MY HOMETOWN LEMONT MADE THE LIST!
Source: 23 Best Day Trips From Chicago
Now that a that the weather is warming up a bit, Chicagoans are itching to get out and explore some nearby areas. From suburban Illinois to Wisconsin & Michigan here are a few of my favorites from the TIME OUT CHICAGO list :
LEMONT, IL (MY HOME TOWN)
Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour
Settled in 1836 and incorporated in 1873, Lemont is one of the oldest and most charming communities in Illinois. The village was developed as part of the construction of the canal linking the Illinois River and Lake Michigan. This led to the discovery of the limestone quarries, which is used to provide materials for several Illinois buildings.
With rolling hills, three waterways, and its historic downtown, Lemont offers a setting and atmosphere unique to the Chicagoland area, and is located in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties. You can jump on the Metra to visit the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, where you can walk, bike or fish along the I&M Canal. If you’re looking for more excitement, check out the The Forge: Lemont Quarries. The park features laser tag, a zip-line and rope courses for all ages. Afterwards, head to Lemont’s historic downtown to visit Pollyanna Brewing Company and try “The Full Lemonty”, their signature golden ale. While you’re downtown, be sure to head to the Wooden Paddle, where you can watch your wood-fired pizza and other small plates being prepared.
MILWAUKEE, WI
Driving time from Chicago: 1 1/2 hours
Milwaukee (also known as the Cream City) is a relatively easy drive from the Chicago area. Once you arrive, be sure to start your day off with a stack of pancakes and a round of mimosas at Sweetdiner. Afterwards, you can hit the Historic Third Ward and check out some home decor shops like The Home Market or specialty shops like MOD GEN.
Continue your trip by taking some time for treats at the Milwaukee Public Market – the most unique downtown food destination! Bursting with unique, high quality selections of artisan ethnic products, and freshly-made prepared foods, you’re sure to enjoy shopping the independent merchants. Before heading home, be sure to travel along the Lakeshore State Park, a unique 22-acre urban oasis that extends out from the shoreline.
SOUTH BEND, IN
Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 45 minutes
South Bend is a city on the St. Joseph River in Indiana, and there’s more to this town than the Fighting Irish football team! The city is uniquely cultured, and can create an interesting afternoon. First you should visit the History Museum, a stately Victorian mansion that was once home to the family of local industrialist James Oliver. Then, enjoy the South Bend Farmers’ Market, where you can shop for everything from artisan breads and doughnuts to farm-fresh fruits and veggies. When hunger strikes, head to Café Navarre, an upscale dining spot housed in a repurposed ’20s-era bank.
LONG GROVE, IL
Driving time from Chicago: 45 minutes
Long Grove is a village in Lake County, Illinois, approximately 35 miles northwest of Chicago. According to the 2020 census, the village had a population of 8,366; the village has strict building ordinances to preserve its “country atmosphere”. Long Grove was founded in the 1800s by German farmers; many of the original homes and buildings are actually still standing. When you visit, try to go during one of the many wonderful festivals such as Apple Fest or Strawberry Fest, when local chefs and other vendors come to the historic downtown area to offer numerous versions of the wonderful food. Stop by Buffalo Creek Brewing and have a beer in their Bavarian-style taproom or in the Biergarten, which offers live music and food trucks. Before leave, make sure you swing by Long Grove Confectionery to pick up some chocolate, peanut brittle or their signature Giant Myrtle, made with roasted pecans!
LAKE GENEVA, WI
Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Lake Geneva is a resort city on Geneva Lake in southeastern Wisconsin. The lakeside Shore Path is dotted with Gilded Age mansions, many built by wealthy Chicagoans. Lake Geneva has been a longtime weekend destination for suburban Chicago families. No matter your budget, a quick retreat to this vacation town is sure to be a lot of fun. The town rests on Geneva Lake, an 8-square-mile body of water. So make sure you get out on the water. You can rent a kayak or paddle board from Clear Water Outdoor, or take a wake surfing private lesson at Gage Marine. The downtown area has great shops, fabulous food and many things to do. When you’re hungry, Egg Harbor Café and Simple Cafe, both offer delicious diner food. If you’re feeling like something a little fancier, go to the Baker House, a 19-century mansion-turned-hotel. It offers a popular champagne brunch with waterfront views.
HARBOR COUNTRY, MI
Driving time from Chicago: 1 1/2 hours
Just across the Indiana border, Michigan’s lakeside “Harbor Country” is only an hour and a half drive from downtown Chicago. Start at the north end, in Sawyer, where you can visit the original taproom of Greenbush Brewing Co.
After you’ve finished eating, take the Red Arrow Highway down the lakeshore for great shopping, like hunting through the Harbert Antique Mall. Head back inland to the artsy community of Three Oaks to finish your day at Journeyman Distillery. A $13 tour and tasting gets samples of 12 different spirits made in the converted corset factory.
