While there are countless great things to do IN the city, savvy travelers know it sometimes takes a road trip to visit cool places and experience unique things that are close by and definitely worth the trip.

Getting there

Crushed by Giants Chicago Brewery

AOT transportation

If you are looking to experience several different attractions or locations, a private car or SUV is definitely the way to go

Metra rail station

Metra

Chicagoland’s rail and bus system offers affordable and convenient service to the suburbs

Oak Park

Crushed by Giants Chicago Brewery

Ernest Hemingway Birthplace

Exploring the roots of the Pulitzer Prize winning author’s early family life and literary works

Cruz Blanca Chicago Brewery

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Guided tours of the Historical Landmark home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright

Eris Cider House Chicago Brewery

Hemmingway's Bistro

This Oak Park favorite features classic French dishes made with farm fresh ingredients

Goose Island Chicago Brewing

Maya del Sol

Hip, lively spot featuring Latin American cuisine along with craft margaritas and cocktails

Mr. Beef Chicago Food

Pleasant Home

Delighting visitors through the interpretation and restoration of this Prairie style mansion

Haymarket Chicago Brewery

The Book Table

This fiercely independent book store promotes literary works through a sense of community

Piece Chicago Brewery

Unity Temple

Built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and home to Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Revolution Chicago Bar

Wild Onion Tied House

One of Chicagoland’s first craft breweries also features home made dishes

The North Shore

Bahai Temple Chicago North Shore

Bahai Temple

Set just off Lake Michigan in Wilmette, this house of worship os the oldest surviving Bahai Temple 

Botanic Gardens Chicago north shore

Chicago Botanic Garden

Open year-round, this Glencoe gem features 27 spectacular gardens set amidst 385 acres

Edzo's Burger Shop Chicago North Shore

Edzo's Burger Shop

This Evanston spot is best known for their smash burgers and hand-cut french fries

Froggy's French café Chicago North Shore

Froggy's French café

This beloved Highwood institution has been serving award-winning French Cuisine since 1980

Homers Ice cream Chicago North Shore

Homers Ice cream

North Shore families have been enjoying delicious treats at this famed shop since 1935

Illinois Holocaust Museum Chicago North Shore

Illinois Holocaust Museum

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust and combating hatred, prejudice and indifference

Market Square Chicago North Shore

Market Square

Located in the heart of Lake Forest and cited as the first planned shopping center in the U.S.

Walker Bros. Pancake House Chicago North Shore

Walker Bros. Pancake House

No trip to the North Shore is complete without a German or Apple Cinnamon pancake

Utica

August Hill Winery Chicago Utica

August Hill Winery

Experience locally produced, hand-crafted wines at this unique venue and tasting room

Starved Rock Chicago Utica

Starved Rock

Connect with nature’s unique geological formations as well as abundant wildlife

Starved Rock Lodge Chicago Utica

Starved Rock lodge

This National Register of Historic Places is set amidst the pines, canyons and waterfalls of the park

Two Girls and a Cupcake Chicago Utica

Two Girls and a Cupcake

A whimsical bakeshop offering homemade cupcakes, brownies, cakes and cookies

Lemont

Blue Agave Chicago Beer Bar

Cal Sag Bike trail

A bike and walking trail spanning 26-miles from Lemont to the Burnham Greenway near Indiana

Delilah's Chicago Beer Bar

Hindu Temple

This unique religious center is actually comprised of two temples, Rama and Radha

Longman and Eagle Chicago Beer Bar

La Dolce Vita

This stone-walled eatery serves classic Italian dishes in an intimate, white-tablecloth setting.

Russian Tea Time Chicago Beer Bar

Mabel's Market

Featuring lovingly re-purposed, re-imagined and handmade home decor, furniture and more

old Town Chicago Bars

rustic knead

This comfortable sandwich shop offers plenty of amazing options from their in-house bakery

The Berkshire Room Chicago Cocktail Lounge

Pollyanna Brewing

A lively brewery and expansive taproom situated near the historic I&M Canal and trail 

Three Dots and a Dash Chicago Food

The Forge

Year-round outdoor fun and adventure for people all ages and experience levels

Untitled Chicago Cocktail Lounge

Waterfall Glenn Forest Preserve

This idyllic spot with several habitiats completely surrounds the Argonne Nat’l Labratory