When we were trying to save for a home, we cut down on expensive domestic trips and international trips and found cheaper options to save money. We did not realize how fun it would turn out to be to take local trips rather than flying somewhere as they are both new experiences to us. On our local road trips, we were able to enjoy the little things more than see as much as we could in bigger cities. Here are some of our favorite spots that you can drive to from Chicago, or activities you may be able to find from where you live.
1) Drive to Louisville for some Bourbon Trail Tour
When I became a fan of whiskey and bourbon, we took a trip out to the Bourbon Capital, Louisville, Kentucky. This worked out as it was a short five-hour drive. Louisville instantly became one of my favorite cities to visit with its low level of crowd and friendly hospitality. The bourbon trail made it easy to find the nearest distillery and learn about each distinction.
Being able to sample bourbon from multiple distilleries each day is truly a tipsy experience that all bourbon lovers will appreciate.
2) Experience the Masters 1000 ATP and WTA at the Cincinnati Open
For tennis fans, you can't replicate attending one of the four grand slams around the world. For the U.S. Open in NYC, if you don't live on the east coast, you would have to pay for the flight and pay for lodging in one of the most expensive cities. However, if you live in the Midwest, you can attend the Cincinnati Open which hosts all the same players who are preparing for the U.S. Open. With significantly fewer people attending this tournament, not only are the tickets cheaper, you can be closer to the players on all the courts. My friend and I usually share an Airbnb and also attend the early rounds giving you even more savings on ticket prices.
3) Driving to Wausau or Madison for an overnight Skiing trip
For Ski fans, rocky mountains on the west coast or the alps in Europe are one of the greatest experiences with the best slopes. But skiing trips are by far one of the most expensive trips. Park tickets will fetch $200/day, rental equipment for each day you ride, and renting an SUV that can haul up the mountain can also be costly. However, if you want to get your ski fix in the Midwest without breaking the bank, you can drive to one of the largest slopes in the Midwest like the Granite Peak in Wausau, Wisconsin for less than $100/day. By driving, you can skip paying for the flight, rental car, and equipment rentals, and you can also pick up local beer en route.
4) ATV and mountain bike ride at Northern Michigan
During the summer months, airfares are at their peak as parents can only take their kids on trips during these months. But instead of flying somewhere to explore the outdoors, you can much more easily take a trip to Northwest Michigan to experience the same things. Ski resorts are often open during the summer months with summer activities like mountain bikes or ATV rentals. We had a great time at Cascade Mountain doing all of these outdoor activities for under $500.
5) Camping at the Illinois Beach State Park
Initially, camping can be expensive with all the equipment that is required. But if you can organize each attendee to bring different items, it can be a fun and inexpensive trip that will set you back typically $25/night to reserve a campsite.
We are planning on taking a bigger camping trip by hiking the Pictured Rock for four days in the fall of 2023.
6) Drive to Nashville for Hot Chicken
Similar to a trip to Louisville, we decided to go a little further to explore Nashville, Tennessee, and had a great time with our family. Being the bachelorette capital of the South, it truly is lively, especially in the evening on Broadway street.
But even for people who wish to avoid this rowdiness, the city is full of delicious southern food including the famous Nashville Hot Chicken.
I was truly surprised by how spicy these things were. I cried every time I ate the hot chicken but they were so delicious and addicting.
7) Mackinac Island
We took a trip out to Mackinac Island during Trang's pregnancy to avoid having to over-exert ourselves on a larger trip. After a short ferry to the island each day, it was very quaint, and it was nice to get away from all the motor vehicles and the modern industrial infrastructures. We enjoyed taking a leisurely bike ride around the town with our dog and eating hot fudge. We thought we needed to stay on the island, but it was a good decision to stay outside the island as it was much cheaper and the island was small enough that we were able to experience everything in the daytime.
8) Drive to Indianapolis for my favorite steak house St Elmo's and the Tree lighting
Indianapolis is one of the closest urban cities to Chicago. We don't go here often but if you want a simple getaway and to explore another city, Indianapolis can be a good option.
With long-standing restaurants like St Elmo's Steakhouse as well as all the new trendy restaurants and breweries popping up in this city, this will be a great trip without breaking the bank.
9) Hiking at the Waterfall Glen with our dog / Hiking at the Grand Mere State Park
During the pandemic, we took day trips to the local state parks to go on long walks with our dog, Ollie. This was a blast as Ollie got to explore his natural habitat and learn to off-leash walks better.
10) Abbey Farm and Aurora Shopping in Aurora, IL
Another local town we like to visit near Chicago is Aurora for its Pumpkin Patch during autumn or shopping at the Premium Outlet Mall.
Other places we have yet to try:
1) Starved rock / Camping
2) Drive to the Mall of America in Minneapolis
3) Go to Green Bay to experience Lambeau Field and the Cheese
4) Hiking Pictured Rock in North Michigan
5) Drive to the Niagara Falls
There are many hidden gem cities and quaint towns that you can drive to that could save you a hefty amount in travel costs. It was truly enjoyable to delve more into the finer details of these places, and it was nice to try a variety of local restaurants spontaneously as opposed to waiting hours to get into some famous touristy restaurants.
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