromatic Equinox flight will spark your senses. Each month is a different preset flight.
Flights can be found everywhere- so check out our post about Elgin Area Flights! Click here!
Shopping
Who does not love a fun afternoon strolling the aisles of antique and boutique shops? Soulful Sparrow is a boutique shop in downtown Elgin that is perfect for picking up seasonal attires, jewelry, and even home decor. The shop is located just steps away from multiple coffee shops offering hot chocolate selections and fresh baked goods to extend your afternoon. If you are looking for a fun trip down memory lane we recommend Elgin Antiques & Uniques just a short walk from Soulful Sparrow in downtown Elgin. Shop vintage furniture, collectibles, and even jewelry that will make you the bell of the ball. Shoppers who have a couple of hours should head to State Street Market Shops. Over 30 shops all under one roof offer everything from handmade items to food items. Midwest Retro in East Dundee is a unique vintage and home decor shop that is perfect for finding that piece to complete the look. It does not matter what you are shopping for, the Elgin Area has the shop for you.
Yoga
Moving around is one of the best ways to escape the winter blues and there is a major bonus if cuddly animals are involved. Elgin has two new yoga salons which opened this year. The Original Goat Yoga opened on the far West side of Elgin, just miles from Muirhead Farmhouse and Plank Road Tap Room. Yogis are invited into the warm barn to enjoy a session with cute goats named after Chicago’s beloved Cubbies. If you are looking for something to really warm you up and balance you then classes at Vida Yoga and Fitness are just what you need. The studio is located just blocks from the Elgin Metra Station along the Milwaukee District West line from Chicago and steps away from new dining establishments in downtown Elgin.
We hope however you decide to #ExploreElgin this winter you have a great adventure escaping the cold.
