Touring the Pedway system
Rooftop venues in winter
The Gwen Hotel’s terrace (above) on the fifth floor features an iceless rink for a little curling competition, as well as a cozy wood-paneled cabin that offers a rustic living room with an electric fireplace. Waiting for your turn? Grab a hot cocktail and park yourself at a communal table or the lounge seating near a fireplace or heat lamps to keep warm. 521 N. Rush. 312-377-3770. TheGwenChicago.com/curling The sleek 13,000-square-foot VU Rooftop is located 22 floors high next door to McCormick Place, providing stellar views of downtown and three different indoor spaces, each with its own vibe and windows galore. A tasty menu of sharable plates will cure your hunger, and firepits, couches and a well-made cocktail or glass of red make the outdoor patios all the more comfortable. 133 E. Cermak. 312-528-0191. VURooftop.com
Here’s your chance to stay warm and delve deep into Chicago history and architecture. Get the best of both worlds exploring the “city under the city,” better known as the Pedway system beneath Chicago, with the renowned Chicago Architecture Center. This unique set of underground pathways includes 40 downtown blocks of shops, art, restaurants, architecture and a few of the city’s famous historic and contemporary structures. The 1.5-mile walking tour costs $15 and is two hours in duration. 312-922-8687. Architecture.org
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