How To Make The Most Of Your 20s in Lake County
By: Kelli Smith 03/12/2021
The 20s are known to be the prime of your life and there's no better place to meet people and delight in a weekend of fun and festivities than in Lake County.
Whether you are looking for a weekend of libations, a new fine dining experience, a walk in the park or entertainment, Lake County is full of great spots for our 20-somethings. Check out our top things to do in your 20s here in Lake County.
Grab a Bite
- If you want to "Maki" your dinner special, one of the most instagrammable cuisine can be found at Shakou in Downtown Libertyville. Roll in with your closest friends and grab a table at this Japanese eatery. INFO»
- Tasty Tuesday is best paired with Taco Tuesday and a margarita or two. Head to Casa Bonita in Libertyville for the most burrito-ful Mexican dishes. The drink menu is pretty spectacular as well. INFO»
- If you're looking to eat outside and gaze at one of the many bodies of water we have here in Lake County, head to Lindy's Landing. Typically paired with live music on the weekends, this food spot is a great place to pair vitamin D and your favorite American cuisine. After dinner, sit beachside by the fire and delight in s'mores by the shore. INFO»
- Drink, play and eat and Fatman's in Gurnee. Stuff your faces with slices of 'za, wings and libations. During the summer, check out the volleyball league with your friends. Head to the sand and bump, set and spike with your teammates or take a back seat and cheer on the best teams in the league. INFO»
Drink the Night Away
- If you're looking for vino vibes, a relaxing evening with friends and a unique tasting experience, head to Vigneto del Bino Vineyard & Winery in Antioch. Take in the beautiful 10 acres of grapevines and snap a picture or two as you sip on refreshing red and whites at the Lake County Libation Trail partner. INFO»
- If brewskis are more your speed, head to Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein. The Lake County Libation Trail participant has drafts for every season, with suds suitable for anyone’s pallette. The brewpub also has Rose Ciders and White Claws for those who don't care for a beer. Stop in for entertainment, good company and enough brewage to get you through the night! INFO»
- Looking for a freshly crafted beer brewed on site? Head to Buffalo Creek Brewing Company in Historic Downtown Long Grove. This former art studio and now Bavarian-themed taproom and biergarten will blow you away. Sips on suds and challenge a friend in a bags tournament. With an expansive beautiful outdoor seating area, Buffalo Creek is ready to take on beer lovers in any season. INFO»
Appreciate the Outdoors
- Head to Independence Grove in Libertyville via bike, foot, skateboard, rollerblades or whatever your heart desires. Get your daily dose of exercise and exploration in and stroll around 115 acres of trails. This Libertyville forest preserve is perfect for a day alone, a walk paired with coffee to catch up with a friend or a puppy play date. . INFO»
- The Chicago Botanic Garden is a phenomenal spot for those who love flowers, plants and being one with nature. Bring your favorite book and bask in the beautiful scenery, bring a notepad and create a drawing or two or bring your camera for a photoshoot. Whatever you do while you're there, be sure to capture the beauty of it all. INFO»
- Get your pup in the car and head to the Duck Farm Dog Park. Located in Lake Villa, the Lake County Forest Preserve area is the ideal location to let your dog roam free. Tire your dog out and get your exercise in. The Duck Farm Dog Park is a great place for a puppy play date. INFO»
- Make a splash to cool off during the hot midwest days this summer at the Waukegan Municipal Beach. Take a dip in the cold and refreshing Lake Michigan or sit out on the sand with a book, a picnic or your favorite board game with friends. This Waukegan spot is perfect for meeting up with friends or a solo day in the sun. INFO»
Treat Yourself
- Support local biz and pamper your taste buds by heading to Curt's Cafe in Highland Park. The mission of Curt's Cafe is to improve outcomes for young adults living in at-risk situations through work and life skill training. The nonprofit bistro transforms the lives of many as these talented individuals are trained as baristas, confectioners and chefs. Head here for a drink and some treats to go. INFO»
- Ice cream fan favorite Oberweis, located in Gurnee, is the best spot to end a night with friends. Order a sundae or intricate cone orand challenge a friend in chess, checkers or the other various board games dispersed throughout the ice cream shop. Win or lose, at least you got a delicious dessert. INFO»
- A go-to for breakfast or a sweet snack, head to Lolo's Bowls in Libertyville for açaí bowls, smoothies and other sweet healthy treats. Lolo's bowls can satisfy any sweet tooth with chocolate and berry bliss. INFO»
Shop Until You Drop
- Looking to make a day out of shopping? Mellody Farms in Vernon Hills has everything. Stop at HomeGoods for all of your redesigning needs, Nordstrom to keep up with the most recent trends and Athleta for some new athleisure apparel! Afterwards, grab a coffee and a book from Barnes & Noble and enjoy the rest of your relaxing afternoon in Vernon Hills. INFO»
- Some things never go out of style. Head to the Volo Antique Mall and find 100s of Lake County hidden treasures. From vinyls, art pieces, china and vintage toys, the Volo Antique Mall is one of the area’s best kept shopping secrets. INFO»
- Support local shops and head to Downtown Highland Park for a day full of perusing. Pick out some modern jewelry, an outfit for the upcoming season, a new skincare routine or decor for your home. These local Lake County shops have your favorite brands and the hottest trends. INFO»
Catch a Show
- Catch the hottest blockbuster movies at one of the many theaters in Lake County. Head to the AMC Hawthorn in Vernon Hills, Marcus Cinemas in Gurnee or Regal Cinemas in Lincolnshire. Whether you're interested in the hottest rom-com of the season, the newest superhero movie, or an Oscar nominated drama, Lake County theaters have you covered. INFO»
- Live entertainment is the best entertainment. As we deal with the effects of the pandemic, Genesee Theatre, a Lake County mainstay that hosts shows ranging from fine art ballets, stand-up comedies and several genres of music, is presenting Genesee Street Cabaret. The live productions are temporarily being held at Three Brothers Theatre down the road. This Waukegan theatre’s luxurious brand of entertainment is perfect for a date night, friends night out or just to flat out get you on your feet. INFO»
