plan your spring break and Lemont Staycation
Spring Break is upon us, but you don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors, adventure, and ambitious restaurants and spirits. Here are our top picks for how to Staycation in Lemont.
Treat Yourself to Fine Dining
We all know that one of the best parts about going on vacation is the good eats. Lucky for you, our Downtown has cocktails and cuisine to rival any destination. Dorothy and Larry Lantz are restaurant veterans who opened Barrel & Vine in 2021. Executive Chef Julio Nunez serves up a New American menu with a creative twist, featuring dishes such as smoked salmon carpaccio, churrasco hanger steak, and a signature carbonara. Pair one of those items with a crafted cocktail, a local or global wine, or a whiskey from their extensive selection!
Wooden Paddle is another locally owned gem that we can’t recommend enough. While creative wood-fired pizzas are their signature, their whole menu of shareable plates is delicious and allows you to try a bit of everything. Wooden Paddle’s cocktail menu and very-Instagrammable modern decor or plates seal the deal for us as a must-go spot for a special night out!
Book a Stay & Shop Downtown
The Inn at Smokey Row is a little know gem of our downtown and a perfect escape. This b&b hosts charming rooms with well-appointed antique furniture, a common parlor area and kitchen, and an outdoor deck, there are plenty of places to rest and relax. Coffee and breakfast are served every morning by the loving owners, Sue & Roy. From this conveniently located inn, you can walk along the I&M canal and explore the nearby restaurants and shops.
Once inspired by the vintage vibe of the adjacent Smokey Roy Antiques store, continue your journey down memory lane by heading to Mabel’s Market on Canal Street. Mabel's Market offers treasure seekers a collection of farmhouse, cottage, and vintage wares, rustic and re-purposed furniture and home goods, as well as locally hand-crafted accessories. Across the street, owner Sommer Steele has opened a children’s bookstore called Three Stories Books. This whimsical shop is a perfect spot for family reading time or gifts for your favorite little ones. Other must-hit spots include 1 Happy Girl and Jilley’s Boutique for clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, scarves, and more. Because remember, staycations are just like vacations, so you get to treat yourself!
Rent Bikes & Ride to The Forge
The Forge Lemont Quarries is an enormous adventure park and natural area located just east of Lemont Downtown. Start your visit by taking out a bike from the I&M canal bike share–the Forge is just a 5 minute bike from Downtown! Once there, zipline over quarry lakes, climb the country's largest high ropes challenge courses, play laser tag, or casually explore miles of flat hiking, running, and biking trails.
Looking for a way to keep your kids entertained over spring break? Sign them up for Spring Break Adventure Camp! This two-day camp features a mix of instruction from our Climbing Course Counselors, independent climbing time, and unique games and relays. Campers will experience rock climbing, ziplines, bouldering, kayaking and more!
Embrace the Outdoors at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
"Sagawau Canyon" by Bud Dyke, 2017, Friends of the Forest Preserves.
Reconnect with nature and give your immune system a boost by spending some quality time in the great outdoors. The Sagawau Environtmental Learning Center in Lemont is a little known treasure and a perfect spot for some forest bathing. Two and a half miles of peaceful trails run through this area, with birds and wildflowers galore. The Center also offers guided walks and classes for those wanting to learn more about native landscapes.
Treat your kids to a fun day exploring
They work so hard in school throughout the year. Give them a spring break trip to show and tell about.
Plan a camping trip to Camp Bullfrog Lake and opt for traditional tents or rent one of their large cabins. You can cook your meals by the campfire or drive the 20 minutes to Lemont Downtown and grab takeout.
Create a lineup of activities at That Girl + Co which offers great workshops where kids can learn a new skill or perfect a talent.
Get creative with your own scavenger hunt of birds in the quarry, art, or historical landmarks throughout Lemont Downtown, or treat yourself time a delicious ice cream cone at The Creamery.
For more ways to engage with your kids this spring break, check out our 1 Day, 4 Ways: Family-Friendly Adventure.
No matter how you spend your time this spring break, we hope it recharges you before the busy spring and summer event season!