Chicago, IL–Six inches or more of fluffy white powder is falling today in the city. It’s making a nice covering of all the dog tracks in my yard and helps keep those icy spots on the sidewalks from being too slippery. Along with fresh snow, these are a few of my favorite Chicago winter things:
1. Snowshoeing in the forest preserves. Heller Nature Center in Highland Park has a few miles of cross country trails that are peaceful, quiet, and scenic. I’m headed for the two forest preserves near my house today: Ft. Sheridan Forest Preserve and Openlands Lakefront Preserve. Let’s see how Lake Michigan is enjoying the snow.
2. Catching a performance at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Merry Widow has just three shows left, and it’s a delightful operetta with gorgeous period costumes and great singing in the magnificent setting of the opera house. Tosca starts Sunday, a favorite of mine as I was a supernumerary (nonsinging) in Tosca at Indiana University back in my college days.
- The Merry Widow. Photo by DanRest/Lyric Opera
3. Ice skating on a public outdoor rink. I made it to the Rink at Wrigley, and now I’m checking out the ones in the north shore communities. Most have a park district rink with a warming hut. Nothing says winter like ice skating!
4. Downhill skiing at Wilmot Mountain. Wilmot Mountain is a small downhill area near my home, so it’s on my list for the next week while the powder is fresh. If you live in the Midwest, there is a ski area near you, trust me on this.
5. Listening to some blues. Chicago is home to the blues, and nothing says blues more than winter. Now that places are smoke-free, it’s a much more enjoyable diversion.