Around the Holidays
By Lake County CVB, IL
07/14/2008
Shopping, food and sights oh my! This itinerary is fun for all over the holiday season that has something for everyone in your group making this tour a must see.
Contact Information:
t: view phone 847-662-2700
e: view email jayne@lakecounty.org
w: view URL http://www.lakecounty.org
- Long Grove Confectionery
- Gurnee Mills
- Marriott Theatre
- Jelly Belly Center
- Zion’s Festival of Lights
Tour Dates:
Number of Days: 2
Day One – City 1 – Buffalo Grove, City 2 – Long Grove, City 3 – Gurnee Mills, City 4 – Lincolnshire.
A wonderful way to start your holiday tour is with chocolate! Discover how these delicious chocolates are made on a factory tour of the Long Grove Confectionery Co. Your tour includes samples and a valuable coupon for shopping in the store. The decorated chocolates not only melt in your mouth but make much appreciated holiday gifts.
Nearby is Long Grove Historic Village where your group can browse through more than 80 unique shops. The village is decorated for the holidays and provides shoppers with that unrushed holiday shopping experience. It wouldn’t be the holidays without a stop a Seasons of Long Grove for a festive lunch or Nutcracker tea. Discussion over your meal will definitely include the best holiday find in Long Grove!
How better to find that holiday spirit than a trip to Valentino Vineyards and Winery! Your group can ask questions and sample award winning wines made right in Long Grove. Everyone will want to pick up their favorite wines for the holidays and make purchases of gifts of good taste.
Head north to Gurnee Mills where more than 200 stores await. Still the home of popular outlet stores, manufacturers direct and name brand retail stores; your group will need their walking shoes and the valuable coupon book to meet their shopping demands.
Your motorcoach heads just a bit south to the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort where your clients can check in and change for dinner. Everyone can swap shopping stories over dinner at King’s Wharf then conveniently walk indoors to the Marriott Theatre to enjoy one of their favorite musicals.
L, D
Day Two – City 1 - Glencoe, City 2 – Vernon Hills, City 3 - Libertyville, City 4 - Zion, City 5 - Waukegan
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then travel just a bit south to Chicago Botanic Garden. Decked out for the holidays, your group will truly enjoy the Wonderland Express exhibit featuring miniature trains traveling through famous Chicagoland landmarks. Amazingly, each building is made out of natural materials and includes a scene of downtown Chicago. Make sure your group has time to watch the film on how the exhibit was created. The grove of trees just before the train exhibit makes a terrific group photo opportunity.
Discover the beauty of the Cuneo Museum and Gardens in which Great Hall and holiday decor will inspire your group. The attention to detail in the house will make you feel as if Mrs. Cuneo has just stepped out of her bedroom from writing her holiday cards to tend to some holiday matters. If you haven’t seen the mansion during the holidays, this tour is a must!
Nearby Lambs Farm is a natural stop for your group to stock up on their famous butter cookies, jams, sauces and chocolates. Lunch at the Country Inn Restaurant is cheerful and gives your group time to appreciate this local attraction and how they are an important part of the community.
Head north just over the border to the Jelly Belly Visitor Center. Free virtual tours are available to show how the famous treats are made and everyone will love the huge store featuring every flavor of Jelly Bellys imaginable!
Dusk provides the best time to visit the beautifully decorated Shiloh House. Your group can learn about the origins of the City of Zion while touring the mansion and then take the Holly Trolley through the Holiday Festival of Lights. Zion rolls out the red carpet during the holidays and their holiday spirit can warm the hearts of any Scrooge!
The Illinois Beach Resort is very close by and provides a spectacular view of Lake Michigan while your group dines on a scrumptious holiday dinner. This beautifully restored local favorite is happy to accommodate your group this evening.
Finish your day with a holiday concert at the magnificent Genesee Theatre. This 1920’s theatre palace has been restored to its original regal splendor and provides an incredible backdrop for world-class entertainment.
Your group will praise and thank you as they depart from the bus with their shopping bags, holiday gifts and memories. No doubt in their fluffy beds, there will be a few sugarplums dancing in their heads from their holiday trip around Lake County!
B, L, D
