Easy Wisconsin Weekend Trips from Chicago

There is something special about Wisconsin - from quiet lakefront cabins in the Northwoods to music festivals in Milwaukee there is something for anyone. Lucky for us Chicagoans Wisconsin is close and easy to visit for just a weekend. This year I’ve spent many weekends reacquainting myself with my home state and can’t wait to share my favorite weekend trips with you.

Minocqua

Minocqua is one of those places that is straight out of a postcard. This Northwoods lake town is full of charm, and I promise you will fall in love with the cute shops, friendly locals, and endless activities. The highlights of my visit were the fantastic food options, seeing the incredible landscape, and shopping for vintage treasures. Minocqua is about a five-hour drive from Chicago. The best times to visit are summer, fall, and winter depending on what you want to do. Winter is great for snowmobiling, fall is excellent for hiking and seeing the leaves change, and summer is great for boating, fishing, and hiking.

Minocqua, WI

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is Chicago’s hip younger sister. Milwaukee has a burgeoning culinary scene, world-class breweries, charming neighborhoods, and an incredible lakefront. Best of all, it’s easy to get to - you can take a train or drive from Chicago (both take ~two hours). One of the things I love about Milwaukee is the festival scene. Summerfest is the most famous, but the city has festivals nearly every week in the summer.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is a two-hour drive from Chicago and is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. The lake is beautiful, and there are lovely options for dining and shopping. A couple of my favorite activities in Lake Geneva include walking the lake path (it goes around the entire lake), grilling brats from Lake Geneva country meats, and of course swimming and boating.

Lake Geneva, WI

Madison

Madison is best known for the University of Wisconsin, but there is plenty to do for nonstudents. The Farmer’s market in Madison is one of the best in the country and well worth the drive from Chicago to visit. The capital building and Lake Monona are also incredible. To get to Madison drive from Chicago (~two to three hours). My favorite times of year to visit are in the Summer and the Fall.

Madison, WI

x smack

Disclaimer: My trip to Minocqua was sponsored by Wi Travel Best Bets in return for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own and are not influenced by Wi Travel Best Bets or their affiliates in anyway. 

The Perfect Weekend Road Trip - Chicago to Minocqua

This Halloween I got back in touch with my Wisconsin roots by road tripping to Minocqua with one of my closest friends, Ellie. Ellie and I both grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, but have since moved around the States and have ultimately both landed in Chicago. I consider myself a Wisconsinite to my core - I always have cheese in my fridge (Merkts is my favorite), consider brats to be the ultimate summer food, and I would choose a lake over the ocean any day.  If you haven’t been to Wisconsin before there are a few things you need to know.

• Beer and Cheese are delicacies  

• Wisconsinites plan their weeks around the Packer’s schedule

• Cheese curds are a major food group & a good cheese curd is squeaky

• People are genuinely nice

We kicked off our adventure like any Chicagoan – stuck in traffic.  Luckily, I have the perfect driving playlist complete with Eminem throwbacks toned down by the occasional Jack Johnson tune.  When planning, I learned that Minocqua is much closer to Chicago than I expected (~ 5-hour drive). We opted to break up the trip by spending a night in Madison visiting our friend Krista.

Upon reaching Madison in typical Wisconsin fashion, we quickly found our way to a well-appointed bar for a bite to eat.  In Wisconsin, the only real place for “a bite to eat” is in a metaphor as an integral part of Wisconsin culture are the massive serving sizes.  Ellie is Italian, and I just love olives, so we opted to order a plate of olives to accompany our drinks. A few minutes later we became acquainted with the world’s largest plate of olives which naturally resulted in a few weird looks from the cheese and brat connoisseurs surrounding us.  

Madison, Wisconsin

Following a quick stop at the Madison Farmer’s Market for breakfast, we were back on the road. The drive to Minocqua was a straight shot from Madison, and there was no shortage of incredible views.  Wisconsin has a knack for always being beautiful, but fall is when the state really shines. We drove past a sea of changing leaves, cranberry bogs, and lakes. It’s easy to tell when you’re getting close to Minocqua because everything somehow becomes even more charming. The road signs change from the standard issue metal plaques to rustic wooden signs, and everywhere you look there is a sign for a lake.

Our first stop was a Minocqua staple – The Boathouse for lunch.  My habit for giving into temptation lead me to order a Wisconsin classic – fried cheese curds and Spotted Cow.   The Boathouse is the perfect lunch spot. It’s right on Lake Minocqua, walking distance to all of downtown, and has plenty of space to fit a group of friends.  We had the chance of arriving in the middle of a Wisconsin game to watch a heartbreaking defeat to Northwestern.

