By Lisa Wolf, Lisa Wolf Team | wolfpartners GROUP
We show buyers around Vernon Hills so often that we have our own favorite way to spend a weekend here, and clients ask us for this itinerary more than almost any other piece of advice we give. Vernon Hills sits in the center of Lake County with an easy mix of green space, shopping, and dining that works whether you are visiting for the first time or already calling it home.
As Lisa Wolf Team | wolfpartners GROUP, we put together the itinerary we actually use with our own families and with buyers who want to get a feel for the community before they commit to a neighborhood.
Key Takeaways
- Cuneo Mansion and Gardens offers a scenic, low-key start to a Vernon Hills weekend with historic architecture and formal gardens.
- Century Park Arboretum and Turtle Creek Waterpark give families an easy way to spend a full morning outdoors.
- Mellody Farm and Hawthorn Mall cover shopping and dining in one compact area of town.
- The Des Plaines River Trail and Half Day Forest Preserve are the best options for a Sunday walk, run, or bike ride.
- Lisa Wolf Team | wolfpartners GROUP put this itinerary together from the weekends we actually spend in Vernon Hills with our own clients and families.
Saturday Morning: Starting the Day at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens
We like to begin a Vernon Hills weekend at Cuneo Mansion and Gardens on North Milwaukee Avenue, since the grounds are quiet in the morning and the pace sets the tone for the rest of the day. The estate's formal gardens, lake, and historic architecture give visitors a sense of the area's character before the day gets busy.
- Walk the formal gardens and grounds at your own pace before the property gets crowded.
- Check current tour offerings if you want to see the interior of the historic mansion.
- Bring a camera for the lake views and seasonal plantings, which change noticeably through the year.
- Plan for an hour or two here, since the grounds reward a slow walk rather than a quick pass through.
Saturday Afternoon: Shopping and Lunch at Mellody Farm and Hawthorn Mall
Once the morning winds down, we head toward Mellody Farm and Hawthorn Mall, both within a short drive of each other and easy to combine into one afternoon. This stretch of Vernon Hills covers nearly everything a weekend visitor or new resident needs to see.
- Browse the open-air shops and grab lunch at Mellody Farm, where City Works Eatery and Pour House is a reliable stop for a casual meal.
- Cross over to Hawthorn Mall for anchor stores like Macy's and JCPenney alongside more than a hundred specialty shops.
- Save time for Dave and Buster's if your group wants an arcade break between shopping stops.
- Pace yourself. Between the two centers, you can easily spend three or four hours without feeling rushed.
Saturday Evening: Dinner and an Easy Night Out
Vernon Hills has enough dinner variety that we rarely repeat the same spot two weekends in a row, and the evening is a good time to slow down after an active afternoon.
- Perry's Steakhouse and Grille and Maggiano's Little Italy both work well for a sit-down dinner with a group.
- Tangled Roots Craft Beer and Kitchen is a good option if you want a more relaxed, casual dinner.
- WhirlyBall or Glacier Ice Arena are solid choices if your evening plans include an activity rather than just a meal.
- Book ahead on weekend evenings, since several of these spots draw steady crowds from across Lake County.
Sunday Morning: Fresh Air at Century Park Arboretum
Sunday mornings in Vernon Hills belong to Century Park Arboretum, a 113-acre park where more than half the acreage is water. It is the kind of park that works for a family outing or a quiet solo walk depending on what the weekend calls for.
- Walk or jog the paths through the arboretum's mature tree collection, which is registered with ArbNet as a recognized arboretum.
- Fish along the park's lakes if you enjoy a slower morning outdoors.
- Check the schedule for the seasonal Vernon Hills Farmers Market, which sets up in the park during warmer months.
- Bring the kids to Turtle Creek Waterpark in season, or use the basketball and volleyball courts the rest of the year.
Sunday Afternoon: Trails and Wrapping Up the Weekend
We like to close out a Vernon Hills weekend outdoors, since the village sits close to some of Lake County's best trail access. This is also when we talk with buyers about how the area feels for everyday living, not just for a weekend visit.
- Walk or bike a stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail, which runs along the river through this part of Lake County.
- Head to Half Day Forest Preserve for a shorter hiking trail if you want something closer to town.
- Golfers can fit in a round at White Deer Run Golf Club or Vernon Hills Golf Course before heading home.
- Use the drive home to talk through what you liked most about the weekend. It usually tells us a lot about which Vernon Hills neighborhood will fit best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vernon Hills
What is the best time of year to visit Vernon Hills for this itinerary?
Spring through early fall gives you full access to the gardens, waterpark, and farmers market, though Cuneo Mansion, Mellody Farm, and Hawthorn Mall are enjoyable year round.
Is Vernon Hills walkable for a weekend like this?
Some stops, like Mellody Farm and Hawthorn Mall, are close enough to walk between. Cuneo Mansion, Century Park, and the trail systems are spread out enough that a short drive between them makes the most sense.
Do I need reservations for any of these stops?
We recommend booking ahead for dinner at the busier restaurants and checking Cuneo Mansion's tour schedule in advance, since both can fill up on weekends.
Can Lisa Wolf Team | wolfpartners GROUP help me explore Vernon Hills neighborhoods while I am in town?
Yes. We regularly build weekend visits like this one around home tours for buyers who want to experience the community before making a decision.
Thinking About Making Vernon Hills Home?
If a weekend here has you thinking about staying longer, Lisa Wolf Team | wolfpartners GROUP would welcome the chance to show you what living in Vernon Hills is really like. Learn more about our team and how we help buyers throughout Lake County on our about page.
