If you’re looking for a quick weekend trip from Chicago this fall or winter, I know just the spot.

This time last year a few girlfriends and I escaped the city for a quiet weekend getaway to Koi Lodge in Michigan City (I later found out is actually in Indiana, not Michigan lol).

The 1952 Adirondack-style home is a secluded sanctuary meant to help you reconnect with the calm and serenity of nature–something I imagine most of us could use a little more of. We had a few baby deer that visited us in the front drive which felt so special 🦌. And it’s super spacious! It sleeps 10 and has 4 bathrooms if you have a larger group.

It was a quick drive, too. Just an hour and half drive from Downtown Chicago.

I’m an early riser so I spent the mornings in this little nook reading and journaling and it was just the best.

We took it really easy and enjoyed French toast one morning, had a homemade chili and cornbread night, picked up frozen pizzas and all the snacks to watch The Holiday and roasted marshmallows for s’mores–my favorite!

It ended up being a snowy/rainy when weekend when we went and that kept us mostly indoors, but if you’re looking for a little more adventure outside you can hike, break out the sleds on snow days or snow-shoe through the dunes by the lake.

If I were packing my bags again, I’d be bringing all these cozy pieces.