The Boathouse

Minocqua’s downtown may be small, but there is plenty to do. Ellie and I both love antiquing, so Gaslight Antiques was naturally our first stop.  The space is HUGE and sells everything from vintage jewelry to stuffed black bears. We sifted through endless treasures, but ultimately Ellie found a pearl clutch and I found a vintage hat. The shocking part - combined our vintage finds were only $22. In our post bargain hunting high we wandered into Northern Waters Distillery.  Wisconsin can be a small world and lo & behold one of the distillers went to our high school. We had an incredible time discussing our hometown, sampling local spirits, and getting Minocqua recommendations from locals - all while sipping on Old Fashioneds.

We spent the rest of our afternoon exploring the downtown, chatting with friendly locals, walking along the shores of Lake Minocqua, and eating our fill of fudge from Dan’s Minocqua Fudge.  Before we knew it, the sun was setting, and we had to check into our hotel - The Waters of Minocqua. The Waters is a log cabin inspired resort filled with cozy fireplaces, classic log cabin decor (including the occasional deer head), and a water park.  Our room was spacious and even had its own fireplace.

After we regrouped at the Waters, we were ready to try a Wisconsin classic - a Supper Club.  We were set on dinning at Norwood Pines, and lucky for us Google said they were open. One thing I always forget is that in Wisconsin you’re better off asking a local than asking Google.  After a ten minute drive, we arrived at Norwood Pines only to find out they were closed for the month. Fortunately, we had heard that another Supper Club, Jacobi’s, was open, so we called for a reservation (and confirmed they were open) before heading over,

Our meal at Jacobi’s was terrific.  In my family, we take two things very seriously: whiskey and steak.  My great grandfather (Grandpa John) was a cattle farmer and putting ketchup on your steak was considered a capital crime.  Grandpa John would love Jacobi’s. This super club makes their Old Fashioneds strong, and their steak melts in your mouth (no ketchup needed).  If you have any room left, you must try an ice cream drink - a Northwoods classic.

Jacobi’s

After our feast at Jacobi’s, we were ready for a night out on the town. Going out in Minocqua is like going out in my hometown minus the mini high school reunions at every bar. We were set on hearing live music, so Minocqua Brewing Co was a natural choice.  We loved everything about the bar: the band was AMAZING, the drinks were cheap, and the Halloween outfits were on point (we missed the costume memo).

After a night out the best way to recover is with a big breakfast.  Lake Placid Inn came highly recommended to us by a couple that we met in town.  After packing out first order of business, Sunday was to try the best breakfast around. We arrived at Lake Placid Inn and instantly loved it.  After a bit of a wait, we were seated and shared a table with the sweetest older couple. They helped guide us through the menu, explained that all of the food including the bread for the toast was homemade, and gave us some great recommendations for stops on our drive back to Chicago.  We left full, caffeinated, and ready to drive.

The drive back to Chicago was uneventful except for my favorite stop: Mullins Cheese factory. If you haven’t been to Mullins, you have to go.  You can buy fresh cheese curds (they all squeak) straight from the source. In the retail store, they will even fry them on the spot. Naturally, I bought a bag off cheese curds to bring a little bit of Wisconsin back to Chicago with me.

Spending Halloween Weekend in Minocqua was nothing short of amazing. Ellie and I couldn’t believe how everything seemed straight out of a postcard. No matter where you wander you’re never more than a couple of blocks away from the shores of Lake Minocqua and the local residents are so friendly that you’ll be shocked such a place can exist. Living in Chicago can be overwhelming, and it was terrific to get a break to reality from the eccentricities of city life.

x smack

Disclaimer: My trip to Minocqua was sponsored by Wi Travel Best Bets in return for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own and are not influenced by Wi Travel Best Bets or their affiliates in anyway. 

24 Hours in Chefchaouen "The Blue City"

Chefchaouen, also known as Morocco’s “blue city,” was a colorful place, to say the least. Upon my arrival in Chefchaouen, I was instinctively reminded of Santorini, Greece because of the familiar blue paint adorning a vast number of the cities residences. Chefchaouen, unlike Santorini, is surrounded by a sea of mountains rather than the Mediterranean and is a small global village of inhabitants speaking English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and more. The people I was lucky enough to meet while in Chefchaouen reawakened my view of the world.

