Serenity Will Find You If You Seek It

If practicing forgiveness isn’t your thing and you’re looking for the best places to find “serenity now,” don’t bottle up your emotions. Get out and take a deep breath at these places of Zen in the Chicago Southland.

Lake Katherine Nature Center: Whether you fish, kayak, walk or simply appreciate the amazing outdoor views, enjoy a wide variety of peaceful and serene activities to help you get your mind straight.

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park: If 100 acres of prairie landscape with 33 large-scale sculptures isn’t enough to create peaceful calmness, then bring some great food and have a picnic while absorbing your artistic surroundings.

Day spas: Need to be pampered? There’s plenty of options in the Chicago Southland, including Belle Lueur Wellness Spa in Flossmoor, Jeffrey LaMorte Salon & Day Spa in Frankfort and Orland Park, Royal Salt Cave & Spa in Frankfort or Serenity Day Spa in Hazel Crest.

Public libraries: With 60 communities in the Chicago Southland, it’s not hard to Google search the nearest public library if “page turning” is your way of a restful recharge.

Paint and sip: The Visit Chicago Southland Cheers & Beers guide has all the best locations to grab a drink. But if pairing it with painting sounds peaceful, check out Bottle & Bottega Homewood.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago: The unconditional love of animals is very soothing. Enjoy the lions and tigers and bears without exclaiming “Oh my!”

Shopping: Although it might not bring peace of mind to your significant other, dropping some dough at the Orland Square mall, downtown Flossmoor and/or in Historic Downtown Frankfort for your retail therapy. 

Outdoor bliss: Whether it’s bird watching, waterfalls, garden walks or house walks, check out the Outdoor Bliss travel inspiration. And don’t miss out on the Shakespeare Garden at Moraine Valley Community College, where the theater department often performs in its blooming garden along the brick-lined pathway.

Yoga: While there’s plenty of places to practice your downward dog, you won’t find a more beautiful and tranquil setting than at The Wildflower Farm in Monee.