Tranquil Nature Retreat in Chicago

Day 1: Botanic Garden Bliss

Chicago, Illinois

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for its delicious omelets and pancakes.
Drive south on I-94 for 30 minutes to reach Chicago Botanic Garden.
20 USD, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Chicago Botanic Garden

Spend the morning wandering through the stunning gardens, serene lakes, and colorful flower displays.
Walk around the garden paths for easy navigation.
Free entry, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Garden View Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature at Garden View Cafe inside the botanic garden.
Located within the garden premises.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relaxation at Evening Island

Unwind and relax at the tranquil Evening Island, a secluded spot within the garden offering a peaceful atmosphere.
Follow the signs within the garden to reach Evening Island.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Guildhall

Head to Guildhall for dinner, a cozy restaurant offering a farm-to-table menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Drive back towards the city for dinner.
40 USD, 2 hours
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Day 2: Arboreal Escape

Chicago, Illinois

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, famous for its decadent pancake stacks.
Drive west on I-88 for 40 minutes to reach Morton Arboretum.
25 USD, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Morton Arboretum

Spend the day exploring the vast expanses of Morton Arboretum, home to a diverse collection of trees and plants.
Follow the main paths and trails to discover different gardens and landscapes.
15 USD, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant

Enjoy a homestyle lunch at Ginghams Restaurant, known for its comfort food and cozy ambiance.
Located a short drive away from the arboretum.
20 USD, 1 hour

3:30PM

Quiet Reflection at Meadow Lake

Find a peaceful spot by Meadow Lake to reflect and enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings.
Head towards the lake area within the arboretum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Meson Sabika

End your day with dinner at Meson Sabika, a Spanish tapas restaurant offering a delightful culinary experience.
Drive back towards the city for dinner.
50 USD, 2 hours
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Day 3: Beachside Tranquility

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

9:00AM

Breakfast at Blackbird Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Blackbird Cafe, known for its freshly baked pastries and coffee.
Take a train from Chicago to the Dune Park station, then a taxi to Indiana Dunes National Park (total travel time: 1.5 hours).
15 USD, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Indiana Dunes National Park

Spend the day exploring the sandy beaches, dunes, and lush forests of this beautiful national park along Lake Michigan.
Follow the designated trails and boardwalks for easy access to different parts of the park.
10 USD, 4 hours

3:00PM

Picnic Lunch on the Beach

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the beach, soaking in the sun and gentle lake breeze.
Find a spot along the beachfront to set up your picnic.
10 USD, 1 hour

4:00PM

Swim and Sunbathe

Take some time to swim in the refreshing lake waters or simply sunbathe on the sandy shores.
Head to the designated swimming areas for a dip in the lake.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bartlett's Gourmet Grill

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Bartlett's, a grill serving fresh seafood and steaks with a view of the dunes.
Take a taxi back to the Dune Park station and then a train back to Chicago for dinner.
45 USD, 2 hours
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