St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is serious business. On March 16, the Chicago River is ceremoniously dyed a dark green, a massive parade marches through Grant Park and the streets are so packed with revelers, you’d think they were flanked with pots of gold. To celebrate, downtown hotels are hosting events and offers designed to give you a chance to be “Chirish” for the day.
Skyboxes at Trump Chicago
One of the best views of the dyeing of the Chicago River is from a skybox perched on the 17th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, a 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star winner. The skyboxes (capacity 40; you have to reserve them ahead of time) offer unparalleled views of the festivities while you nosh on traditional fare (Irish bacon and sausage, traditional black-and-white pudding, corned beef, cabbage, shepherd’s pie), sweet treats and optional Irish whiskey packages.
Spa Treatments at Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Elysian Spa & Health Club encourages going green, so to speak. Men have the better deal: The Mantenance package ($210) includes a haircut, straight-razor shave or beard treatment, hand/foot grooming and choice of small-area waxing; for $15 more, add a flight of Irish whiskeys, including Redbreast, Michael Collins, Tyrconnell and Powers Gold Label. The women’s manicure and pedicure with Butter London’s barely green Bossy Boots lacquer ($180) includes a signature Elysian mani/pedi with a lava-shell treatment to soothe joints, warm paraffin to hydrate, a traditional buff and polish in Butter’s pistachio-green hue, and a complimentary Irish coffee.
Irish Breakfast and Brunch at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
On St. Patrick’s Day, the Four Seasons’ Allium will host both a full Irish breakfast ($24), as well as a holiday brunch ($58) complete with whiskey punch. On the menu are traditional Irish breakfast dishes, including bangers, rashers, black-and-white pudding, roasted tomatoes and toasted Irish brown bread, and oysters with Guinness mignonette.
Winter Warmers at JW Marriott Chicago
At The Florentine, JW Marriott’s cozy, full-service Italian restaurant, Italian/Irish cappuccinos ($12) are at the ready before or after the parade for a welcome warm-up. The drink is based in Lavazza espresso, then topped with Varnelli mokka liqueur and crème de menthe to make it festive.
Photos Courtesy of Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, Four Seasons, Hilton Worldwide and iStock-Steve Geer
