Liberty Prairie Reserve
Lake County, Illinois

Take a lunch break in style — retro '50s style, that is — at the Dog n Suds drive-in (847) 223-4601 that borders a skateboard park on Center Street in Grayslake. Fred’s (847) 223-9776, up the street, serves down-home fare in a real diner: homemade meatloaf, soup or salad, mashed potatoes, and a roll, served till 3:00 p.m. Lunch at either is about $5.00 per person.

Should you be up for calorie replacement therapy after visiting Liberty Prairie Reserve, drive a short distance to Somethingsbrewing in Grayslake (847) 548-4600 where you can indulge in a double scoop of yummy ice cream.

If there’s a 4:00 p.m. Concert on the Green, order carry out, or fill your picnic hamper at the Piggly Wiggly in Grayslake. Spread your blanket in front of the gazebo near the main Prairie Crossing entrance on Rte. 45 and bask in the ambience.

These events, including a Fourth of July concert, will remind you of an old time village celebration where everyone turns out to cheer on the band and eats too much fried chicken. Firkin’s, on Rte. 21 in Libertyville (847) 367-6168, is a fun place to eat dinner (expect to pay $10.00 to $15.00 each for adults).