Lake County Train Crawl

By: Jonathan Jones 10/15/2013

So I’m a 20 something (at least for another few months), and with (almost) ten full years of experience at finding things to do in Lake County, I like to consider myself, a bit of an expert.  I like to try new things, and I've recently decided to plan a local train crawl for a friend's birthday.

Obviously, I’ll make the hike to “the city” when there’s something big going on... I mean... it's CHICAGO!  But for the most part, my friends and I would MUCH rather explore places that have a little bit more of that “Cheers” feel, and that leave little more change in my pocket.

Train Crawl:  Metra North Line (Check your train times!  The train doesn’t run all night, and I don’t want anyone getting left behind!  We’ve all been there…)

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Waukegan – Greentown Tavern Author Ray Bradbury wrote about his childhood town of Waukegan in several of his most famous fictional works, only he called it “Greentown”.  Today, the Greentown Tavern honors this point of pride with its name, and with its inspirational and electric atmosphere.  They pride themselves as “a beer aficionado’s paradise” and are open til 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  Enjoy!

Lake Bluff - Lake Bluff Brewing Company A “must” for anyone who loves a good craft beer!  This place is constantly changing their selection of craft brews, and has even started including home brewers to help bring you the best beer out there!  It's also really easy to support this bar because not only are their beers amazing and they have delicious food, but they are also really connected to the community and support environmentally friendly practices.  They even offer tickets for $10 to tour their brewery on select Sundays, and that price even includes a sampler.

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Lake Forest - Chief’s Pub Nothing pairs with pizza, burgers, and delicious food, like your choice of unique craft beers.  Following in his father’s footsteps, Chief Chuck Knesley has decorated his bar with his family’s tradition of firefighting.  Check out their one of a kind collection of Chicago Firefighter gear and step into some family history.

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Highwood Tap House Grill – Burgers, Music and 25 beers on tap plus bottles and cans!  Check out the uniquely designed areas throughout the bar.  It really provides a lot of different looks, all within one location.  Open til 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Bridie McKenna’s  - Classic Irish Pub with a large beer selection and live Irish music to really help set the tone for a fun night.  More than 20 beers on draft and plenty of whiskeys for the Irish (at heart).  A family favorite during the days, feel free to stick around for that cozy pub feeling until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. (Remember your train times!!)

Whether you decide to conquer this adventure during the day or at night, or maybe even continue on into Chicago, this train crawl is a great way to experience some of the unique downtown areas and nightlife that Lake County has to offer.

Wherever your ride takes you in Lake County be sure to share your photos with #VisitLakeCounty