Midwest Girls Weekend
 

My best friend and I want to get away without kids or hubbies for a short weekend. We are in the Chicago area and would like to drive to our destination but we don't want Lake Geneva. Adrive no more than 3 hours would be great.

Our plan: a mix between the lively fun and musuem stay, stay somewhere not too costly, rest, relax, have fun and drinks at night while out for dinner. Any ideas?

I live in the Chicago area as well. Its tough with only wanting to drive 3 hrs, and not going to either Lake Geneva or the Dells...

What about Milwaukee? If its only going to be a few days, Ive been once and it was pretty decent. They actually have a huge Summer Music fest up there, that you might want to do some research on. But they have a few sight seeing things, and decent hotels. Plus its a small city so easy to get around.

They have a huge new Casino up in New Buffalo MI, that might be an option. Its got restruants and shows etc.

Also you could rent a cabin either in MI (areas like St Joe, Berrian Co. etc) or WI (Lake Delton), that would be relaxing, but unfortunatly not a lot of nightlife.

Ive always wanted to go to Memphis, which has great blues clubs and bar b que...but I think that drive is more like 8 hrs.

Cleveland is decent, they have ok Museums and the Rock in Roll hall of Fame...but your looking at 6hrs for that drive.

Take a look @ Kelley's Island.

I would also suggest Milwaukee. The Art Museum on the lake is beautiful and there are many trendy/fun restaurants that have opened up in the past few years, so you'd have plenty of nightlife to choose from.

The Amana Colonies is about 3 1/2 hours away.

For the fun and drinks, you could do nearby Iowa City.

Keith

Re: Milwaukee - The music festival mentioned is Summerfest. It runs 6/26-7/6 and is, I believe, the biggest music fest in world. Check out www.summerfest.com

The Milwaukee Art Museum is in itself a piece of art, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Nightlife is pretty good. Brady Street or Water Street are 2 of the most popular areas for that. Both offer food & drinks at most establishments.

Potawatami Casino is just SE of downtown.