This week's cover story | Road Trips

Beaver Island

Photo: Jason A. Heidemann

Here's a sneak peek at what's coming up in this week's Time Out Chicago, on newsstands tomorrow:

When you think islands, you think Hawaii, Aruba, Jamaica—maybe Kokomo if you're a fan of terrible music. But you can get that laid-back island vibe right here in the Midwest, all within driving distance of Chicago. Our Road Trips issue highlights the weird and the wonderful of four Great Lakes islands:

• Madeline Island, Wisconsin: Do shots in what has to be one of the quirkiest dives in the Midwest, go beach-hopping, make friends with the locals and get invited to a party in the airport hangar.
• Beaver Island, Michigan: Come here to go completely off the grid, commune with nature and gaze at the island's famous sunsets.
• South Bass Island, Ohio: There's a Key West party atmosphere here (hello, tiki swim-up bar), but also a 124-year-old winery and a lovely state park.
• Pelee Island, Ontario: Okay, right, this island is not in the Midwest, but it's just 22 miles off Ohio's coast. Here, cycling, beaching and hiking are the main activities. And just doing nothing, which is what a relaxing vacation is all about, right?