Take a long deep breath and kiss your stresses good-bye: this lovely, year-round resort town offers a laid-back atmosphere that lets you slowly unwind. Beach buffs can don their swimsuits and head for one of several beaches on seven-mile-long Geneva Lake, which also offers a plethora of water sports. Leisurely cruises on restored historic yachts and replicas of paddle wheel steamers... More

Take a long deep breath and kiss your stresses good-bye: this lovely, year-round resort town offers a laid-back atmosphere that lets you slowly unwind. Beach buffs can don their swimsuits and head for one of several beaches on seven-mile-long Geneva Lake, which also offers a plethora of water sports. Leisurely cruises on restored historic yachts and replicas of paddle wheel steamers carry passengers past stately lakefront summer mansions, including some Victorian estates. Landlubbers can take a self-guided hike around the perimeter of the lake, which stretches some 21 miles. Laid-back, however, doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do. Choose from museums, a water park for younger kids, the world's largest refracting telescope at Yerkes Observatory, entertainment at the Belfry Music Theatre or greyhound racing. Winter is even quieter but no less filled with fun. Head to The Mountain Top, a popular family ski spot, or choose from horseback riding, skating, ice boating, hayrides or sleigh rides. Whatever time of year you go, Lake Geneva will charm you. Less

Consistently rated as one of the top places to live in America by Money Magazine, Naperville is a family-friendly suburb. Take a walk downtown along the Riverwalk and dine at one of Naperville's many great restaurants or learn about the history of the city at Naper Settlement.

Architecture buffs will be well acquainted with Oak Park, once the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, where he designed and built some of his earliest buildings. Unity Temple, the Nathan G. Moore House and Wright's own former home and studio are among the many Wright buildings still preserved in the village, while buildings such as the Cheney Mansion were designed by his students. Oak Park is... More

Architecture buffs will be well acquainted with Oak Park, once the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, where he designed and built some of his earliest buildings. Unity Temple, the Nathan G. Moore House and Wright's own former home and studio are among the many Wright buildings still preserved in the village, while buildings such as the Cheney Mansion were designed by his students. Oak Park is also the famed birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, whose childhood home is now a museum open to visitors. Less

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This amusement park, located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, has over 100 rides and attractions.

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Both Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park are located here, famous for its St. Peter sandstone rock formations. Alternatively, you could head to August Hill Winery or Illinois River Winery for a tasting.

210 Reviews

While Chicago has a great deal to offer, the outlying suburbs certainly have some treasures of their own. Despite being named the "Chicago Botanic... more »

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