We don't often talk much about our southern neighbor, with which we have a fairly edgy relationship, so to speak. But, whether or not you like to admit it, Illinois has a lot to offer visitors. After all, Chicago is a world class city and there are treasures farther afield, like Mies van der Rohe's mold-shattering Farnsworth House southwest of the Windy City. Kids love Great America and music lovers treasure Ravinia.
So, if you've got a weekend day open and you're looking for something interesting to do, but feel like you've seen it all in southeastern Wisconsin, nobody will be too mad if you decide to visit northern Illinois.
Here are some suggestions:
Lambs Farm (I-94 & Rte. 176, Libertyville, (847) 362-4636), is a non-profit organization that helps provide life and work experiences to developmentally disabled people. But it's also a mecca of fun for the whole family, with mini golf, rides, a petting zoo, a thrift shop, country store and the Country Inn Restaurant.
Serpent Safari (Gurnee Mills Mall, Gurnee, (847) 855-8800), located in the region's largest outlet mall, across from the Rainforest Cafe, is open year 'round and offers a look at exotic reptiles, including the world's largest snake (403 lbs!) and the world's only pair of albino iguanas. You can even host a creepy, crawly birthday party there!
Cuneo Museum and Gardens (1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, (847) 362-3042) is a 32-room Italian villa, packed with art and antiques, located in 75 acres of beautiful gardens, dotted with fountains, deer and peacocks. Built in 1914 for Com Ed founder Samuel Insull, it was purchased by John F. Cuneo in 1937 and it remained in his family until 1990.
Historic Long Grove (Rtes. 83 & 53, 35 miles northwest of Chicago, (847) 634-0888) is a lovely little crossroads town that is now loaded with charming shops and restaurants. Shop for art, clothing, jewelry, candles, candy, quilts, dolls and more and then sate your hunger at The Village Tavern, The Tuscan Table or any of a number of dining options.
Sears Catalog Home Walking-Driving Tour (Downers Grove, (800) 934-0615) offers a glimpse into the world of early pre-fab houses, sold through the Sears catalog. Between 1908-'40, Sears offered nearly 500 different models of "kit" houses, with prices ranging from $146.25 to $5,140. This Downers Grove tour takes in 27 examples, from Starlight bungalows to more spacious Lexington colonials. A free informative brochures leads the way and explains what you're looking at.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (I-90 & Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, (800) 544-2001) is a little further into Chicagoland than the other places listed here, but it offers a great chance to leap back into the Middle Ages with a four-course Medieval-style feast. All the while, you'll be entertained by horsemanship, pageantry and a jousting tournament in a recreated 11th century castle. While you're down in Schaumburg, you can pop into the IKEA for some fun Swedish-style shopping or visit Woodfield Mall, one of the region's largest (there's a Nordstrom's in the mall and a Nordstrom's outlet across Golf Rd.!).
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
