10 Chicago Southland New Year’s Resolutions

We’ve completed another trip around the sun and a new year has begun. Cheers to 2025! If you’re one of the many who is starting off the year by making resolutions, here’s a few that you can fulfill within the Chicago Southland:

Doing more walking

If one of your resolutions is to do more walking, spend some days exploring the trails in the Forest Preserves of Cook County or Forest Preserve District of Will County. Whether you’re looking for short jaunts or long hikes on paved or rugged terrain, you’ll find a little of everything in the many miles of trails. Bring along your binoculars to get a closer look at the birds that are more easily visible in the winter months.

Appreciating the arts

With permanent art galleries, outdoor sculptures and murals and rotating exhibits, there’s plenty of art to be examined in the Chicago Southland.

Spending more time outside

With a long list of lakes in the Chicago Southland and miles of paths along the rails-to-trails system, there’s plenty of places to spend time out in nature. Pick a few regular spots to visit weekly throughout the year to see how the area changes through each season.

Preparing more meals at home

If you are aiming to do more food prep in your own kitchen in the new year, visit some local businesses that carry gourmet specialty items or ethnic ingredients. Dunnings Market in Homewood is one to put on your list. Find some unique products to whip up a gourmet meal of your own at home.

Catching up with friends more

Have you been meaning to call that one friend or have coffee with an old co-worker you haven’t seen in ages? Make 2025 the year you reconnect. There are plenty of coffee shops, cafes, wineries, restaurants and other inviting spots to meet up over drinks or a meal. Don’t let those friendships continue to slide away.  

Learn about the history of the area

Looking to learn a little more Chicago Southland history in the area? Make a goal to visit a new historical museum or historical site each month this year. 

Supporting local businesses

Next time you need to pick up a birthday gift for a friend or donate an item for a gift basket or you want to show appreciation to your child’s teacher with a token of thanks, seek out some independent gift shops and boutiques in the Chicago Southland.

Taking up a new hobby

Want to learn a new skill or find a new hobby to keep you active in 2025? Try your hand at disc golf. This fast-growing sport is gaining new fans every day and the Chicago Southland is a great place to get started.

Saving money

If you made cutting back on spending a goal for the new year, shift to doing some bargain shopping at the Swap-O-Rama Flea Market where you’re sure to find some unique finds at a fraction of what you’d pay for in department stores. 

Eating healthier

When dining out, seek out menus with healthy, low-calorie entrees or vegetarian dishes. Bonefish Grill, Fogon Contemporanean Kitchen and Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant offer a number of menu selections for health-conscious diners.

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