Labor Day 2008

It’s A Labor Day Staycation
What To Do, Close To Home!

With high gas prices and the looming start of school, its understandable that the idea of staying close to home for Labor Day is so appealing.

Here are NorthShoreInsider.com’s picks to help you rev it up, kick back & relax and savor the last real weekend of the summer:

Beat The Crowds:

Labor Day weekend is a fantastic time to take in some of the local fun without the crowds...

Northwestern Football

Catch the Wildcats home opener against Syracuse!
Big 10 football isn’t just a game – it’s an experience.
The students are not all back in town, so tickets should be readily available.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008
Location: Ryan Field, Evanston, Ill.
Time: 11 a.m. kickoff
Tix: $25 - $35

Local Resort -- Getaway Without Getting Away:

Treat the family to a resort experience without crossing the border.
Check out the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center in Zion, where you’ll find all the amenities of a big league resort without the drive to get there. There are 96 rooms, full-service restaurant, an Olympic-sized heated pool, video game room, health club and sauna. Say ahhhh.

Illinois Beach State Park
Lake Front
Zion
847.662.4811
1-866-ILBEACH (For resort reservations/information)

Or Keep It Really Close & Hit The Local Beach: Remember earlier this summer, when you kept promising the kids a day at the beach? Here’s your last chance - Park District beaches wrap up their seasons this weekend. Check out our beach article for the beach closest to you.

Nature Calls at Night Too!

Chicago Botanic Garden has its share of spectacular programming including Nature Nights is a special evening program for families with a different theme at each event. Labor Day weekend’s theme is Eat Your Plants! The evening includes a hands on experience to be touchy-feely with natural specimens, and travel throughout the Garden – along with a light dinner. Parents or guardians must accompany older kids, older kids are encouraged to help take the lead with their younger sibs.

Event: Eat Your Plants!
Date: Saturday, August 30
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Rd., Glencoe
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Cost: $30 - $45

The Last Outdoor Art Fair Hoorah

Catch the last long and hot days of summer stolling the Lake Forest at the 54th Art On The Square! The festival attracts about 200 artists involved in all kinds of media - if you can’t find something you like, you’re not trying.

Event: 54th Art On The Square
Date: Saturday, August 30
Location: Market Square, Deerpath and Western Aves., Lake Forest

Pack A Lunch & Rent Kayak or Sailboat

Don’t have a friend who has a boat – no biggie. Rent one by the hour or by the day for you and your other or with the kids. Life jackets are provided and the only thing you’ll need to show is a valid state ID and a credit card. If you’re a resident of Evanston you’ll get the resident’s fee otherwise its regular price.

Event: Kayak/Sailing @Dempster Street Beach Office
For: Families and those 18years and older
Times: Monday -Friday 3:00-7:00 p.m
Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Kayaks start at $25 an hour and Sailboats are about $50 an hour for non residents. Multiple hour discounts are available

Take In Some Tunes:

Wilmette Theatre has a great 21 and over show this weekend, with Mr. Slate!

Date: Saturday, August 30
Location, Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave.
Time: 10 p.m.
Tix: $15 per person

Raise Your Voice

Malls across America are supporting the UR Vote Counts – an opportunity to educate and help teens nationwide stand up and get heard. Head to Northbrook Court to learn more about the candidates and where they stand and of course vote on issues that are important to YOU! You can also register to win cool prizes.

Northbrook Court
Lower Level near Lord & Taylor
Noon – 6:00 p.m.

Take in every last drop, Summer is sadly coming to an end but there’s no reason why you can’t celebrate every second of it!

Loren Greiff & Kelly Konrad

Labor Day 2008

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