A Procrastinator’s Guide to the end of Summer

By: Jonathan Jones 08/26/2013

Every year I decide that this is the summer I’m going to take advantage of the weather and do as many fun things as I can manage.  But then today, I realized it’s August 23.  And that means there’s only one month of summer left.  30 days.  …4 weekends.  So I’m deciding to make this weekend count and you can too by visiting some of Lake County’s summer favorites.

Ravinia Festival Dust off the picnic basket that you promised you’d use more this year, because guess what!  You’re actually going to use it!  Pack it up with some fancy cheese and crackers, some of the organic fruit you got at your local farmers market, and grab your favorite blanket.  It really doesn’t matter if you’ve never heard of the performer(s) that are playing Ravinia, because the experience is always fabulous.  Oh, what’s that?  Packing a picnic involves too much planning?  You can even order a gourmet picnic when you get there!

The shores of Lake Michigan Just because we didn’t book a tropical vacay this year, doesn’t mean we can’t still dig our toes into some sand.  There are plenty of beaches along Lake Michigan to set up your stay-cation for the day.  Go for a swim and then lay out as the sounds of the water gently lap along the beach.  Can’t make it to Lake Michigan and looking for something closer?  Check out this guide to beaches in Lake County.

Chain O’Lakes As a top notch procrastinator, I experienced the Chain O’Lakes for the first time this year.  Rent a boat and spend the day on the water.  Stop for lunch at Port O’Blarney, named the "Key West of the Midwest" because of their extra beachy ambiance.  Enjoy waterside dining and a try a beverage from their Tiki Bar.   And bring Fido because they now have a dog friendly waterfront area!

Six Flags People come from all over the world to visit Six Flags in Gurnee and it’s right in our back yard.  Even if you’ve been there before, they’ve added a lot of new things this year, including their igNight Grand Finale show, complete with a giant projection show, fireworks, and live performances.  Shop the stores at Gurnee Mills right across the street and see their newly revamped wing, including Charming Charlie’s and Macy’s just to name a few!

Chicago Botanic Gardens What’s not to love about 26 gardens on 385 acres?  If that hasn’t won you over, how about activities for kids and adults and free admission.  ($25 per car… but still!)  There’s so much offered here that even if you procrastinate right through this weekend, there’s always something coming up just around the corner.

Lakeside Dining And if all of these suggestions can’t overpower your need to procrastinate, then here’s the fail safe:  Lakeside Dining.  You have to eat anyway so it might as well be at a beautiful restaurant with a waterfront experience.  Plus, there are a bunch of little mom and pop restaurants to explore!  Visit our boating website for more information on Lakeside Dining.