.jpg "Pattison's West Skating Center")
.jpg "Let's Go Skating at Stardust!")
.jpg "Chicago's Hidden Treasure: How to Relax Without Cashing In Your 401K")
.jpg "Chicago Doctor Guide")
.jpg "freeandflawed")
.jpg "The Best iPhone Apps For Women")
.jpg "Pop Culture's Best Fictional Relationships")
.jpg "True Blood vs. Twilight:")
.jpg "Atlas locksmith")
.jpg "Plumbing All - Plumbers")
.jpg "CA HOME CONTRACTORS")
.gif "Certified Gold Exchange in New York")
.jpg "Love is funny: Awesomely BAD engagement photos")
.jpg "Awkward Family Portraits will make you say \"WTF?\"")
.jpg "Let's Talk Tattoos")
.jpg "Failbook")
SPONSORED LISTINGS
Ice skate your way to an enjoyable Chicago winter!
- by freeandflawed
- -
- November 19, 2008
(1)
.jpg)
I'm trying to ignore the forecasts, the leaf-less trees and bundled up commuters. I am not ready for winter. No way, no how. The bitter cold, slush and frozen door locks don't appeal to me at all. I'm beginning to think I should leave Chicago during the winter months... Anyway, one of the few things I look forward to during the winter is ice skating. So where does one go if they want to skate? I'm glad you asked!
You don't need lessons to enjoy ice skating.
Go with a group of friends or your significant other. Most rinks only let you skate around in a circle with the rest of the crowd. It’s not a free for all. Could you imagine how many blades people would have to avoid if allowed to jump, spin and prance wherever they pleased?! Ouch! Chances are there will be others there who don’t know how to skate. Don’t worry, you won’t be the only one gripping the sides of the rink for dear life.
Millennium Park
Would you believe that I’ve never ice skated outdoors? Shocking, I know! I’ve always lived nearby an indoor rink and when faced with the opportunity to venture outdoors, something always came up.
This year I definitely plan on skating my way around Millennium Park. Well, maybe not the whole park. I imagine at night, with the buildings all lit up and a light snow fall, that the ice rink can be a really beautiful place. Do I see a date night? I think I do!
McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink
Michigan Ave & Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
scheduled to open on the Plaza on November 19, 2008 and run through March 15, 2009 (weather permitting). Skating is free, and skate rental is available for $10.
scheduled to open on the Plaza on November 19, 2008 and run through March 15, 2009 (weather permitting). Skating is free, and skate rental is available for $10.
Edge Two Ice Arena
735 E JEFFERSON ST, BENSENVILLE, IL 60106
Franklin Park Ice Arena
9711 W. Waveland Franklin Park, IL 60634
I spent a lot of time at this ice rink when I was younger. I used to take skating lessons and participate in shows and competitions. It’s a bit out of the way for people living in the city, but for those of you near O’Hare, this is a great place to skate!
Warren Park Ice Rink
6601 N. Western Chicago, IL 60645
Dress warm!
Even if you’re skating indoors it can be pretty chilly. Be sure to wear a coat! Keep your head and hands warm, too. Trust me, those gloves or mittens will come in handy if you try to stop yourself from falling with your hands!
Dollar Tree
3016 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
I know this seems like an unlikely place to find cute scarves and what not, but trust me! I just found an adorable scarf there that could pass for a lucky find on Etsy!
I know this seems like an unlikely place to find cute scarves and what not, but trust me! I just found an adorable scarf there that could pass for a lucky find on Etsy!
I definitely don’t suggest you sport one of these numbers while skating…especially outside! We are in Chicago after all. Our winters aren’t known to be gentle and pleasant. Skip the one-sy and bundle up!
Need skates?
Many ice arenas rent skates for those who don’t have their own. But if you’re looking to get into a regular skate routine and don’t want to spend the money on rental fees, here are a few places in Chicago who have some great deals on new and used figure and hockey skates.
Play It Again Sports
3939 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
They buy, sell and trade new and used sporting goods. They have great prices and a very helpful staff.
They buy, sell and trade new and used sporting goods. They have great prices and a very helpful staff.
Rainbo Sports
1440 Paddock Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062
Rainbo Sports is one of the oldest retailers of skating equipment and clothing in the U.S. It began as the rink shop in the Rainbo Ice Arena in Chicago.
Rainbo Sports is one of the oldest retailers of skating equipment and clothing in the U.S. It began as the rink shop in the Rainbo Ice Arena in Chicago.
Gunzo's Sport Center Inc
1350 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Gunzo’s is a full service hockey pro shop. They carry a complete selection of hockey equipment, apparel and accessories.
Gunzo’s is a full service hockey pro shop. They carry a complete selection of hockey equipment, apparel and accessories.
Baby it's cold outside!
After skating, whether indoors or out, it’s always nice to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. My favorite part about winter is getting inside and wrapping my hands around a hot mug of something delicious. The marshmallows help, too!
Intelligentsia Coffee
3123 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
Spoil yourself at an independent cafe. The staff is pretty hip (yeah, I said it) and the selection is great. I’m a simple gal when it comes to choosing my caffeine, but I love seeing options! I spent more time here during the summer, which wasn’t hot chocolate or coffee drinking weather, but I’m looking forward to trying out their hot menu.
Spoil yourself at an independent cafe. The staff is pretty hip (yeah, I said it) and the selection is great. I’m a simple gal when it comes to choosing my caffeine, but I love seeing options! I spent more time here during the summer, which wasn’t hot chocolate or coffee drinking weather, but I’m looking forward to trying out their hot menu.
Peet's Coffee & Tea
1620 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
I know, I know…another coffee chain, but I promise this one isn’t like Starbucks! Not that there’s anything wrong with Starbucks. It’s just nice to find another coffee place on the corner. The coffee is fresh, the cafe is comfortable. Overall it’s a really cool place to go relax, warm up and have some good conversation with whoever you’re with.
I know, I know…another coffee chain, but I promise this one isn’t like Starbucks! Not that there’s anything wrong with Starbucks. It’s just nice to find another coffee place on the corner. The coffee is fresh, the cafe is comfortable. Overall it’s a really cool place to go relax, warm up and have some good conversation with whoever you’re with.
After your skating escapades, you might need some pain relief – especially if it was your first time! I recommend some heat for your feet, and dare I say, ice for any other sore areas.
Unless your name is Michelle Kwan, I’d stay away from the fancy tricks, spins and jumps. Let’s leave that stuff to the professionals okay?
- |
- |
- |
- |
- share this
Add Our Widget To Your Site
.jpg)
Discussions