A Café, 28 Miles and Going Pazzo
Lake County, Illinois is rich in prohibition and entertainment history.
Spend the day traveling the North Shore two having good eats and drinks with a little local history lesson along the way.
Curt's Café in Highland Park, IL
Start your day a bit later in the morning at Curt’s Café in Highland Park. This “cultivating unique” restaurant employs young adults living in at-risk situations and provides them with life and work skills training. While you nosh on their signature scones, donuts, croissants, bagels and muffins, one of the staff will tell you about Curt’s mission in the area.
Learn the difference Curt’s is making and shaping the lives of so many talented people.
For some local history, visit the National Museum of the American Sailor at Naval Station Great Lakes. Or schedule a tour of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve through the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Lunch is at Slyce Highwood, where you embrace the char! This coal-fired pizza cuisine dazzles your palette, the service is exceptional and your expectations will be exceeded.
Pazzo di Vino in Highwood
Board your coach to Pazzo di Vino, Highwood’s newest winery and wine bar. Pazzo means crazy in Italiano and the DiVito family is crazy about wine. With decades of winemaking experience, owner Lorenzo DiVito has not only continued his family’s tradition but also extended it to his closest friends. Crushing grapes with his friends and family, and sharing nature’s ultimate bounty, Lorenzo has found no greater joy than making great wines to share. And it was in these moments Lorenzo got his inspiration for Pazzo di Vino. Enjoy a private wine tasting on their patio or inside the tasting room.
And lastly, you’re probably wondering about the 28 miles. 28 Mile Distilling Co. (It's not that far), which pays homage to Rose Miller, a local legend. She's not only on their logo, but in everything they do. Rose learned how to distill vodka as a teenager and, in the early 1910s made connections with all sorts – politicians, musicians and socialites of the time. She was quite something; you might say she had moxy. Prohibition opened doors for underground distribution and Highwood, only 28 miles out of Chicago, offered many customers with nearby Fort Sheridan and the Hotel Moraine’s guests. The vodka, known as “28 Special,” was sought after those with a discerning pallet.
28 Mile Distillery Co. in Highwood, IL
Today, you can tour the art deco-inspired tasting room, event space and distillery and afterward have a drink to toast Rose, who indeed led a spirited life.
Should you choose after your spirit-filled afternoon, experience an early dinner at Disotto. The family-style meal is always a hit and the food is memorable.
No matter how you arrange this tour, the history and charm of this north shore area will inspire you to come back again to Lake County.
Contact your knowledgeable Lake County Group Tour Manager Jayne Nordstrom will be on hand to assist you.
