Four Seasons, Four Agendas

Looking to spend a weekend in the Chicago Southland? There’s so much to see and do no matter the season. We’ve done the work for you and put together a fun, weekend list of itinerary ideas for each season.

IN THE WINTER

Saturday:

• Rent snowshoes at Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher and explore the terrain
• Enjoy lunch at Fogon Contemporanean Kitchen in Matteson for upscale Mexican dishes with a fusion twist
• Stroll through Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights to see work by local artists
• Head indoors for some virtual reality play at Gamma VR in Lansing
• Stop by One Trick Pony in Lansing for a pint
• Dine at The Carraig Irish Pub at Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest for some Irish comfort food

Sunday:

• Do some indoor shopping at Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge
• Take a drive around Homewood to view the Richard Haas murals
• Take a winter hike at Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland
• Play some arcade games at Dave & Buster’s in Orland Park
• End your trip with dinner and a wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Orland Park

IN THE SPRING

Saturday:

• Take a walk or bike ride on the Pennsy Greenway in Calumet City and Lansing
• Visit the Lansing Historical Society & Museum
• Take a drive by the Ford Airport Hangar and visit the Lansing Veterans Memorial
• Enjoy lunch at Kdulche Cafe in Lansing
• Do some fishing at Wampum Lake in Thornton
• Have a Reuben sandwich with homemade potato chips at J.J. Kelley’s in Lansing

Sunday:

• Attend a Sunday service at the historic Greenstone United Methodist Church in Chicago’s historic Pullman area
• Take a walk around the Pullman State Historic Site in Chicago and stop at the Pullman National Historical Park NPS Visitor Center
• Have lunch at Labas Latte & Vino in Monee
• Rent a canoe or kayak at Monee Reservoir in Monee
• Enjoy dinner at Cultivate Community Table in Frankfort
• Have a drink at Copper Still Martini Bar & Lounge in Homewood

IN THE SUMMER

Saturday:

• Visit the Frankfort Country Market
• Enjoy a delicious pasta lunch at Francesca’s Fortunato in Frankfort
• Head to The Center in Palos Park to meet some farm animals and take a hayride
• Ride go-karts at Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center in Burbank
• Enjoy some local live music at CD&ME in Frankfort

Sunday:

• Spend the morning taking a walk and exploring Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights
• Play a round of golf at Ravisloe Country Club in Homewood or Glenwoodie Golf Club in Glenwood
• Have lunch on the patio at Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
• Cool off at the Centennial Park Aquatic Center in Orland Park      
• Have some dinner at Papa Joe’s of Orland Park
• Get an Original Rainbow Cone in Orland Park or Flossmoor
• Have a glass of mead at Wild Blossom Meadery, Winery & Brewery in Chicago

IN THE FALL

Saturday:

• Stop by the Main Street Market in Park Forest with 36 produce, bakery and other food vendors
• Take a drive along the Illinois Lincoln Highway to see the interpretive murals
• Check out Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen with rides, animals, haunted barn, apple doughnuts and more
• Enjoy a classic thin crust pizza at Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood
• Seek out a local haunted house to tour

Sunday:

• Have brunch at Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe in Burbank
• Experience the 30-acre Shrine of Christ’s Passion in nearby St. John, Indiana, and walk the paths with gardens and life-sized bronze sculptures
• Get a grinder for lunch at Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders in Lansing
• Then walk down a couple doors for some ice cream or candy at Gayety’s Chocolates & Ice Cream Co. in Lansing
• Explore the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Park
• End your visit with a flight at Evil Horse Brewing Company in Crete