Wrap yourself in familiar comforts and newfound indulgences this season.
Discreetly located in an early 20th century restored factory in River West, Aire Ancient Baths has been one of the city’s buzziest self-care spots since its debut two years ago. Now, the traditional ancient bath experience—as practiced by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Ottomans—is available to patrons for private one-hour sessions, during which you have sole access to the facility to relish in its hot, cold and ice plunge thermal baths, among others. $1,500-$3,000, 800 W. Superior St.
The Peninsula Chicago celebrates its reopening with the We Meet Again program, offered through 2020. With amenities as posh as you’d expect from The Pen, the package is one part luxury thanks to its Seven Loves of The Peninsula Chicago—including Love of Food, a chef demonstration; and Love of Exploration, a family-friendly scavenger hunt—and one part community outreach, with a one-for-one meal donation in partnership with on-property restaurants going to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “Giving back to our community has always been a priority for us,” says Maria Zec, regional vice president and general manager. “We anticipate providing more than 20,000 meals in Chicago by the end of 2020.” Suites from $846, 108 E. Superior St.
The Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette
Beloved architecture event Open House Chicago returns for its 10th year—this time outdoors with self-guided tours and digitally via remote viewing. “One of the precious few things that hasn’t changed for OHC in 2020 is our desire to provide a broad geographic reach,” says Director of Communications Zachary Whittenburg. In partnering with the INVEST South/West initiative, OHC will highlight the South and West Side neighborhoods. “This year, we are focused on architectural exteriors,” he adds, noting Wicker Park’s Beer Baron Row and The Forum in Bronzeville as must-sees. For CAC members, access to the online My Neighborhood, My Story series will garner 30-minute virtual visits led by civic leaders. Oct. 16-25, locations vary
Where there’s smoke, there’s FireLake. The new downtown dining spot is a barbecue-lover’s dream, with brisket, wings, sausage and ribs all slow-cooked over aromatic cherry, maple, apple and mesquite woods. “The idea is to create that comforting feeling of sitting around a campfire,” says executive chef Leonard Ventura. With an emphasis on sourcing from nearby farms, his eye is trained on fall produce: “pumpkins, squashes, apples and pears—[we’ll roast] them over fruit wood in our rotisserie.” 221 N. Columbus Drive
Photography by: From top: courtesy of Aire Ancient Baths Chicago;
courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago Hotel; by Eric Allix Rogers; courtesy of Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago
