Staying Warm While Having Fun in Bureau County

PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON The Barrel Society, located in Princeton, can warm you up this winter with a wide selection of your favorite drinks, including an extensive menu of craft beers.

Not a fan of the cold? Try one of these indoor or in-car activities this winter

Story by Shannon Serpette

If you’d like to hibernate all winter just so you miss out on the plunging temperatures and icy roads, you’re not alone. It can be tough to get through an Illinois winter. But staying inside your home all the time can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, and after a while, you might start to get a serious case of cabin fever.

To help get you through dreary winter weather until spring arrives, here are some activities you can do from the warmth of your car or by heading indoors.

BUREAU COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS LIGHT DRIVE THRU

If you’re in the mood for some holiday spirit but want to stay toasty warm while you’re doing it, this annual holiday light drive-thru event is ideal for you. Christmas lights and displays will be set up throughout the fairgrounds, located at 811 W. Peru St. in Princeton. It’s open from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights through December 25.

GRAB LUNCH WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Bureau County has no shortage of great places to eat, such as Myrtle’s Café and Pie and Niel and Shorty’s BBQ. When you want to socialize with your friends or family in an indoor setting but don’t want to clean your house or cook a meal, you’ll find many options for dining or snacks in Bureau County.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love visiting the historic eateries in the county, such as

PHOTO BY SHANNON SERPETTE Spoons Restaurant in Princeton is a blend of modern and historic and offers unique menu choices.

Spoons Restaurant. First opened in the 1930s, this building, located at 541 S. Main St. in Princeton, was originally called Lenihan’s Place. It featured the beautiful bar that still stands in the building today and was a place to stop for tobacco and cigars.

The business changed hands, and in the 1960s until 1986, it was called The Greasy Spoon. Only men were allowed in, and when women were looking for their husbands, they would yell in to them from the front door. More recently, Spoons has been completely renovated to pay homage to its interesting past while offering a modern menu that features something for everyone.

WARM UP WITH A DRINK

Nothing can warm you up faster in cold weather than a cocktail or alcoholic beverage. And when you’re in a cozy environment with lots of people to talk with, like a local pub or bar, the friendly surroundings can take your mind off the chill outside.

Bureau County has several places you can find conversation and drinks, like the Barrel Society, a favorite of locals and out-of-towners. If you’re looking for a drink that will quickly warm you, Barrel Society owner Nick Gorogianis offered some suggestions.

“I would suggest any one of our hand-selected, single barrel whiskeys. Whether it’s bourbon or rye, our selection process is long and meticulous, and we will only put the Barrel Society name on the best of barrels. Bottled at cask strength, and loaded with flavor, our single barrel whiskeys are sure to warm you up, even on the chilliest of days,” Gorogianis said.

DO A DRIVING TOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE SITES

Things look much different in Bureau County in the winter compared to summer, spring, and fall. The historic Red Covered Bridge in Princeton is one of those spots that takes on a different sort of charm in each season. Take your kids for a drive past the bridge and ask them to share their thoughts about what life was like when this bridge was constructed in 1863. This quiet time in the car might spark some interesting conversations, and it can serve as bonding time for the whole family if you leave the electronics at home.

For parents or grandparents who grew up in Bureau County and no longer live in their childhood home, their children and grandchildren might enjoy driving past that old home. As you drive, you can share some of your favorite memories of living in that house and stories about your other family members. It can help the younger generation feel closer to members of their family they may have never met.

WORK OUT

During the winter months, it’s easy to become more sedentary than you are the rest of the year. It can be so cold and dreary outside that you’d rather watch a movie than go for a walk or run outside. But with access to the Bureau County Metro Center, you can get top-notch workouts inside in the warmth. And once you start moving around, you naturally feel warmer.

Newcomers are always welcome at the Bureau County Metro Center, where they can take advantage of all the equipment and group fitness classes.

“Warm up in our sauna and jacuzzi area, swim laps in our six-lane pool, enjoy open swim time or one of our morning water fitness classes,” said Nick Davis, Assistant Director and Superintendent of Recreation for the Princeton Park District/Bureau County Metro Center.

“We offer a number of group exercise classes in the morning and evening time that fit many different schedules. Our 52,000-square-foot facility houses a cardio room, weight room, and functional training room. We have equipment and space to fit all fitness levels,” Davis said. “We offer many different membership options and day passes for non-members. We’re open Monday-Thursday, from 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Please stop by our family-friendly facility to warm up this winter season.”

GO TO THE LIBRARY

There are several libraries throughout Bureau County, and they all offer much more than just books. For instance, Princeton Public Library offers an interesting mix of programs and events that are geared toward people of every age. Their website offers a calendar of events so you can see any upcoming events you might consider attending.

If you’re already feeling the financial strain of holiday spending, this will be a cheap option for some entertainment.

Enjoy our ICEYS AND FRAPPES!

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