How to Get to Chefchaouen

#1 Most asked question by everyone!

From Fes or Tangier an easy bus transfer is available, but keep in mind not all bus companies are created equal. Supratours and CTA are the most favorable. CTA is the more traveler friendly and you can book online. With Supratours online may not always be reliable make sure to check with the bus stations when you and purchase your tickets.

We ran into some issues when trying to get tickets last minute - always book in advance!

Drivers are the more expensive but by far the easiest way to get from A to B.

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen

In Chefchaouen we stayed in a charming Airbnb in the medina. Our Airbnb was adorned with all the charms would expect in a Moroccan home: beautiful tiles, colored windows, bright couches, and even a rooftop with a captivating view of the whole city and the mountains beyond. Our Airbnb host was phenomenal giving us fantastic recommendations and even helping us organize a driver from Chefchaouen to Essaouira (which is a daunting, but beautiful 10-hour drive across the country).

I am truly blessed for the chance to meet such a lovely collection of people while in Chefchaouen from staying in an Airbnb, and I do feel like I gained a more authentic experience from this stay. However, were I to go back I would stay in a more comfortable riad, hopefully, less touched by the aroma of medina cats.

Lina Ryad and Spa

From this trip, I come away with not only a love of a new culture but also a constant daydream of sitting next to the riad pool in Marrakesh.  While I did not stay at Lina Ryad and Spa this time in Chefchaouen, it will be the first thing I book for my next to Morocco! Lina Ryad and Spa has every amenity one could wish for in an oasis to escape the lively streets of Chefchauoen.

What to see in Chefchaouen

Old City/Medina

One of the most fascinating parts of Moroccan culture in my eyes are the medinas. Medinas are old walled-in cities usually with dirt or stone streets that are lined with vendor stalls for any type of good to turn the senses. With so many spices, dye weaves, and linens to catch your eye it is easy to lose half your day wandering a Medina. Specifically, in Chefchaouen, I would recommend bringing your camera. There are many prime photo ops including the famous staircase lined with colorful pots within the spiraling streets the Chefchaouen’s old town.

While in the Medina it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on your belongings and be ready to dive out of the way for a motor vehicle at a moments notice as the small streets likely will not accommodate the both of you.

Andalusian Gardens

A tranquil oasis in a bustling medina? Music to my ears! My absolute favorite part of Morocco is that in the very heart of the lively cities you can enter a nondescript door and find a quiet tropical paradise. The Andalusian Gardens coupled with the Kasbah Museum can, in the words of Professor Snape, “bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses.” I assure you a visit here is well worth your while!

Hike in the Rif Mountains

Chefchaouen is surrounded by a natural fortress of mountains which are also home to one of the best hiking trails in Africa. This is likely a venture for if you are in the area for several days as the most popular trek is a cool 2 days. For a scenic journey that is less strenuous, the Cascades d’Akchour are natural waterfalls about 30 minutes outside the city which visitors can swim in.

What to Eat in Chefchaouen

Restaurant Beldi Bab Ssour

Beldi Bab Ssour is cloaked by a modest exterior that may deter some tourists, but its food is far from average. Tajine is a classic Moroccan dish which Beldi Bab Ssour has turned into an art. While lounging on the couches at this hole in the wall I dined on a lamb tajine the likes of which my taste buds may never match.

Assaada

Assaada is centrally located near the medina gate and rest assured is larger than it appears.

Personally, I always take the server’s recommendation and the lemon chicken tajine surpassed expectations. Bonus points for Assaada? They also serve breakfast!

Tropicana

I would say I roam the world searching for coffee, but I would be lying to you.  Truth be told, sometimes you just need a good cup of coffee and a mehalabiya (classic Moroccan dessert, obviously...) after a long travel day, and thankfully this is the prime place to find both of those things.

Overall, places in Morocco serve food slowly, it is simply the culture. Plan ahead and don’t wait until you are starving to go eat.

Where to shop in Chefchaouen

How does the phrase go - Treat yo self? As Moroccan currency is far weaker than the American Dollar, EU Euro or UK Pound it is very easy to splurge without the guilt in Morocco, and thereby I encourage you to enjoy the finer things in life. (If you need further justification just think how you are helping the local economy.)

My absolute favorite place in this enchanting town is La Botica la Abuela Aladdin. I spent at least an hour in this small boutique studying every soap, salt, spice and oil to decide which treasures would get what was left of the coveted space in my suitcase.

As always, thanks for reading!

Cheers!

Em