Best Ways to Celebrate Spring on the North Shore

Posies pop up, the days lengthen, and menus for local restaurants brighten with fresh flavors of the season. Swing into Spring with a special outing to some of the North Shores’ most beautiful outdoor experiences. Great dining options along the way will make a day of it. You can expand your day-out itinerary with more Things to Do on the North Shore and the Food + Drink guide.
 

Baha'i House of Worship, Wilmette

Enjoy: Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette
Dine: Convito Café & Market, Wilmette
Overlooking glittering Wilmette Harbor and Lake Michigan, the Baha’i Temple rises like an ivory jewel catching the sunlight of longer days. The arabesque panels embrace natural light during the day and illuminate from within at night. This stunning site has no bad sides so budding photographers can stroll nine circular fragrant gardens and fountains to catch all her beautiful angles (for selfies or otherwise). Nearby Convito will spoil you after a morning visit with their incredible brunch menu featuring European delights from Beignets to Classic Mussels followed by Classic Eggs Benedicts or Tuscan Grilled Atlantic Salmon (wine and cocktails, too).
 

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Enjoy: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Dine: Spirit Elephant, Winnetka
Binoculars encouraged! The most expansive view of changing seasons is the renown Chicago Botanic Garden. Take a self-guided meander across their 385 acres of natural beauty. Or sign up for a Seasonal Tree Walk (Wednesdays) or Spring Bird Walk (Saturdays, Thursdays). To keep the plant-tastique vibe going, enjoy lunch or dinner at Spirit Elephant, a new peak in vegetarian cuisine. Entrees shine like the Meatless Loaf Bourguignon (red wine mushroom gravy, asparagus, carrots, mashed potatoes) with hand-crafted and seasonal cocktails.
 

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Evanston

Enjoy: Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
Dine: Bluestone, Evanston
Nestled in Evanston, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian offers a colorful tapestry of Indigenous art and history. Dive into a world where every exhibit tells a story. After soaking up Indigenous cultures at the museum, why not digest your day over a bite at Bluestone? It's the perfect plot twist: from cultural treasures to culinary treats, making your educational outing deliciously complete. Try flavorful dishes like the Loaded Tots (chorizo, cheddar-jack cheese, sour cream, green onions, & jalapenos on top of crispy tots) and the Bluestone Burger (1/2lb Angus Burger, blue cheese, bacon and grilled onions served on a brioche bun).
 

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, Skokie

Enjoy: Northshore Sculpture Park, Skokie
Dine: Will’s Place, Skokie
Picture perfect for a walk or bike ride short or long, this park runs for two miles like a lavish ribbon along the north channel of the Chicago River. Free and accessible to all, the outdoor museum showcases 70+ sculptures both figurative and abstract in bronze, copper, steel, concrete, and salvaged objects. With picnic areas dotted along the way, get sustenance for your art adventure with sandwiches from mission-driven Will’s Place. Coffee shop by morning, their afternoon sandwich fare is delish from a Rueben or Hot Dog to Truffled Grilled Cheese.
 

River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook

Enjoy: River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
Dine: Max and Benny’s, Northbrook
Pick from three walking trails on the River Trail Nature Center grounds through floodplain forest, wetlands, woodlands, and an ancient remnant of sugar maple-basswood forest. The mix of habitats hosts an amazing variety of birds, plants, and wildlife. Hit the Center at feeding time to see ambassador animals up close or DIY the GPS Scavenger Hunt, a technology-inspired tour. Bookend a hunt or hike at famed Jewish-American deli and bakery Max and Benny’s. Potato pancakes, blintzes, or a breakfast burrito energize before embarking or go nuts at the deli counter. 

 

The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

Enjoy: The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview
Dine: Hangar Two, Glenview
The intersection of history and nature, The Grove spreads across 150 acres of ecologically-diverse trails winding through oak-hickory savanna and wetland pools. A pit stop at the Interpretive Center to visit live birds, turtles, snakes, and fish is as entertaining as it is educational, as are the functioning Blacksmith Shop, Log Cabin, bark Longhouse, and restored Kennicott House. Then hit up Hangar Two, a next-level brewpub with its beautiful glass atrium. Along with their craft beers, the sunny brunch menu charms with options like the Paco: An affectionate pancake taco combo.

 

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