Barrel of Sock Monkeys
Rediscover Historic Downtown Long Grove with a full day of surprises. Create a unique trip to the Sock Monkey Museum, shop for treats, brush up on your local history, and unwind on the cobblestone streets. You might have more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
Stretch your legs with a walking tour with the historical society. Hear about the town’s origins; the infamous flagpole and how it was connected to area mobsters, they weren’t just in Chicago! And ask, maybe they’ll tell you a ghost story or two. Arrange for a group photo in front of the famous Long Grove covered bridge.
The Sock Monkey had its origins in Illinois, see one of the world’s largest private collections in our own Sock Monkey Museum. Tour the colorful yet educational exhibits which are steeped in sock history (there’s even a sockumentary) and make your own sock monkey for an additional fee. Don’t forget to pick up a few souvenirs in the gift shop, they are hard to resist.
Lunch options include a pizza at nearby Joanie’s Pizzeria, creative cuisine at Chatterbox or a plated meal at Illinois’ oldest operating establishment – The Village Tavern. You can even let your group loose to find their own bunch of bananas.
After lunch, it’s time to feed the beast with some delicious treats. Signature Popcorn carries chocolate covered banana popcorn, Broken Bridge Treats is the home to the original stained-glass dome and an array of chocolate candies, including See's Candies. Covered Bridge Creamery satisfies those wanting something in a cone or cup while Long Grove Confectionery stocks those mouth-watering cider donuts and Myrtles™. Don’t forget to visit the unique shops such as The Irish Boutique for that one-of-a-kind gift or something for yourself.
Can’t get enough of hands-on activities then you definitely want to make a stop at Ma & Pa’s Candy. This old-fashioned candy store will take your group through some dipping or cotton candy classes and of course, it’s to take home. Large groups will want to split up and shop while others are making tasty creations.
Have your group meet at Buffalo Creek Brewing for a brewery tour. It will just cost you a foamy beverage, maybe a Marrvelous, Red-Headed Stepchild or a Long Grove Lager to name a few. If your group prefers wine, Broken Earth Winery offers their Paso Robles wines along with other beer and spirits in their lovely tap room.
Can’t get enough monkey business? Less than 15 minutes away is Copper Fiddle Distillery for a “Monkey Fist” made with their bourbon whiskey and banana spiced bourbon. It’s so good, you’ll be swinging from the trees!
Don’t make a monkey out of yourself and head home too early! We have several options to have a relaxing dinner, entertainment and stay overnight. You are so close to Ravinia Festival, North America’s oldest outdoor music festival or the nation’s most subscribed musical theater, Marriott Theatre. Choose from several types of full-service or limited-service hotels to rest your heads. You’ll wake up refreshed and as happy as a monkey with a new banana. Contact Jayne Nordstrom, Group Tour Manager to create a tour just for your troop. 847-662-3993, [email protected]
