Lake Forest is an interesting town of historical facts, interesting stories, amazing homes, quaint village and those well preserved and lovingly care for trees and beach.
Not only was Lake Forest home of major innovators like Swift, Armor and Marshall Fields among many others. There are no shortages of interesting historical homes and buildings. You might see some noticeable scenes from movies too like downtown Lake Forest in Ordinary People, a home on Greenbay Road featured in Class and the Armour home in Lake Bluff used for A Wedding and countless others were filmed there.
Labor Day weekend Art Fair - Not to miss. Artisans from all over come to Lake Forest and exhibit their works outdoors in downtown Lake Forest. There is something for every style, taste AND medium. I visit this every year and always leave inspired.
Downtown Lake Forest - On the national register of historical places. Downtown Lake Forest is charming, The first shopping center in the United States, designed by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw is reminiscent of a quaint English village boasting interesting shops from family owned to national retailers. Take notice of the sculptures as they were done by Shaw's daughter and artist in her own right. BTW, Shaw's home Ragsdale located on Greenbay Road is part of the Open Lands organization and bumps up to an amazing hiking trail in the heart of Lake Forest's elite homes. Ragsdale is now used as a place for artists and writers to get away and be inspired by it's natural prairie surroundings - truly a peaceful place.
Lake Forest Library -a favorite of mine. The classic architecture is what I deem what a library should look like. Their children's collection is one not to miss.
First Presbyterian Church - houses some of the most amazing Tiffany stained glass windows in the area.
Want a get away that's charming and reminiscent of an English inn? Stay at the historic Deerpath Inn truly a lovely place year round with yummy food and a peaceful setting. Also Francesca's restaurant of the Chicago chain has a restaurant right next door too. Super yummy!
Sweets - my daughter always wants a visit here whenever we're in town. An old fashioned candy and ice cream treats store where chocolates are home-made as well as their amazing cookies and the ice cream is to die for. Major yummy!
Walking/Biking - this town has so many great areas for walking and biking I don't think you could ever get bored. Lovely streets not to miss are Deerpath, Greenbay, Mayflower, Sheridan Rd., Lake Rd. to name a few. Be careful though as many of these wind a bit. My hubby and I rode bikes on the Greenbay trail to Lake Forest, it was quite a ride but really nice.
Elawa Farms - please check my other post about this amazing place - definitely not to miss!
Don't forget...adorable, quaint and peaceful Lake Bluff too. I love this charming town. Once a weekend retreat for city dwellers. Lake Bluff boasts some amazing homes that are very reminiscent of a summer cottage. Don't miss some great downtown stops like Voila (tell Susie hi from me), Bluffington's for a bite to eat and sit at the gazebo and take it all in.
The beaches. After Labor Day non residents can visit Lake Forest beach. There is a great playground, picnic area, small boat harbor/docks and plenty of sand for a peaceful and fun experience. In the covered picnic areas there are fireplaces too on cool days and nights that are truly amazing.
Seriously year round Lake Forest/Lake Bluff is a town not to miss.
For more information Visit
Lake Forest and Lake Bluff's history http://www.lflbhistory.org/
Lake Forest Chamber of commerce - information about the downtown www.lflbchamber.com/build1/index.cfm
Restaurants and sweets!
Francesca's Restaurant http://www.miafrancesca.com/
Lovell's Restaurant http://lovellsoflakeforest.com/
Southgate Cafe http://www.southgatecafe.com/
The Lantern http://www.thelanternoflakeforest.com/
Bluffington's http://bluffingtonscafe.com/
Sweets http://sweetschocolates.com/index.php
Places to see and do!
Lake Forest Library http://www.lakeforestlibrary.org/
Lake Forest Open Lands http://www.lfola.org/
Elawa Farms http://www.elawafarm.org/
Lake Forest Art Fair www.deerpathartleague.org/af-general.htm
Ragsdale http://www.ragdale.org/
Deerpath Inn http://www.dpihotel.com/
Lake Forest Beach http://www.cityoflakeforest.com/cs/rec/cs_rec2c3.htm
Voila www.voilaantiques.com/home.html
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