Weekend getaways close to chicago

We live in NW Indiana and are looking for a weekend getaway idea for Oct. 24-26.

We don%26#39;t want to travel more than 3 hours.

Any suggestions? We like small towns with little shops to browse, we also like touristy things like trolley tours, etc.

Weekend getaways close to chicago

New Buffulo, St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugatuck/Douglas, Holland and Grand Haven could all be reached in less than 3 hours. All have a small town feel with shops. My favorite of them all is the Saugatuck/Douglas area.

It may be too late in the season but you may find a boat ride in Saugatuck. I don%26#39;t know if the Duck tours and Dune rides are still open.

Weekend getaways close to chicago

I just did a little checking and found out that the last day for Dune Rides this year is Sunday, October 19th, 2008.

http://www.saugatuckduneride.com/index.htm

The Saugatuck Boat Cruises run until the last Sunday in October. That would be October 26th for this year.

http://www.saugatuckboatcruises.com/

Thanks for that Yooper.

Anytime Rono. I enjoy reading your advice.

Just spent a great day in Holland and they have a WONDERFUL Farmer%26#39;s Market on Saturdays and Wednesdays. St Joseph has one too tho much smaller. The advantage of St Joseph is that you can see the lake from the downtown area and the sunsets are fabulous. St Joe has fewer shops tho. -- Holland probably has the most. Each town has it%26#39;s own charm. South Haven and Saugatuk are great too. Too bad you aren%26#39;t coming this weekend because the leaves are at their peak --the drive itself would be spectacular.