A weekend away once a month should be mandatory cause for every New Yorker. There are so many interesting destinations just a few short hours from the city, and one has been catching our attention recently. Chicago has become one of the nation’s, and world’s, hottest spots for foodies over the past decade. We decided a trip to the windy city was a necessity. With only a short weekend to spare, here is where you can find the best deep-dish pizza, a guide on chilling at Palmer House, and a cultural institution you can’t miss.

Where To Stay:

Palmer House A Hilton Hotel for a Chillcation 

You’re on vacation and just because you’re in a city, doesn’t mean you can’t chill. The Palmer House in downtown Chicago will be your urban oasis for some much needed down time. Upon entry to their grand lobby and Lockwood bar, you feel immediately transformed. The hotel, much like the city itself, is filled with old world charm and modern amenities to match. Their Chillcation’ package simply adds to an already incredibly situation at Palmer House. The package will have you Just Chillin’ with complimentary breakfast, a welcome essentials kit, free WiFi, Health Club access, 50% off parking and more. It basically means the only thing you’ll have to worry about on your Chicago trip is enjoying it. Which will be easy since you’ll only be steps away from all of Chicago’s major attractions. Shop along State Street, ice skate at Millennium Park or catch a show in the theater district without having to use a car once. If you want to experience Chicago, there is simply no better place to do it than at Palmer House.
17 E. Monroe St.

Where To Eat:

Arami 

Chicago is internationally recognized as a culinary hotspot. While you hear of endless options for deep-dish pizza and American fare, you seldom hear of their delectable sushi options. Lucky for you, we found one of the best ones. Arami had Chicgoans at hello when they first opened in 2010. The quality of their creations is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese sushi. As always, we recommend going with their omakase offering. You won’t be disappointed.
1829 W Chicago Ave.

Lou Malnati’s

Deep-dish pizza, three words that when put together, create something incredibly beautiful. Chicago pizza, especially at Lou Malnati’s, is unlike any other pizza you’ve had before. All of their pies are handmade from scratch using the freshest ingredients. Their mozzarella cheese is sourced from the same small dairy that has supplied the chain for over 40 years. The history and tradition behind each slice is only realized through its taste. There is nothing more comforting and delicious than a thick slice of deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s.
Multiple Locations

Avec

Mediterranean and Midwestern tapas make their Chicago debut at avec. The minimalist and modern décor creates a blank canvas for their dishes to shine. The casual eatery has been satisfying stomachs since October 2003. In their 13^th year of business they continue to be one of the best culinary destinations in the city. You can’t go without trying their bacon wrapped chorizo-stuffed dates, slow roasted pork shoulder and butcher’s steak.
615 W. Randolph St.

What To Do:

The Art Institute of Chicago

As the city’s premier cultural destination, The Art Institute Of Chicago has become solidified as a world-class destination for international art. Positive experiences at the institute seem to be unanimous and in 2014, it was named the #1 Museum In The World by TripAdvisor. You can find works from across the globe and across centuries. From the contemporary artist Jeff Koons to a new exhibit of Vincent Van Gogh’s rooms, there is really no sector of art that isn’t covered at The Art Institute of Chicago.
111 S. Michigan Ave.

Where To Drink:

The Aviary 

Calling these creations cocktails simply won’t suffice. They are just so much more than that. The effort, science, detail, and artistry that goes into developing one of their libations is a work of genius. The swanky setting at this nightlife hotspot creates the perfect backdrop for your senses to be heightened. You cannot merely taste their cocktails, you must smell them, see them, and then of course feel them around ten minutes later. A must try at The Aviary is their In The Rocks cocktail, which is Benedictine, vermouth, cognac and rye served inside a ball of ice.
955 W. Fulton Market

Maude’s Liquor Bar   

A speakeasy experience takes form at the charming Maude’s Liquor Bar. While you can also go here to sample their delicious eats, our favorite part of the venue is the drinks. A few of their Mezcal Corpse Reviver’s with del maguey vida, Lillet blanc, lemon and absinthe will give you one of those nights you can’t remember, but with a cocktail you won’t forget.
840 W. Randolph St.