Plan the perfect day trip: Long Grove festival & food guide 2025
Just 35 miles northwest of Chicago, Long Grove is an ideal day trip that’s not too far from home.
Visit during the vibrant Long Grove festivals to experience the local culture and community spirit.
A little Long Grove history
Long Grove, Illinois is Lake County’s oldest village, originally settled in the early 1800s by German immigrants. By the mid-19th century, it developed into a small farming community, centered around a general store, post office, and the now-iconic Covered Bridge, built in 1906. The village is also well-known for its festivals that draw visitors from near and far.
Determined to preserve its historic charm, Long Grove has strict building codes to maintain the 19th-century aesthetic. You’ll notice cobblestone streets, preserved architecture, lots of festivals, and Hallmark (and Hallmark-eque) filmmakers have been using Long Grove for their movies!
How to plan the perfect Long Grove day trip
Suggested itinerary:
- 10:00 AM – Arrive in downtown Long Grove and grab a coffee at Covered Bridge Creamery
- 10:30 AM – Stroll the quaint streets, pop into local shops and galleries
- 11:30 AM – Join the festivities if you’re visiting during a seasonal event like Strawberry Fest or Apple Fest (fest calendar below)
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Sorelle Italian Market & Café or Enzo and Lucia for Italian favorites
- 2:30 PM – Take in live music or stop by the historic Covered Bridge for a photo op
- 3:30 PM – Grab a sweet treat or cold beer at The Village Tavern (the oldest continually operating tavern in IL!)
- 4:30 PM – Wrap up with a little more browsing or a relaxing stroll through Brothers’ Field
Getting there:
- From Chicago: ~1 hour by car (I-94 W to IL-22 W). Will be longer to take I-90W as there’s now construction.
- Free event shuttle service is available on festival weekends from Buffalo Grove (Golf Dome lot)
A few more dining options
- Joanie’s Pizzeria – Delicious pizzeria with great broasted chicken, too! I actually recommend the hand-tossed round over thin crust here, as theirs is sublime! Add on a flavored crust, too.
- Chatterbox of Long Grove – Rustic barn setting offering craft beers and malts. They also have cool swinging booths outdoors.
- ClayOven Tandoor – Indian grill and bar known for its flavorful dishes. Not downtown but nearby.
Long Grove festival calendar for the rest of the year
Chocolate Fest – May 16–18, 2025
The 25th Annual Chocolate Fest returns, with three days of chocolate delights, live music, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities. It runs Friday-Sunday and free shuttle service is available Saturday-Sunday from the Golf Dome Parking Lot in Buffalo Grove.
Strawberry Fest – June 27–29, 2025
Strawberry Fest celebrates the season with strawberry-inspired treats, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Don’t miss the strawberry shortcake!
Vintage Days – July 26–27, 2025
Vintage Days is an open-air market with everything you can imagine that’s vintage, handmade, antique, or upcycled, it’s one of the more chill LG fests.
Irish Days – August 30–September 1, 2025
During Irish Days, the village transforms into a mini Emerald Isle with live Celtic music, traditional Irish dancing, and plenty of Guinness on tap. Don’t miss the adorable Irish Dog Competition!
Apple Fest – September 26–28, 2025
Welcome fall with Apple Fest, with everything from apple cider donuts to apple pie. This family-friendly fest includes live music, arts and crafts, and seasonal treats.
October Days – October 2025
October Days is hayrides, pumpkin picking, seasonal treats, and live acoustic performances. It’s the perfect low-key fest to sip cider and take in the autumn colors.
Vintage Holidays – November-December 2025
Step into a Hallmark movie (literally, they’ve filmed here!) during Vintage Holidays. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, and charming storefronts decked out in lights. Plus, special shopping weekends to help you find locally-made gifts.
Whether you’re here for a fest or just exploring downtown, Long Grove has a blend of nostalgia, community charm, and culinary variety to give you a great day trip.
