Living it up in Libertyville

This tight-knit, vibrant community has so much to offer, you can basically plan a getaway and not leave town!

You might want to check into your hotel the night before to be ready for the next day’s activities. Choose from Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Sonesta Simply Suites depending on your needs.

The Thursday morning Farmer’s Market is held at Cook Park, June – October. Nestled in the rose garden there are over 40 vendors with baked goods, coffee, local honey, cheese, rum cakes, preserves and ethnic treats such as empanadas and crepes. Speaking of treats, Libertyville is dog-friendly. Now wouldn’t that make for a tail-wagging good time? Bring a cooler for fresh produce and locally sourced meats along with vegetarian and gluten free options.

Spend some time window shopping or even better, real shopping along Main Street. Stores with apparel, home décor, antiques, holistic goods, galleries, foodstuffs and more line Milwaukee Avenue and the side streets. Among these gems is The Joyful Gourmet specializing in cookware, accessories, pre-packaged goods and wine. Their wine bar is always open to have a glass or arrange for everyone to stop by for a cooking demo with samples or an actual meal.

All that fresh air inspires an appetite. Within walking distance are several group dining options though maybe your clan will want to dine on their own. We suggest for larger groups – Mickey Finn’s Brewery (Illinois’ oldest craft brewery) or O’Toole’s of Libertyville. Smaller groups will want to linger at Casa Bonita, Main Street Social, Townee Square or for the sweet tooth – Sweet Home Gelato and Illinois’ only Duck Donuts. You’ll find many more appealing stores as you wander back to your car or motorcoach.

It's time to take all the purchases to your hotel, relax with friends and freshen up for dinner. Smaller groups will enjoy the intimate Chrissoula’s while large groups have the option of private dining at Harbor Kitchen + Tap or Jimmy’s Charhouse. Afterwards, enjoy live local musicians or a special performance with the Improv Playhouse.

After breakfast at the hotel or an amazing fill up at Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, take a morning walk with a naturalist or own your own at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Centered around a 115-acre lake, it’s the perfect way to get your steps in early plus take in the local flora, fauna, birds and wildlife. Then immerse in local history or an exhibit at the Dunn Museum. A visit to Lambs Farm is a must which supports local developmentally disabled adults with employment and a place to grow. You'll want to pick up some of their famous butter cookies and patronize its businesses such as the thrift store, pet shop and bakery. 

A stop at Reclaimed Artisans is perfect for those seeking a unique gift, vintage pieces, reclaimed furniture and handmade items. And within walking distance, throw some axes (it’s safe, we promise) at Lumberjaxe Axe Lounge for healthy competition and games. Can You Handle The AXE-CITEMENT?

After freshening up at the hotel, the group may want to engage in live music at Austin’s or a private dinner with local musicians at the Adler Arts Center.

Before heading home, the next day, release your inner peace at Salt of the Earth salt cave and spa. They provide halotherapy along with infrared sauna and zero-gravity float therapies plus massage. How about a rare opportunity to relax on a heated Himalayan salt bed!

Other options to consider when planning your Libertyville tour - Out to Lunch and First Fridays are fabulous choices along with Dickens of a Holiday. Special events such as Girls’ Night Out, Let’s Vino in the Ville, Car Fun on ’21, Lunch in the Park, MainSweet Dessert Walk and more may tickle your fancy.

Visit MainStreetLibertyville.org for up-to-date info on additional events not listed here. There is something for everyone in Libertyville; your group event will help create fond memories as well as preserve this unique downtown for years to come. Visitors to Naval Station Great Lakes, Canlan Sports Complex, GLSA Soccer Complex and Chicago Bears Training Camp, can also shop, dine and explore in Libertyville, as the aforementioned facilities are located nearby. For more information about the Lake County village, head to VisitLibertyville.com and/or LibertyvilleDining.com.