The Gift of Travel

This is the fifth in a series of features sponsored by Hilton. To ignite your own memorable moments, discover top gay destinations and experience the most exciting LGBT-centric events of the season, visit GoOut.Hilton.com.

The hustle and bustle that comes with holiday gift-giving can take its toll. So why not rethink your strategy, grab your special someone, and go on a weekender that will create memories to last a lifetime. We've assembled three unique itineraries in some of our favorite go-to destinations. Follow our lead or create your dream getaway.

WINDY CITY WONDERS

Waldorf Astoria Chicago
For luxury accommodations just steps away from the shops along Michigan Avenue, innovative performances at Looking glass theatre, and the idyllic stretch of Oak Street Beach, the Waldorf Astoria beckons those looking for a Parisian-inspired urban sanctuary. Enjoy expansive guest rooms (many offering fireplaces and private outdoor terraces), complimentary access to the Waldorf Astoria Spa & Health Club, and a private house car to whirl you around Chicago's city center in style.

Take advantage of Waldorf Astoria's signature True Waldorf Service, complete with your very own personal concierge to make the most of your time with recommended activities such as City Running Tours, a guided personalized or group run through the city streets; or The Frank Lloyd Wright Definitive Tour for Chicago and Oak Park led by George Pudlo. Regardless of your itinerary, be sure to end the day with a refreshing craft cocktail at Bernard's Bar, the hotel's sophisticated hangout featuring velvet banquettes and local artwork.

Pride Film and Plays
It's no secret that Chicago is an actor's town. Longstanding companies like Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Goodman Theatre have been producing compelling work for decades. But there's also a tradition of LGBT theater in the Windy City.

One of the more recent companies to emerge is Pride Film and Plays, helmed by Executive Director David Zaks. This season brings two exciting new works, "Ten Dollar House" (January 7-30), a "true story of love and historic preservation set in Depression-era Wisconsin," and "Raggedy And" (March 10-April 10), a modern comedy of manners centered around the inauguration of the first female American president.

Best Bites
That chilly wind will be blowing into town off of Lake Michigan until spring -- all the more reason to settle in to one of our favorite new dining hotspots:

Latinicity - Spearheaded by Richard Sandoval, this Latin-inspired food hall heats things up with 10 food stalls, a full-service restaurant, bar, market, and lounge. Take your pick from Peruvian style stir-fry, ceviche, tortas, tacos, and more. 108 North State Street, 3rd floor

Maple & Ash - A hearty steak dinner has never looked so good than what's being served at the luxurious Maple & Ash. Beyond the expected slabs of beef, get your protein in other innovative dishes such as tenderloin steak tartare with smoked egg yolk, prime beef meatballs, and "The Volcano" - short rib beef bourguignon with bone marrow and smoked beef pie crust. 8 West Maple Street

Osmium Coffee Bar - Wander west of Boystown and you'll discover Dark Matter Coffee's newest location: Osmium. Expect fair trade, barrel-aged beans unlike anything you've had before. 1117 West Belmont Avenue

SONORA DESERT ESCAPE

While much of the country is preparing for deep freeze, Arizona welcomes snowbirds of all ages that like to thaw out in luxury.

Arizona Biltmore
Titans and socialites from all industries flocked to the Arizona Biltmore, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired resort, when the epic property opened its doors in 1929. It's been a go-to ever since, and with 740 guest accommodations, there's plenty of room for you and your entourage to plan a weekend of rest, relaxation, and revelry. For an even more exclusive experience, consider Ocatilla at Arizona Biltmore - a private sanctuary within the hotel offering luxurious club accommodations, a private pool area, and complimentary amenities. Don't miss the following experiences during your stay:

Spa Biltmore - Unwind at the hotel's sprawling 22,000-square-foot spa, which draws from a global array of restorative and healing techniques. Consider the turquoise sage stone massage, which uses warm basalt stones along with sage and lavender oils during this full-body massage; or an intentional apothecary body polish, featuring Pacific salt and sesame oil or micronized bamboo pearls and aloe gel.

Strategize Your Speakeasy - On the last Sunday of every month, the 1920s come back to life in the resort's original "mystery room," an enclave featuring a gold-leaf ceiling that was once home to secret libations. Of course, we can't tell you where it is, but follow the resort's Facebook page or Twitter account for details.

Retail Therapy - The Arizona Biltmore offers hourly shuttle service to nearby Biltmore Fashion Park, where you can get your fashion fix at such retailers as Ralph Lauren, Allen Edmonds, Tumi and more. To maximize your time and budget, consult the Fashion Park's website for current specials.

SUN AND SAND

Hilton West Palm Beach
The latest hotel addition to The Palm Beaches, Florida, Hilton West Palm Beach is slated to open in late January 2016 -- just in time to escape the winter blues. The 400-room lifestyle hotel is conveniently adjacent to the convention center and within walking distance of CityPlace, an outdoor retail destination packed with more than 80 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Be sure to allow time to bliss out. Rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, while the outdoor pool is the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail and catch some rays, or perhaps take a nap in a cozy cabana. Farm-fresh dining will be available at Manor, the on-site restaurant offering dishes utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

Beach Time
Hop on Hilton West Palm Beach's free shuttle to Palm Beach Island to take advantage of the region's 47 miles of Atlantic coastline. Local attractions of Palm Beach Island include:

Ocean Reef Park - The wide beach offers plenty of room to bunker down for the day, or follow the boardwalk through the dune ecosystem.

Town of Palm Beach Municipal Beach - Located north of Worth Avenue (300 Block of South Ocean Blvd. Palm), you'll find plenty of locals and tourists packed into this centrally located section of sand.

MacArthur Beach State Park - Enjoy 438 acres of protected oceanfront, including its maritime hammock and limestone rock reef. Rent a kayak to get up close and personal with the 22 endangered species calling the area home.

Save the Date
Pride Fest of the Palm Beaches - Since 1992, PrideFest has been Palm Beach County's largest LGBT event. Festivities take place March 19-20 at Bryant Park in nearby downtown Lake Worth.

International Gay Polo Week - Gay equestrians from around the globe will descend on Palm Beach (March 31 - April 3) for four days of events at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Gather a group of friends for a tailgating tent, or splurge on the VIP tent for tournament day, which includes a gourmet buffet and positioning on the mid-field line for prime viewing.