Lake Forest Hot Spots!
Lake Forest just FEELS historic with it’s long driveways and beautiful estates along Lake Michigan. The Green Bay Trail continues to wind through here north to neighboring Lake Bluff, but that’s not the only biking path from this city, The North Shore Bike Path runs all the way to the Wisconsin Border as well as West! With wider open, green spaces and larger lot sizes, this beautiful area feels more distant from Chicago, but with it’s own downtown to visit residents aren’t missing anything!
Market Square offers shopping and dining along with a gorgeous outdoor market during the summer time! Dining favorites are Le Colonial, Kuro Bistro for one of the best sushi spots on the North Shore. Chief’s Pub is a fabulous sports bar, and a true destination, especially since there aren’t too many sports bars on the North Shore.
Lake Forest Book Store is a long-standing, quaint bookstore with just about anything in print that you need, just ask! They also have a great selection of kids toys and gifts for all ages. Plus, who doesn’t want to support a local bookstore?! For more toys, visit Sage Explorers and don’t forget to say hi, to the adorable Shlifka family at
Kiddles Sports.
Deer Path Inn is iconic for good reason! There’s really something for every occasion and it’s so beautiful. Deer Path Inn’s Pub has great pub food, offers a quant European vibe and you can also get sushi from The Bar. There’s also Deer Path Inn English Room & Garden – We love coming here for special occasions but really you must go when you can sit in the actual English garden. Wednesday through Friday you can make a reservation for afternoon tea, and yes, this is a family friendly outing. This place is so transportive! But hands down one of our favorite
date night spots is The Pub and The Bar at Deer Path Inn – heads up they don’t take reservations here.
More date night options that we love include
Authentico for upscale latin and another great Ballyhoo Hospitality,
Le Colonial.
Duffer’s Pub is great for family fun where you can hang with at this indoor virtual driving range.
Stop into
Kung Fu Tea for the highly sought after boba tea!
The perfect date is complete with a production from Lake Forest’s finest,
The Citadel Theatre! Here you can see classics like Alice In Wonderland to A Night at the Moulin Rouge and loads of other small adaptations.
And speaking of things to do with the kids, you’ve got to check out
Gorton Community Center which host to more theatrical productions, family-friendly events, cooking classes, martial arts and more.
Another gorgeous beach you can’t ignore is
Forest Beach in Lake Forest, however, the daily entrance fee per person is a whopping $25 and there is no non-resident parking available. Park in any of the public lots downtown for a 3/4 stroll to the beach.
Shopping:
Park in
Market Square and you’re set for an afternoon of strolling. Don’t miss the family owned and operated
Kiddle’s Sports for all things bikes! And stop into the 75-year-old
Book Stall for great gifts and book browsing, including that new book smell!
