With the city still held in the clutches of winter, February in Chicago is a time best spent indoors — or at least swaddled in warm clothes. Fortunately, residents of the new South Loop Chicago rentals at the spectacular NEMA tower, are perfectly situated on the southern edge of Grant Park — just minutes from a host of fine restaurants and popular attractions. No matter how cold it gets, some of these great local spots are sure to draw residents from their cozy abodes.

First up is the Chinese Lunar New Year parade on Feb. 2. Head to the corner of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue for the beginning of this colorful spectacle that will ring in the Year of the Rat. Then, find one of the city’s fine Chinese restaurants to recover from the cold with some tasty (and undoubtedly warming) hot & sour soup.

More planning will be necessary to secure the perfect dinner reservation for that other much-anticipated February celebration: Valentine’s Day. Here’s a short list of spots, both new and old, where NEMA Chicago residents might want to celebrate this intimate holiday with their significant other.

Residents seeking a high-end dining experience will love the two-Michelin-star dining at Acadia. Cozy up to the Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu, complete with surf, turf, a slice of chocolate cake, and, if you so desire, the appropriate wine pairings.

Guests at popular French spot Everest can experience Chef Joho’s authentic cuisine and make selections from the restaurant’s extensive wine cellar. And the magnificent view from Everest’s perch on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange will set the mood for an unforgettable evening.

Most Windy City residents know and love the popular upscale sports bar Public House. Now, the team behind that hip haunt in The Loop has opened Prime & Provisions, where rich wood and sumptuous leather seating meets the highest-quality steaks around. It’s perfect for NEMA residents who love to harken back to the stylish atmosphere of the city’s Prohibition era without having to hide their glass should a constable appear.

Since no Valentine’s Day restaurant guide would be complete without a great place to grab an authentic Italian meal, we recommend Sofi Restaurant for NEMA residents who love sharing a plate of antipasto over a hearty glass of vino. Founded and operated by Milan native Maurizio Michi, Sofi Restaurant combines Northern Italian fare with fresh pasta made daily from the freshest ingredients.

For residents who prefer someplace closer to home, there are a host of new eateries within walking distance of NEMA Chicago that are worth investigating. Residents will love the classic American fare (with a nod toward the local Great Lakes region) at Harbor, the homestyle Sicilian cooking at Pacino’s, the locally sourced bites and killer coffee at The Grail Cafe, and the dim sum offerings at Asian fusion spot Minghin.

No matter where you choose to eat, drink, and be merry this February, NEMA Chicago is the perfect home base for exploring everything the Windy City has to offer. So, head over to the NEMA website and begin your NEMA adventure today!