Suuuure, we’re already a few days into fall. But where would Chicagoans be if not in perpetual denial of impending winter? To keep the spirit of summer alive, we polled our team to share their favorite suburban spots to help you soak in the last handful of days over 70. Here’s what they came up with:

First stop — Three Oaks Recreation center in Crystal Lake.

Submitted by Arlington Heights Community Manager: Noelle V.

Noelle’s favorite things about Three Oaks are: wakeboarding at the quarry; boat, stand-up paddleboard, and kayak rentals; and a bar and restaurant on the beach — with live music, naturally. If you’re looking for a more relaxed outing, Noelle also recommends claiming one of their newly-constructed picnic pavilions or the fire pit area as well.

2. Common Good Cocktail House in the heart of Glen Ellyn

Submitted by Mecca S., Regional Hospitality Coordinator.

Honestly, the Common Good team said it best: “we make modern, classic, upscale, seasonal, and sometimes whimsical cocktails using fun techniques in a beautiful but low-key and friendly environment”. In short, they’re that “sophisticated-but-not-judgey” friend you’re always down to hang out with on casual Fridays. Also, the names of their cocktails are the built-in floor show. (Aren’t you dying to know what “No Pants PunchParty 2 Legend of Patrick’s Gold: The Squeakuel” tastes like?)

Bring your own apps, order takeout from a local restaurant, or make a charcuterie board and enjoy an evening on the patio.

A few members of Team 25N, enjoying an evening on the patio.

3. The Lucky Monk in South Barrington

A favorite of Lindsey M., Arlington Heights Hospitality Coordinator.

Who are we to challenge the rave reviews from Lindsey on this one:

“For those that want to get out, but aren’t up for anything too crazy, check out the Lucky Monk for lunch or dinner! Equipped with great outdoor seating and the very best restaurant staff, I’ve never had a bad meal there. There isn’t a thing on the menu that I wouldn’t recommend, but my go-to order is the Smoke Daddy IPA BBQ Burger paired with a Moscow mule. If you’re looking for an appetizer to share before your meal, I highly suggest the Bavarian Pretzel that comes with a cinnamon dipping butter that is to die for.”
- Lindsey

Now, off you go — get yourself a bavarian pretzel before your movie date at AMC South Barrington.

4. Tour the suburbs’ best coffee spots.

Recommendations by Mecca S., Local Cafe Epicure.

This full itinerary of coffee and pastry stops is brought to you by the visionary, adventureful brain of Mecca S. One of the perks of her working at both 25N Geneva AND Arlington Heights is that she’s curated an ongoing list of the best coffee spots all across the suburbs. Here’s your shortlist:

1st Stop: West Dundee— Craft Donuts. Jumpstart your day with a sugar high courtesy of a fresh, housemade donut from Craft.

2nd Stop: Elgin — Viator Coffee and Arabica Cafe. Head over to Elgin to see what the downtown coffee scene has to offer.

3rd Stop: St. Charles — Arcedium Coffeehouse. A classic, with river views!

4th Stop: Geneva— Graham’s 318 Coffee House is a local favorite. Check out their newly remodeled space and enjoy people watching from their roof deck. Make sure you grab some coffee beans from hometown hero FreshGround Roasting on your way out of town.

5th Stop: West Chicago— Kindred Coffee Roasters. This little hideaway is one of West Chicago’s most underrated cafes.

6th Stop: Naperville— Sparrow Coffee. Gorgeous, boujee. Big city coffee flair but in the suburbs.

7th Stop: Glen Ellyn— Blackberry Market. We hiiiighly recommend that you pick up a cinnamon roll here.

8th Stop: Arlington Heights — Around Cafe. End your journey at the quaint little corner cafe in downtown Arlington Heights. Rumor has it their matcha is beyond compare.

5. Catch a movie or live comedy show at Golden Age Cinemas.

This is an end-of-summer “no-brainer”. Grab your boo, load a pile of blankets into the back of your truck, and take in a movie as the sun sets.

6. Mallard Lake Forest Preserve.

Mallard Lake has 4 miles of trails, including a 2.5-mile trail system with a boardwalk that is ideal for birdwatching. It winds around the lake, over two bridges, and connects to Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve, the North Central DuPage Regional Trail and the Bartlett Park District trail system.

“I am always looking for beautiful places to go for a long walk and enjoy the nice weather. My go-to spot is Mallard Lake Forest Preserve. The trails are easy to navigate and absolutely beautiful. They also have a nice picnic area with tables to have a picnic lunch before or after your walk. There are always lots of dogs being walked along the trails that I like to stop and pet, which is just an added bonus to an already great experience.”
- Lindsey

7. A Day in Downtown Geneva.

One of our favorite places (predictably).

There’s a reason 25N chose Geneva as the town to launch our flagship coworking location. Here are some spots you should check out on a sunny Saturday in October:

Preservation Bread & Wine and Atlas Chicken Shack. They both share an adorable patio space with an outdoor bar and lawn in the back. Live music every night!
Stroll down Third Street and enjoy all the specialty boutiques. Dogs are welcome!
Penrose Brewing — order some local pizza and enjoy it on the patio with a brew in hand.
The Burger Local.
Gia Mia — half-priced pizza on Mondays. Need we say more?
Start your date night with a dinner at a local restaurant and end it with a stroll on the Fox River Downtown.

8. A Day in Downtown Arlington Heights.

Okay we admit…this is *also* one of our favorites.

Nearly the entire downtown area has been blocked off to vehicle traffic over the summer, so downtown Arlington Heights is now a mini suburban paradise. Park in the free covered garage and check out some of AH’s top hits, such as: Salsa 17, Peggy Kinane’s Irish Pub, Kilwin’s Ice Cream, Shakou Sushi, La Tasca Tapas, Pure Juice Café, and Sweet T’s Bakery and Cake Studio.

Now get on outta here and enjoy the ‘burbs!

Your Chicago Suburbs End-of-Summer Adventure Guide