Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carpentersville, IL to Skokie, IL
The drive from Carpentersville to Skokie may not be very long, only about 35 miles, but it can be tiring for those who make it often. The good news is that there are several unexpected stops along the way where one can explore Illinois' hidden gems. It is time to get off the highway and take some roads less traveled. Here are five unexpected places to visit while traveling from Carpentersville to Skokie.
Halfway Point: Mount Prospect, IL
Mount Prospect, a northwest suburb of Chicago, is a halfway point between Carpentersville and Skokie. Rest up your car and your legs by spending a few hours exploring the town's treasures. Historical society and museum (101 S Maple St) provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the town's history, including early settlers' lives, businesses, schools, and social and religious organizations. Taking a stroll to scenic Randhurst Village (Rand and Elmhurst Roads) adds a shopping element to your trip. Providing shopper-friendly access to twenty-four retailers, several restaurants, and a flagship AMC theater, Randhurst Village encourages you to stay for dinner and a movie.
1. Barrington, IL
Drive about ten miles east on Highway 14 to find one of the most beautiful suburbs of Chicago, Barrington. Barrington offers more than just a picturesque setting with its great food scene and walkable downtown. The ice cream lovers among your travel party will want to pay a visit to the Anderson's Candy Shoppe (118 W Main St) and treat themselves to their well-established, homemade ice cream. The nature enthusiasts will want to plan an extended journey to Citizens Park (511 Lake Zurich St), casting a line in the Mahoney Lake or taking in a Trail walk.
2. Highland Park, IL
A twenty-mile drive from Barrington leads to another northern suburb of Chicago, Highland Park, which offers one of the best undeveloped Nature Preserves in the Chicago metro area. A must-see is the vast Edward L. Ryerson Nature Preserve (21650 North Riverwoods Road), offering several well-marked hiking trails through an array of habitats. Glencoe Bahn Mi (727 Vernon Ave) Check out Glencoe Bahn Mi for their mouth-watering Banh Mi sandwiches to help assuage those hunger pangs.
3. Wilmette, IL
Definitely off the major highway, Wilmette is a quaint yet sophisticated village situated between Evanston and Lake Michigan. The first stop in Wilmette should be Gillson Park (800 Gillson Park Drive), with its fantastic beach view and natural beauty. One can also partake in some swimming, or, if you are feeling more active, rent a paddleboat or kayak to indulge in Lake Michigan's majesty. Once done with the park, satisfy your appetite at Nick's Neighborhood Bar & Grill (1168 Wilmette Ave), a neighborhood place serving up delicious burgers, Thai chicken wraps, and seafood delicacies.
4. Skokie, IL
Of course, the destination city of Skokie has plenty to offer visitors to this northern Illinois town. Most prominently, The Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park (East side of McCormick Blvd., from Dempster St. to Touhy Ave) offers a delightful walk through a variety of fun, whimsical, and engaging sculptures. Can't miss eating at The Boiler Shrimp & Crawfish (3445 Dempster St) for spicy, mouth-watering crawfish, shrimp, and crab in delicious spices.
Conclusion
Even with such a short distance between Carpentersville and Skokie, Illinois, there is still plenty to see and do along this route. In under an hour, you can learn about Illinois' history and see some impressive sculptures while also enjoying some of the best food that the state has to offer. By taking these side trips, visitors will be less stressed, more relaxed, well-fed, and treated to some of the most beautiful scenic spots the Midwest has to offer.