Looking for something easy to do before our wedding? Check out Grayslake's downtown area! There are plenty of cute shops to look through (we recommend stopping into This Old Book, a cozy used bookstore with local art for sale) and the restaurants are even better. Our favorites are Something's Brewing, Twisted Burger, The Vine Martini & Wine Bar, and for dessert, The Freeze. If you have time, be sure to check out the historical homes east of Center Street!
This antique mall is so fun to wander through, and it was one of our favorite places to go to when we were first dating - the vinyl and vintage clothing booths are our faves!
If you're looking for some of the best restaurants in this area, the quick drive to Libertyville's downtown is so worth it. Our favorite is Firkin (try the Teriyaki Chicken Alfredo - it's unbelievable!). This is also a great place to stroll around with adorable boutiques, local coffee shops, and parks all within walking distance.
Hear us out... you won't understand why we are recommending that you visit a grocery store until you actually experience Woodman's. If you aren't from Wisconsin or the greater Chicago area, this ginormous market is quite the sight to see. We spent every Friday night here in the early days of our relationship, weaving through each lengthy aisle for the best movie-watching snacks - and trust us, there are *so* many snacks to choose from in this place. If you're looking to stock your hotel room for the weekend, make sure you do it here!
Independence Grove is a large nature preserve that is great for hiking and other outdoor activities. You can also check out the lakeside Beer Garden, which serves Lake County craft beers and often has live music. ** $12 per car entrance fee for non-residents & pets are not permitted **