Friday Favs: 25 things to do before December 25th

Happy Friday lovelies.  Hope you have some festive things planned for this weekend.  We will be checking off item no. 1 on our 25 things to do before December 25th list.  With festive Chicago holiday events that will have everyone soaking up the holiday spirit.  Happy Friday!

1.       watch Michigan Avenue light up in the Mag Mile tree lighting

2.       Thanksgiving day parade

3.       take in the sights at Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

4.       visit with Santa

5.       enjoy some hot cider at the Christkindlemarket

6.       ride the CTA holiday train

7.       enjoy a cup of hot cocoa at Ghirardelli

8.       soak up the holiday atmosphere with a lunch at the Walnut Room

9.       have a cup of tea at The Drake

10.   go ice skating at Millennium Park

11.   catch a holiday classic: the Nutcracker or the Christmas Carol

12.   family fun for all at Winter Wonder Fest at Navy Pier

13.   shop on mag mile

14.   stop by Macy's and check out their holiday window displays

15.  listen to  Christmas carols at the Bean on Fridays at Millennium Park

16.   catch a holiday double feature at the music box theater

17.   shake your belly like a bowl full of jelly at Second City’s  Letters to Santa improv

18.   enjoy the city view with brunch at the Signature Room

19.   watch the wreathing of the famous lions outside the Art Institute

20.   check out Christmas around the World display

21.   marvel at the Christmas tree lighting in Daily Plaza

22.   hear your favorite Christmas Carols at Tuba Christmas at the Palmer House 

23.   visit the Winter Wonderland at the botanical gardens

24.   take a ride on The Polar Express

25.   have brunch with Santa at Tavern on Rush 

Door County Recap, Pt 2

What we did: 
~ Fruit Picking:  If you're in Door County from June to early August, it's cherry season.  And no trip would be complete without a trip to the cherry orchard.  If it's late September you can visit the apple orchards.

~ Wineries:  We went to Door County Peninsula Winery, where they specialize in fruit based wines.  They have a huge selection and you can have tastings of anything you like.  They also have a distillery where they produce their own vodka.  Their sister winery Simon Creek Vineyard is located down the street and specializes in grape based wines.

~Peninsula State Park:  We biked the sunset trail for a couple hours, you can rent bicycles, boats and mopeds in the park.  And lounged by the beach.

~ Sailing:  We chose a charter by Sail Door County.  Which was both relaxing and reasonably priced.

~ Skyway Drive-In:  For $7 you get to enjoy 2 movies and an abundance of snacks.

~Golfing:  At any of the numerous golf courses, driving range, or mini golf locations.

Where we stayed:
~Door County Lighthouse Inn.  For our first B&B experience, this was fabulous.  The owners, Claire and Frank, were the sweetest people.  They were so helpful and Claire's breakfasts are delicious!

Where we ate: Places we would recommend-

1. Wilson's Ice Cream in Ephiram
2. Wild Tomato in Fish Creek
3. Pasta Vino in Ellison Bay
4. Julie's Cafe in Fish Creek
5. Bistro 42 in Carlsville
6. Door County Bakery in Sister Bay