Chicago happens to be one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. Those who plan to visit Chicago in the winter season should plan it such that they get to make the best of all the beaches and vacation spots. There are numerous beaches in Chicago.

Chicago is known for its vast system of beaches. These stretch across a variety of water bodies. Ohio Street Beach, Ashe Beach, Foster Avenue Beach and South Shore Beach are a part of the famous Chicago beaches.

Chicago Beaches on Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_beaches

To enjoy on a winter vacation on Chicago Beaches head to the Edgewater Beach Cafe. The cafe is located at the address 5545 N Sheridan Road in Chicago. Built on the edge of a lake the restaurant is known for its classy atmosphere and exquisite French food. The cafe menu boasts of dishes such as sesame chicken, broiled salmon, pork chops and roast duck with apple brandy sauce.

Edgewater Beach Cafe

http://www.edgewaterbeachcafe.com/Welcome.html

12th Street Beach is another excellent destination. It can be found on Northerly Island. The construction of the man-made island Northerly Island began in the year 1920. There is a public beach along with a bird sanctuary, a nature center and walking trails which make it an ideal place to spend a quiet winter day at.

12th Street Beach

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/9E8C17F6-B22A-4B03-8DAD-2389159AFDCF.cfm

Fun in Chicago does not end with the warm days, it continues even during the cold winter season. When you visit Chicago, you will be amazed at how you will have a good time at winter festivals that are all the rage in Chicago.

The Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

The Chicago Navy Pier is the place to be during the Christmas period. The winter festival at this place is open to everyone regardless of age. It features many different attractions as well as rides. The Winter Wonderfest offers a good family outing opportunity and it is open though out the Christmas period. What's more, entry is absolutely free.

http://gochicago.about.com/od/eventsfestivalsholidays/p/winter_wonder.htm

Sponsored Winter Festivals

There are a number of winter festivals that are usually sponsored by various organizations and companies. Although there is a small entrance fee for these festivals, the kind of fun that you will have is worth the fee.

http://www.frommers.com/articles/3247.html

Come rain come sunshine, Chicago is the place to be for the best vacation. You can spend a splendid winter vacation in Chicago and not regret even one moment of your time there.

Chicago travel guides contain details on where you can find the best winter festivals in Chicago.

When driving during winter in Chicago, make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. A 'winter storm survival kit' is a requirement if you don't want to leave anything to chance. Other travel Chicago items to carry along include sleeping bags, a flashlight with several extra batteries, a first aid kit, a sharp knife, a tool kit, a shovel and booster cables.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=driving+in+winter+in+Chicago&ei=UTF-8&fr=moz2

Make The Best Use Of Hazard Lights When You Are Stuck

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/155608,drive113006.article

Hazard lights ought to be set to flashing mode. Red color is the best in this case. You also cannot claim to be safe if you have not carried along a tow rope, a pair of gloves and a hat. A GPS navigator also does wonders when you seem to have lost direction. In case you happen to have gotten stuck in snow, you need to also tie a red cloth on the front and rear of the vehicle. Then stay near the vehicle as you look for ways of solving your problems.

Watch Out For Icy Surfaces And Slow Down

http://positiveleo.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/tips-for-safe-winter-driving/

Speed limits should not be adhered to when road surfaces are not conducive for the preset speed. If the speed limit is 70, you have to drive a much slower speed if the surface is icy. You can get a speeding ticket for speeding during winter in Chicago even if you have not surpassed the 70 mark.

Keep A Safe Distance Between Your Car And Other Cars

http://www.abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=weather&id=5802868

This is the most basic road travel Chicago rule to follow if you want to be absolutely safe on the road, whether it is during winter or not. If you stop abruptly in the middle of a snowstorm, you are likely going to skid and lose control of the road.