In touring Lake County, I have been getting some amazing suggestions from my friends on where to visit within each town.
This week, I am visiting the town of Wauconda on the western edge of the county.
I love Wauconda for many reasons. It feels like I am in a little resort town. The people are so friendly here.
And this little town is where my friend Shannon and I have been meeting for pie once a month for over a year, so it holds a special place in my heart.
But I am not going to talk about the pie today. But definitely go here for the pie. Because PIE.
There is so much to do in the little town of Wauconda — so much that when I reached out to my friends about where I should go when I am not going for the pie, I didn’t have time to go to all of them.
So, you really need to take a day to head up here yourself and take time to walk the downtown, spend a day at the beach, etc.
BUT DON’T FORGET THE PIE. Always take time for pie. Really, that should be a life motto.
Dock’s
Dock’s is located on beautiful Bangs Lake and on the day we were there, it was 90 degrees. So it was the perfect day to sit on the deck, have a cool beverage and enjoy the view.
See the doggie in the picture above? Yes, doggies are welcome at Dock’s! I love a place that welcomes furry friends in addition to children.
They have a kid’s menu and a great selection for adults too. It looks like it would be a really fun date night restaurant as well.
Located at 313 Liberty Street.
Waucondafest
Schedule your visit to Wauconda during their annual Waucondafest, which is June 25-28.
Admission is only $3 and is good for all four days! Each day offers fun exhibits such as wine and cheese tastings, water fights and an art show.
They even have a baggo tournament and a tie-dyed T-shirt-making workshop in addition to food vendors and rides for the kids.
There will also be a 5K and 10K alongside the festival.
Head to the website for all the information.
Lake County Discovery Museum
After getting your cotton candy, you might want to get some culture.
Head over to the Lake County Discovery Museum just outside of Wauconda. They offer fun camps throughout the summer such as Art in Your Backyard and Pint Sized Farmers as well as exhibits such as Vortex Roller Coaster Theater. My personal favorite is the Growing up in Lake County exhibit.
You can find the museum on Route 176 in the Lakewood Forest Preserve. Hours are Mon.- Sat., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sun., 1-4:30 p.m. You can head to the website for specific admission prices and camp registration, but hurry because the camps fill up fast.
Before we leave Wauconda, here are my friends’ suggestions!
My good friend Terrie suggested Slyce pizza and Lindy’s Landing in Wauconda as two places that we must hit before we leave. Both would be great date night options and Lindy’s offers outdoor seating.
Wauconda feels like a getaway without the getaway drive. But don't forget the pie.
NEVER FORGET THE PIE.
