Your Long Weekend Getaway on Chicago’s North Shore

Mini-breaks are a great way to refresh and recharge. You can make the most of a three-day weekend or build your own adventure with this day-by-day guide to the best spots for fun and food. There’s always more to explore with so many Things to Do on the North Shore. 

 

Central Street, Evanston

Weekend Getaway Day 1
Kick off your great getaway exploring Central Street Evanston hopping with character and darling shops like Stella, Gracie’s and Notice for treasures to fancy up yourself or your home. Terrific restaurants line this shopping district with delicious lunch fare of fresh sandwiches and salads at Great Harvest Bread Co., cold or hot sandwiches on freshly baked bread from Hewn or Ten Mile House for pizza and heartier entreés. You’ll be fueled to digest incredible contemporary and global artwork at the free-to-the-public The Block Museum of Art on Northwestern University’s stunning campus. 

Writers Theatre, Glencoe

Day 1, Continued
With Lake Michigan decorating its eastern border, Evanston shines as you stroll along Lighthouse Beach basking in the present moment or peeking into the past at the Evanston History Center in gorgeous Dawes House Mansion. Charming Hubbard Woods Design District (Winnetka) is the next must-do with more than a mile of walkable shopping and fashion finds from Randoon’s, Maddie M and more. If pasta pleases, make dinner plans for Convito Café and Market or sample the season’s best seafood Pescadero, each tasty spot in different Wilmette retail hubs. Crown the day in the architectural stunner, Writers Theatre, to be transported by their outstanding classical and contemporary plays.
 

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Weekend Getaway Day 2
Day 2 opens in a ringer for one of the most beautiful locations on Chicago’s North Shore, Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe). Whatever the weather, the gardens have spectacular sights in every season: take a snowy garden walk or check out their heated greenhouses. The flora and fauna will differ when it’s warmer but will always soothe and inspire. Enjoy lunch at a bevy of Winnetka restaurants with warm or cold Greek “mezédes” at Avli Winnekta, elevated plant-based dining at Spirit Elephant or a bounty of bistro faves at 501 Local.
 

Saranello's, Wheeling

Day 2, Continued
Exciting activities abound for another fine afternoon. As a nature lover, you can wander or hike the paths at River Trail Nature Center (Northbrook) and The Grove (Glenview). Or take the fun indoors at Pinstripes (Northbrook) for bowling and bocce with some friendly afternoon competition. Dinner is served all along Wheeling’s Restaurant Row and top-notch winner’s such as Saranello’s Ristorante Italiano for house-made pasta and Italian specialties or Rosebud Steakhouse for an authentic Chicago steakhouse experience.
 

Soul Good Coffee, Skokiee

Weekend Getaway Day 3
Treat yourself this morning and grab a soulful coffee, tea or hot chocolate at Soul Good Coffee (Skokie). Time to chill out from the busier days next with some soothing and smoothing. Skinflection Laser and Facial Spa (Lincolnwood) will set you up with a refreshing HydroFacial or other specialty treatments (IV (Intravenous) Therapy, dermaplanning) to rejuvenate outside and in. Continue the happy, healthy vibes and get lunch at cheery Will's Place (Skokie), a nonprofit café with specialty sandwiches, wraps and fresh salads. 
 

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Day 3, Continued
Time to hit the ultimate shop-til-you-drop destination: Westfield Old Orchard (Skokie) — flanked by Nordstrom, Macy’s and Crate and Barrel — now boasts an extensive Lego store with a pick-and-build wall. As you wrap up your North Shore getaway weekend, consider more than two dozen restaurants here like yummy-lively Bar Siena for an early pre-show dinner. A quick hop across the street lands you at North Shore Center for Performing Arts with a calendar bursting with concerts, dance and stirring plays and musicals in this dynamic two-theater complex.

If you’ve got more time and want to extend your play and stay on Chicago’s North Shore, check out more fun to be had when you Explore Our Attractions!