While a steaming cup of soup may be great at any time of the year, winter time is when a big bowl of liquid goodness can really help alleviate the blues. We’ve picked five of the best places in the country to find soup, along with perfect recommendations for accommodations. And remember, all Homewood Suites locations come with an in-room kitchen, making them perfect for dining in and then taking some extras back to your room.

Boston

Did you really expect a list of great soup destinations without a mention of Boston? Here in the Midwest, we call it Boston Clam Chowder. In Boston, they usually just refer to it as Chowda. Whatever you call it, you won’t have a hard time finding it. Of course, finding the best chowder is like asking someone to recommend their favorite burger. For each person asked, you’ll get a different answer.

So, do what most tourists do and start at the Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. Another popular spot is Legal Sea Foods, which is highly rated for its food and location.

Closest Homewood Suites: Cambridge-Arlington

New Orleans

Similar to Chowda, asking someone to name the best soup in New Orleans is just asking for trouble. Everyone has their own opinion of “the best.”  My tip? Shop around. Spend some time in the city, make sure you arrive hungry and go from spot to spot. Ask locals for their tips if you really run out of options.

One top spot that won’t disappoint is Brigtsen’s. The gumbo here is served with rabbit and Andouille sausage, but don’t let that stop you from sampling other soups, like their butternut shrimp bisque.

Closest Homewood Suites: Downtown New Orleans

Sacramento

Sacramento may be the last place for which you’d expect super soup tips, but the city is home to two different hidden gems: the Campbell’s Soup employee store and La Bonne Soupe Café.

The Campbell’s plant in Sacramento has an employee store on campus, which means you’ll need to pass through the security gates to get to it. Once you have your name added to the list, you can head directly to the store and stock up on highly discounted soup, crackers and more.

After your factory store trip, head downtown for a visit to La Bonne Soupe Café. As one of the highest rated restaurants in Sacramento, you’ll find traditional French soups along with sandwiches and salads.

Closest Homewood Suites: Sacramento Airport

Chicago

When you think “big bowl of gumbo,” chances are you don’t picture Chicago. But if you don’t want to make the trip down to New Orleans, Chicago has one place where you’ll find one of the best bowls of gumbo outside of the French Quarter. Located just a few minutes from the Chicago Homewood Suites is Heaven on Seven. Their rich seafood-free gumbo comes in cups, bowls and gallons. Of course, the other dishes at Heaven on Seven are equally good, but you really can’t leave without trying their gumbo.

Best of all, after filling up on gumbo, you are just seconds away from the shopping on Michigan Avenue.

Closest Homewood Suites: Downtown Chicago

Twin Cities

Eddington’s Soup and Salad serves more than 18 different types of soup from its eight locations. With specialties like Smokehouse Split Pea and Bombay Chicken, there is bound to be a flavor on the menu to suit everyone. Best of all, given the winters in the Twin Cities, a warm bowl of soup could be just what you need to forget all about blizzards and digging out your (rental) car.

Closest Homewood Suites: Minneapolis – St. Louis Park