The wedding festivities will all be taking place north of the city throughout Golf, Glenview, and Northbrook. Here are some recommendations for things to do and eat when you are in town!

Stroll through the Chicago Botanic Gardens

Just under 15 minutes from the hotels, the Chicago Botanic Gardens offer a stunning setting for a peaceful walk. As Lori Meek says, "people come from all over the world to visit the botanic gardens." With 28 unique gardens, we recommend visiting the Japanese and English Gardens.

Wander Around The Glen

The Glen, a modern community built on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station, features the Glen Town Center for shopping and dining, along with Gallery Park, which has trails and a scenic lake. It’s a convenient, walkable area with plenty to explore, just a short drive or rideshare from the hotels.

Go Downtown

Although we’ll be in the suburbs, downtown Chicago is easy to access. You can drive, take a rideshare, or use the nearby Glenview or Glen train stations, which provide direct service to downtown. Once you're there, we recommend walking along the river, visiting Millennium Park, and checking out the Field Museum.

Play at Pinstripes

Located right next to the Sheraton Hotel, Pinstripes is a great spot for fun. With bowling, bocce, a full bar, and food options, it’s a great spot!

Pretend You're in a John Hughes Movie

Ever wanted to see the "Save Ferris" water tower or the Home Alone house? Many of John Hughes' iconic films were shot in the North Shore, and you can visit several famous locations! Check out the full list here: John Hughes Tour of the North Shore.

Drive along Sheridan Road


If you have access to a car, driving along Sheridan Road. It is a beautiful experience. You’ll see impressive houses with views of Lake Michigan. There are pull-offs where you can take in the beach, and you can start or end your drive at Northwestern University!

We (Clara) are biased but here are the musts to eat when you are in the Chicagoland area:

Chicago Hotdog (NEVER WITH KETCHUP)

Little Louie’s in Northbrook is the best spot to get a classic Chicago hotdog. This place is a local spot and where Clara grew up enjoying them.

Chicago-Style Pizza

Lou Malnati's serves up the best deep-dish pizza. We recommend the sausage or the Lou.

Italian Beef

Portillo's is famous for its Italian beef sandwiches (they also serve Chicago dogs). If you have room, try their famous cake shake!

Non-Chicago Style Pizza:

If you're not in the mood for deep dish, Barnaby’s offers fantastic thin-crust pizza with old-school vibes.

Sarkis

Infamous on the Northshore for breakfast. We recommend the bacon loretta with cheesy hash but you can't go wrong with anything!

If you are looking for something outside of Chicago classics, here are some great restaurants in the area:

Trattoria Oliverii: Delicious Italian in Northbrook

Georgie V’s: A great breakfast spot in Northbrook

Valley Lodge: A cozy American restaurant in Glenview

The Happ Inn: Another charming American spot in Northfield

Meier’s Tavern: Amazing burgers!

For more dining options, there are a few restaurants near the Sheraton Hotel, as well as The Glen and Old Orchard Mall are nearby and offer plenty of restaurant choices.