Six things to do for $2 in Lake County

By: Jonathan Jones 09/19/2016

I for one am a penny pincher, and I like to have a night where I can be frugal with my Benjamin’s (or Washington’s).

Let your wallet take 5, because things in Illinois can be very expensive. We’ve found 6 things to do around Lake County for 2 bucks.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="250"] MainStreet Libertyville[/caption]

Street Festivals: Many of Lake County’s slews of street festivals are scott free of admission fees. MainStreet Libertyville has its monthly First Fridays fest between March and December all year round, rain or shine, while ArtWauk falls on every third Saturday in Waukegan where you scour the multiple different art mediums and live performances. Not only are these some things to do around $2 in Lake County, they’re free!

Shopping Malls: Of course the majority of items sold at Gurnee Mills and Hawthorn Mall are not around $2, but it’s free to get in. Not only can you get a good saunter in each venue, but many stores have things sold for around $2 – let alone their eats. At Gurnee Mills stores like FYE you can buy your favorite used album, eat a pretzel from Auntie Anne’s or grab a small fry at Portillo’s, while at Hawthorn you can grab a keychain at Eddie Bauer, spoof gifts at Spencer’s, cinnasweeties at Cinnabon or a diet coke at McDonalds (why do people love McDonald’s Diet Coke so much?).

[caption id="attachment_6219" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sweet Pete's Chocolate Skull Lollipop[/caption]

Sweets: Is your sweet tooth trying to give you a hint? Places like Sweet Pete’s in Lake Forest and Long Grove Confectionery Nut and Candy Factory Store have eats around two buckaroos. Sweet Pete’s has an array of lollipops, candy bars and other sweet snacks, while the LGCNCFS (the shortened name) has a variety of chocolate treats.

[caption id="attachment_6220" align="alignright" width="300"] Mickey Finn's Burger[/caption]

Mickey Finn’s: Mom and dad have to get a bite to eat, but $2 doesn’t even come into consideration for the kiddies. That’s right, the kiddies eat for free at the Libertyville mainstay on Tuesdays. Your choice of delicioso burgers, fish & chips, hot dogs, quesadillas, mac and cheese, chicken tenders and more. For parents, tappers are only $1.50!

Lindy’s Landing: Speaking of $2 and Tuesday nights, Lindy’s Landing in Wauconda offers $2 well drinks, $2 house wine, $2 Miller Lite and Coors Light Drafts and $2 featured shots. It will still be north of $2, but you also get two bucks off burgers as well. $2 Tuesdays!

[caption id="attachment_6222" align="alignright" width="570"] Lindy's Landing backyard[/caption]

The Great Lake County outdoors: Lake County offers more than 30,700 acres of Forest Preserve land, and experts managing the areas provide innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for everyone from 3 years old to 300 years old. Bike, run, jump, climb and explore free of charge in areas like Independence Grove, Ryerson Conservation Area and more of the Lake County Forest Preserves. You can also take a dip on the beach at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion – all for the low, low price of $0.