Things To Do
in Barrington
Barrington is a picturesque village located in the state of Illinois in the United States. Known for its charming downtown area, Barrington offers a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings. The community is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, with parks and nature reserves for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Barrington is also home to excellent schools and a strong sense of community involvement.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike at the Barrington Nature Area. Enjoy the scenic views and listen to the sounds of nature as you walk through the trails.
Visit the Barrington Village Center for lunch and explore the local shops. Take a leisurely stroll around and soak in the small-town charm.
Relax with a picnic at Cook Park as the sun begins to set. Enjoy the open space and perhaps catch a local music performance if available.
Kick off your culinary adventure with a breakfast at a local café. Savor the fresh pastries and coffee that Barrington has to offer.
Join a food tour to discover the best eateries in Barrington. Sample a variety of dishes and learn about the culinary history of the area.
End the day with dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant. Relish seasonal ingredients that celebrate local flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Appreciated for its high quality of life and safe neighborhoods
- Strong public school system with high ratings
- Abundance of parks and recreational facilities
- Vibrant community with various cultural and social activities
- Proximity to urban centers like Chicago, offering more job opportunities
- Higher cost of living compared to neighboring areas
- Limited public transportation options
- Some may find the community too quiet or suburban
- Seasonal weather can be harsh, particularly winters
- Potential for traffic congestion during peak hours due to commuting
Best Activities in Barrington
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas in the numerous forest preserves around Barrington. Perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.
A great spot for families, this park features playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths, making it a perfect place for outdoor recreation and community events.
Enjoy a peaceful day on the water by renting a canoe or kayak to paddle along the Fox River, taking in the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
This preserve offers trails for hiking and biking, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and experiencing local flora and fauna.
Barrington has several bike paths and trails that connect to surrounding towns, providing great routes for cycling enthusiasts.
Participate in soccer games or practice at well-maintained fields in the Barrington Community, ideal for both kids and adults.
Visit local stables and riding schools for horseback riding lessons or guided trail rides, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Barrington.
Play a round of golf at one of the nearby golf courses, which offer lovely views and a challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Join local nature organizations for guided walks and tours that educate about native species and the ecological significance of the area.
Visit the local farmer's market for fresh produce and handmade goods while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere and supporting local businesses.
Tours
Uncover the best of Barrington with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Barrington
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views and photo opportunities with its picturesque landscape and natural beauty.
Known for its stunning views overlooking the Fox River and providing great photo opportunities of the surrounding area.
Features beautiful natural surroundings and a variety of trails that lead to scenic spots for capturing memorable photos.
Food in Barrington
Barrington Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy soup filled with tender clams, diced potatoes, and aromatic herbs. Must-try at Tommy's Clam Shack or Bluewater Bar and Grill.
Must-Try!
A delicious sandwich featuring fresh lobster meat dressed in mayo or butter, served in a soft, toasted bun. Don't miss out on this classic at The Lobster Pot or The Daily Catch.
Enjoy these delectable treats made with locally sourced apples and warm spices. Find the best ones at Jaswell's Farm or Seven Stars Bakery.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Barrington better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a vibrant market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats from local vendors. Open on weekends at Barrington Town Hall.
Savor a variety of cuisines including gourmet sandwiches, tacos, and sweet treats from the food trucks that gather at Haines Park on weekends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Barrington, like many other areas in the United States, it's important to respect personal space. People generally appreciate maintaining a comfortable distance during conversations, which helps to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Offering a friendly greeting is common in Barrington. A simple 'hello' or 'how are you?' with eye contact and a smile goes a long way in fostering goodwill and showing respect.
Being on time is considered a sign of respect in both personal and professional settings. Arriving promptly for appointments or gatherings demonstrates reliability and consideration for others' time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Barrington with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Barrington
Ensure a smooth experience
In Barrington, United States, tipping practices generally align with those seen throughout the United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, and hairdressers between 15% to 20% of the total bill. For taxi drivers, a tip of around 10% to 15% is common. In certain establishments, gratuity may be automatically added to the bill for large parties.
Payment practices in Barrington commonly involve the use of credit and debit cards, which are widely accepted at most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers. Cash transactions are also accepted, though less frequently in recent years. Mobile payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are increasingly popular. Sales tax is applicable on goods and services, which is added to the final price at the point of sale.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Barrington.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and the chance to see baby animals. Ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Warm weather, perfect for water activities on the lakes, hiking, and outdoor events. The town comes alive with festivals and events during this time.
Stunning foliage as the leaves change color, cooler temperatures, and the opportunity to engage in apple picking and fall-themed activities.
Cold temperatures and potential snowfall, making it an ideal time for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. The town may also host seasonal events and holiday celebrations.
Barrington at Night
Hiking in Barrington
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park offering numerous trails with scenic views along the banks of the river and through serene woodlands.
A network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature within the Barrington Hills area.
Features a variety of hiking trails that wind through wetlands and prairies, providing opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
Offers hiking trails through picturesque woods and offers a serene experience close to nature.
A local park with well-maintained trails, suitable for hikers of all levels, and provides scenic views of the lake.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Barrington through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Barrington by plane.
Located approximately 35 miles southeast of Barrington, ORD is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Situated around 45 miles southeast of Barrington, MDW primarily serves domestic flights but also provides some international services. It's known for its convenient access to downtown Chicago.
Located about 75 miles northeast of Barrington in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, MKE offers both domestic and international flights and is the largest airport in Wisconsin.
Approximately 50 miles southeast of Barrington, GYY primarily serves regional flights but has capabilities for international services.
RFD is located about 70 miles west of Barrington and primarily offers passenger and cargo services to domestic destinations, with some limited international options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic white population, representing a significant majority of the demographic.
Includes individuals of Asian descent, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
Represents individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent, which is a growing demographic.
A smaller yet important group, contributing to the historical and cultural fabric of Barrington.
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more racial backgrounds, reflecting increasing diversity.
Comprising a small segment of the population, Native Americans have a rich heritage and history.
A very small demographic group present in Barrington, representing individuals from the Pacific Islands.
The Soul of Barrington
Discover the essence of Barrington through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a widely played sport in Barrington, with several youth leagues and adult recreational teams.
Baseball has a strong following in Barrington, featuring local little leagues and high school teams.
Basketball is popular among both youth and adults in Barrington, with community leagues and school competitions.
Lacrosse has gained popularity in recent years, with youth programs and high school teams actively participating in leagues.
Swimming is a popular sport in Barrington, with community pools hosting swim teams and lessons.
Tennis is a favored sport among residents, with local courts and annual tournaments.
Running events, including marathons and community 5K races, are common in Barrington.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barrington.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Barrington offer vegetarian and vegan menu items, including Umami Sushi and Barrington Books Cafe, catering to plant-based diets.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at The Boat House and select vendors at Barrington Farmers Market.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Barrington with these cultural adventures.