Memories for Millennials

Make the memories of a lifetime with your entire group in the Chicago Southland! Experience local cuisine, explore unique sights and sounds and enjoy regional arts and culture. This millennial-approved vacay is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!

Day 1

Begin your second day in the Chicago Southland with a delicious breakfast from Stacked Pancake House in Crestwood. These pancakes are a must-try while visiting the Chicago Southland! Classic buttermilk, red velvet, Oreo, strawberry cheesecake and lemon blueberry pancakes are just some of the mouth-watering breakfast options from Stacked. Skillets, omelets, crepes, French toast, waffles and more are also available. Fresh juice and coffee are available for a pick-me-up to help kick-start your day.

After filling up, head to Frankfort for some shopping in the downtown historic district. Browse the one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops in this beautiful, quaint neighborhood. Pick out a sweet treat like a vintage-style candy apple from Short & Sweet (26 Ash Street) or nostalgic candy from Raffy’s Candy Store (21 South White Street). Several gift shops can also be found in downtown Frankfort, ensuring you will find souvenirs for everyone on your list. Please allow 2-3 hours to fully enjoy all that downtown Frankfort has to offer.

Next, go to Lake Katherine Nature Center in Palos Heights for an amazing outdoor adventure! Venture out onto the beautiful lake after renting a kayak or canoe. If you prefer to stay on dry land, take a stroll around the grounds, where you will find beautiful grasses, flowers and shrubs. There are several trails around the lake and along the Cal-Sag Channel perfect for an afternoon hike, and don’t miss the gorgeous man-made waterfall!

You’re sure to have worked up an appetite after exploring, so head over to Dave & Buster’s in Orland Park. This 24,000 square foot restaurant and entertainment facility is sure to thrill! In addition to an extensive food and drink menu, there are plenty of arcade games to choose from, such as classics like Pop-A-Shot, Pac-Man and Skee-Ball. A variety of the newest games are available too, including virtual reality. 

Finally, there’s plenty more to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview than just professional soccer. With a capacity of 28,000, concerts promoters and fans alike love the venue. While festivals regularly book the venue, other acts that have jammed here include Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffett, Kelly Clarkson and Kenny Chesney.

Day 2

Start your final day in the Chicago Southland off right with breakfast and coffee from redbird café in Homewood. A globally inspired, farm-to-table café, redbird offers clean food prepared with local, organic produce. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available at redbird café. Breakfast tacos, okonomiyaki (Japanese-inspired egg pancakes), breakfast burritos and more await you!

Sip your coffee as you stroll around downtown Homewood and search for the Richard Haas murals. Homewood is home to the world’s largest collection of Richard Haas murals. These illusion-style murals can be found throughout the town; can you find them all? Here’s a map to help you get started.

Feast your eyes on even more incredible art at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Park. This incredible sculpture park sits on the campus of Governors State University and features 30 master works of large-scale sculpture, spread across 100 acres of prairie landscape. Open to the public 365 days of the year, the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is free of charge. Plus, it makes for an amazing photo op! Share all of your pics on social media and be sure to use #ChicagoSouthland!

After taking in some uniquely Chicago Southland art, grab some lunch at Bar Louie in Matteson. Featuring an impressive menu, including limited-time options, Bar Louie is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a good meal. Share an appetizer, like the flash-fried calamari or loaded tots. Craft burgers, scratch-built sandwiches, salads and more entrees are available. Don’t forget dessert!

When you’re finished with lunch, pay a visit to Vintrendi Wine Company in Park Forest for a wine tasting. The wine connoisseurs at Vintrendi create wines with age-old wine making techniques that satisfy modern day taste buds. Tastings include four 3 oz. pours of your choice. Click here to see Vintrendi’s full menu.

Next, visit Gamma VR in Lansing and be transported to a different world! Experience the future of entertainment through the wonders of virtual reality. Become a boxer, an elven assassin, a hacker and so much more at Gamma VR!

Time for dinner! Grab some grub at Beggars Pizza in Lansing. Beggars is known for laying it on thick when it comes to pizza ingredients! Don’t miss your chance to sample another Chicagoland favorite: Italian beef sandwiches! Try the classic or “The Godfather,” which includes Italian beef, sweet peppers, mozzarella and meat sauce on garlic bread.

Wrap up your Chicago Southland adventure on a sweet note! Stop by Gayety’s Chocolates & Ice Cream Co. in Lansing. For the last century, Gayety’s has been handcrafting delicious, high-quality treats like chocolates and homemade ice cream. Enjoy satisfying your sweet tooth at this famous spot!  

Map out your complete adventure! Click here to visit our free, interactive app, where you can see this road trip mapped out, plus create your own custom itineraries, check out upcoming events and read more about local attractions or amenities, and so much more! Don't forget to book your hotel! Click here to visit our Chicago Southland accommodations page.