As winter drags on, it can be easy to fall into the depressing monotony of the season. At this point, we’ve lost most of the clean white snow, and we’re left with grey slush all over. Getting out of your dorm or apartment and heading downtown, whether it be to Evanston or to Chicago, and participating in a couple of these unique wintertime activities can help keep you from caving to those winter blues. Many of them provide discounts for Northwestern students, so be sure to keep your Wildcard on you!
- AIRE Ancient Baths
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The AIRE ancient baths are a restorative solution to any wintertime sadness. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman bathing experiences, AIRE uses a restored bath structure in a historic Chicago building that models an authentic cultural experience. The atmosphere in the baths is one of complete relaxation, and the amount of choices seems limitless. Guests can opt for massages, facials and a variety of other spa experiences in addition to varying amounts of time spent in the massive bath spaces. You can move at your own pace when going from bath to bath, as they are all located near each other. There are six different types of baths in total, ranging from ice baths to salt baths to the “Bath of a Thousand Jets.” Although it can be a bit pricey for a college student, it is the perfect post-finals reward. The basic experience allows The AIRE ancient baths are located close to the West Loop, just a short walk from the Chicago ‘L’ stop on West Chicago Ave.
- Lock Chicago Escape Rooms
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If you’re looking for something a little more active, Lock Chicago offers 15% off to all Northwestern students when you show your Wildcard. Located in Evanston, Lock is easy to access for students. Lock escape rooms tend to be less “scavenger hunt” type, meaning you’ll get some mental stimulation from something other than your finals studying. Lock’s escape rooms are unique because they incorporate innovative technology into the rooms, giving visitors a new experience even if they’ve done escape rooms elsewhere.
- Bottle and Bottega
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If your version of fun revolves around releasing your artistic potential, Bottle and Bottega might be your answer. Open to everyone ages 18 and up, their paint and sip parties happen multiple times a week. The studio is warm and welcoming, encouraging even the most inexperienced of artists to come and join the party. All materials are provided, and you don’t even have to worry about the cleanup. If you’re 21, feel free to BYOB! Located in Lake View, Bottle and Bottega offers 15% off public classes to all Northwestern students.
- Museum of Contemporary Art
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While not necessarily the quirkiest thing on this list, it’s hard to beat the price to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art: it’s free when you show your Wildcard. The museum is also free for general Illinois residents every Tuesday. MoCA has a constantly changing lineup of exhibits that appeal to art lovers of all levels. Until March 8, Argentinian artist Mika Rottenberg’s exhibit “Easypieces” will be on display. The installations use absurdist satire to critique issues of our time, ranging from materialism to problems with technology and labor. The exhibition presents several of the artist’s works simultaneously. Stay for a meal and dine at the museum’s restaurant, Marisol, which offers a diverse menu with “innovative flavors” and a full bar.
- International Museum of Surgical Science
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A trip to this niche museum is not for the faint of heart. Housed in a historic lakeside mansion, the International Museum of Surgical Science is the only official surgical museum in North America. The museum is home to over 7,000 surgical artifacts and offers an inside look at the long, gruesome history of the practice. The museum spans the realms of legitimate science, apothecary and quack medicine, making it appealing to the science geek and the history buff. IMSS offers student discounts; showing your ID will lower your price of admission to $13.
- World’s Largest Starbucks
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The newly opened Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago is bringing intrigue and sophistication back to Starbucks coffee. The world’s largest Starbucks recently opened on Michigan Avenue; the Reserve is one of just six worldwide locations (the others are New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Milan and Seattle). Marketed as a complete experience, the Reserve offers more than the typical Starbucks drink order; its four floors and rooftop terrace each present immersive experiences that vary from specialty drinks to full food menus. The Chicago Roastery gives a sensory-based learning experience to its visitors. Starbucks has designed the building to function not only as a coffee shop, but as a museum that documents and explains how they do what they do. Stop in for a peek at the original artwork, the modern architecture and the complexity of the Starbucks mission.
- Garfield Park Conservatory
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The Garfield Park Conservatory is a wild escape from the grey and slushy winter. Return to nature in its multiple rooms, especially the fern room, which models what the Chicago area looked like hundreds of years ago before it was colonized. Garfield boasts more than nine indoor collections. Breathe in the pure air and forget the temperature outside while you wander around the temperate conservatory, either on your own or with a free tour group. The Spring 2020 flower show just kicked off, and it will run until May 10. Admission to the conservatory is always free.
The Chicago area is full of hidden gems. It just takes a little bit of looking to find them! Being a student absolutely helps if you’re trying to stick to a budget—many of these attractions offer student discounts. Even when it’s not publicized, be sure to ask any place you go about student discounts because you may just get surprised. Don’t let the grey and slushy season keep you home!