Lake County Road Trips - Route 83

"Get your motor runnin'. Head out on the highway. Looking for adventure In whatever comes our way…"

A tour starting with chocolate definitely has a "sweet" note about it. The Long Grove Confectionery Co. offers a view into the chocolate and candy production and ends in the store. The legendary candy company will get you jazzed up to begin your trek.

Witness and/or partake in art creation at Patterson Glass in Mundelein. The Illinois-Made facility offers a glassblowing class, provides a demonstration or visitors could just shop the studio. Follow up your artistic session across town at Bill's Pizza and Pub to treat your taste buds.

Or you can take a trip down to Historic Downtown Long Grove with restaurants that are sure to cure your pickiest eaters appetite with options like Chatter Box of Long Grove, Sorelle Italian Market and Cafe or the village's eldest eatery Village Tavern.

As the oldest restaurant/drinking hole in Illinois (and probably in the top 10 in the U.S.), The Village Tavern has been in continuous operation since 1847. In classic roadhouse fashion, this woman-owned restaurant has been a favorite watering hole in Lake County for generations. A spacious dining room and antique bar area preserve the establishment’s rustic authenticity. Especially cool is the massive 35-foot mahogany bar, which survived Chicago’s ‘Great McCormick Place Fire’ in the 1960s. This classic restaurant's warm and friendly ‘pub’ atmosphere attracts locals and tourists alike.

For dessert, head across the street to Tony Cannoli for another Illinois-Made experience. As the sun goes down in the village, visitors can wet their whistle with to partners from the Lake County Libation Trail, a collection of breweries, distilleries and wineries serving craft adult beverages. Mundelein is home to Illinois-Made Tighthead Brewing Co.

"Let's Go, Take a Ride"

Continue northbound to the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake, where a special event is always happening. Not only do they host the annual county fair, they present ongoing antique, crafts, RV, boating and other weekend shows throughout the year.

Visit the Lake County Forest Preserve District-run Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County in Libertyville, showcasing local land of lakes history, interactive and traveling exhibits, including the oldest artifact, a fossil rock estimated to be 420 million years old and more. Learn more about the dinosaurs that lived in Lake County, and get up close and personal with our very own Dryptosaurus.

Nestled in Long Grove, the Sock Monkey Museum is a delightful haven where whimsy and nostalgia meet. Housing a charming collection of Sock Monkeys, each with a unique tale, the museum celebrates the reunion of these lovable creatures, affectionately termed "Solemates." From cheerleader outfits to pink boa feathers, every Sock Monkey carries a past, yet all share a common purpose: spreading joy and smiles. The museum's origins trace back to the discovery of a Sock Monkey mascot in 2006, leading a family on a quest to bring together these delightful companions.

Through diverse means, including estate sales, gifts and online discoveries, the museum has amassed over 2,000 Sock Monkey relatives over 16 years. Visitors are welcomed not just as observers but as participants in a heartwarming narrative where the spirit of adventure and togetherness thrives, embodied by these timeless and endearing creations. The Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove recently earned a Guinness World Record for having the largest collection of handmade sock monkeys in the world.

A little fun in the sun on the links is not a bad option as well. Tee off and yell FORE at Brae Loch Golf Club in Mundelein. Or you can take a hike down the Millennium Trail and Greenway.

LUNCH

The midday meal brings so many options for your taste buds from brunch to international eats, to American cuisine to Greek and everything in between with plenty of outdoor dining during the summer. Grab a bite at Joanie's Pizzeria of Long Grove, J J Twigs in Antioch, First Draft in Grayslake or Lou Malnati's in Buffalo Grove. Check out our Dining Guide for all the options. Then, stroll and visit the mom-and-pop shops in Libertyville. Or, for the more adventurous and recreation-spirited, Ray Lake Forest Preserve. This premier sanctuary boasting beautiful native plants and flowers has a little bit for everyone – trails for walking and biking, boating, birdwatching and a serene setting complemented by an innovative playground for the youngsters.

EVENTS

No matter the time of year there's a marquee event for you and the family on Route 83: the 97th annual Lake County Fair (July 29-Aug. 2) and "Jagged Little Pill" (July 17-26) in Grayslake (at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center and the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts respectively), It's Thursday Concert Series at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center in Antioch (Thursdays through late August) and Park on Park in downtown Mundelein (second Wednesday of each month through September) or watching the pro cyclists zip down through downtown Mundelein at the Chicago Grit formerly called the Intelligensia Cup Grand Prix (July 20). Be sure to check out a can't-miss festival like Elote Fest in Round Lake Beach (Aug. 28-30)

SHOPPING

Looking for a memory making piece at one of these fine establishments along Route 83? There are plenty of options. If you'd like a selection from the Lake County Libation Trail, you can visit one of the breweries, wineries or distilleries. If you're looking for eats to enjoy at your overnight stay, Liberty Prairie Farm Store in Grayslake or take to a trusty steed on an adventure at Susanna Farms in Lake VIlla.

Speaking of organic eats, there are a ton of possibilities from Lake County's Farmers Market scene. If your sweet tooth is what ails ya, head to Lovin Oven Cakery in Antioch for wonderful confections.

DINNER

The legendary seafood house, Dover Straits Restaurant is highlighted by fresh seafood, delectable chops, live entertainment and an exceptional cocktail bar. If you're looking for the more casual route, head to BBQ'd Productions in Third lake.

Rest your head, easy, with several options, including Doubletree by Hilton Libertyville-Mundelein, Comfort Inn and Suites in Mundelein or Hampton Inn & Suites in Libertyville. If the parental unit needs another form of relaxation and unwinding your mind after a long day chilling in the hotel, visit RISE Dispensaries Mundelein or Terrabis Mundelein Dispensary.

Finish your trek to the northernmost part of this itinerary, charming downtown Antioch. Boutiques, one-of-a-kinds, antiques, a movie theatre, a playhouse, an old-time candy shop, restaurants and more, await. Next visit the historic Hiram Buttrick Sawmill for a scenic snap. Boat rentals along the nearby Chain O’Lakes State Park get you on the water, a wonderful hike in the picturesque state park, horseback riding exploration or rest your head at the campsite. Antioch offers a variety of dining options like Station 51 Truck Company Bar & Grill, Pops Uptown Supper Club, Oliverii North and more. For a brew or sip of wine, head down the Lake County Libation Trail boasting venues like Harbor Brewing Co. and 9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa or Valentino's Vineyard in Long Grove

Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake

Lake County Road Trips - Route 83

"Get your motor runnin'. Head out on the highway. Looking for adventure In whatever comes our way…"

Activities

Dining and Craft Brews

Lodging

Shopping