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, Corked Wine Bar, Joanie's Pizzeria of Long Grove 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 1849. 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 three partners: Bosacki’s Brewery, Tonality Brewing Co. and 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 Countryside Golf Course in Mundelein. Or you can grab a bike from Grayslake Bike Share Program and pedal down 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. 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, Independence Grove 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 by the 110-acre lake. Not to mention their Craft Beer Garden that features myriad Lake County Libation Trail partners suds and vino. 

EVENTS

No matter the time of year there's a marquee event for you and the family on Route 83: the 95th annual Lake County Fair (July 26-30) and "Evil Dead: The Musical!" (July 12-21) in Grayslake (at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center and the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts respectively), Thunder on the Chain Drag Boat Races (Thursdays through late August) and Taste of Summer (July 18-21) in Antioch or splashing in Diamond Lake Beach or watching the pro cyclists zip down through downtown Mundelein at the Chicago Grit formerly called the Intelligensia Cup Grand Prix (July 22). 

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 or see myriad selections all in one location at Beer Bazaar in Grayslake. If you're looking for eats to enjoy at your overnight stay, Libertyville Prairie Farm Store in Grayslake also provides organically grown fare grown within 300 miles of the store. 

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 or The Latte Cafe and Bakery 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. Gale Street Inn is also another great dinner spot for great chops, ribs and more. The youngsters can see the eclectic-colored fish, while you pick out your lobster of choice. If you're looking for the more casual route, head to Bill's Pizza & Pub.

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. 

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, Cafe Ruiz, The Rivalry Alehouse, Johnny's Snack Shop, Oliverii North and more. 

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