Lake County Sun "Rise" and Sunset Sips

Depending on if your group contains early risers or dancers until dawn, we have an itinerary that starts from sun up ‘til sun down.

Start the day with something sweet. If traveling from the North, stop at Lovin Oven Cakery, a beautiful family-owned bakery in Antioch. If coming from the West, how about some tasty apple cider donuts from Long Grove Confectionery Co. And if your group is headed up from the South, Curt’s Café in Highland Park has morning start-ups with a story.

The next stop will possibly get a “Rise” out of everyone. Rise Cannabis Dispensaries in Mundelein is a free tour and presentation on the health benefits of cannabis. You will have an educator first presenting on your motorcoach to answer questions and provide insight on both the medical and adult-use/recreational cannabis. Everyone who wishes to purchase items are allowed time to go inside. A discount card is distributed on the motorcoach and the educator will discuss the process. Guidelines are sent to you in advance so everyone is prepared for this unique opportunity.

The last stop might have made everyone a little hungry, just kidding. Lunch at Lambs Farm’s Magnolia Café gives a good mid-day pause. As their mission statement says, it’s a place where “helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all.” Staff will greet you either at the Visitor Center or at lunch to discuss Lambs’ mission and how your shopping continues the residents’ way of life. Lambs is the home of their famous butter cookies and delectable treats; arrange in advance for everyone to take a bag home. Plus, don’t miss the Dogwood Garden Center and Pet Store in the original barn. Even if you don’t have pets, it’s worth the stop in there. And there are seasonal shopping options such as the greenhouse, fall produce and holiday greenery. Don’t just pass by the Cedar Chest Thrift Store as it’s bigger than it looks and contains all sorts of treasures. The Sugar Maple Country Store & Bakery features more of Lambs’ homemade items including chocolates, jams, breads and more, home décor and ice cream.

All that shopping can make a group thirsty. Only 4 minutes away is Illinois’ first craft distillery since Prohibition – North Shore Distillery. Established in 2004 by a creative husband and wife team with a deep passion for spirits and cocktails, Sonja and Derek make incredibly delicious spirits by hand. Take a tour of the production area, meet Ethel the still and then taste the one and only Lake County Sunset Sips, a refreshing drink that you can make at home as well.

If you’re still raring to go, we can arrange a dinner at one of many nearby group-friendly restaurants, dinner on your own walking up and down MainStreet Libertyville or a boxed meal at your next location – Independence Grove Forest Preserve. This premier outdoor destination was once a quarry and now is a bevy of activity for walkers, bikers, boaters and all-around nature enthusiasts. Tuesday nights during the summer, they host outdoor concerts at Millennium Plaza – an amphitheater, fountain and native garden. Tribute bands love playing here because it’s a family-friendly atmosphere and there is plenty of room for those who love to dance. The new beer garden features many Lake County makers so try a few and watch the sun go down over the lake.

Feel free to make this an overnight stay with many hotel options nearby such at Hampton Inn & Suites - Libertyville, Hotel indigo and Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Vernon Hills and Doubletree by Hilton – Mundelein. The Lincolnshire Marriott Resort is about 20 minutes away and offers even more opportunities such as golf, theater and their honey-inspired Five Eyes Honey Ale. Maybe at next day’s breakfast, Chef Pierre might give you a little insight into what it’s like harvesting honey on property. Yes, he does get stung but it’s well worth it as the honey makes it into some of their dishes.

Oh, we’re at sunrise again. Should you want to stay longer to experience the Marriott Theatre and many other options in the area, Jayne is your sunny side up tour coordinator. She’ll be happy to make your tour shine here in Lake County, Illinois.