Things To Do
in Hawthorn Woods

Charming tree-lined streets, historic storefronts, seasonal decorations and festivals make for great small-town street and architectural photography.

Calm water, docks and evening sunsets provide classic lake photography opportunities; reflections and migratory waterfowl are common subjects.

mixed woodlands, creek crossings, marsh edges and winding trails offer wildlife, macro and landscape photo opportunities, especially in spring and fall.

Open prairie grasses, wildflowers in summer and migratory bird stopovers create varied natural scenes from late spring to early fall.

Farmers markets in neighboring towns (Long Grove, Lake Zurich, Libertyville) pop up seasonally offering fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses and prepared foods — a great place to sample local flavors and pick up picnic supplies.

Small town festivals and summer markets often feature food trucks, BBQ, bratwurst and craft beverage vendors; check local calendars for events while you’re visiting.

Tipping is customary in the U.S.: restaurants 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service, bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for table service, taxi or rideshare drivers 10–15%, hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night. Tip more for exceptional service.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for markets, tips or small vendors, but most establishments prefer card payments.

Temperatures cool to mild; wildflowers and migratory birds arrive. Trails can be muddy in early spring, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Pollen season peaks in late spring for those with allergies.

Warm to hot, often humid with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Great time for boating, swimming and outdoor festivals. Pack sun protection, mosquito repellent and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings to avoid midday heat.

Crisp, comfortable weather and vivid fall foliage in woodlands and along country roads — prime time for hiking and photography. Layers are useful as temperatures can swing between warm afternoons and cool mornings.

Cold with regular snow and sub-freezing temperatures; outdoor offerings shift to sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Roads can be icy after snowfalls, so check conditions and carry warm clothes if exploring outdoors.

Local Lake County Forest Preserve with trails through woodlands and wetlands, good for hiking, birdwatching and seasonal photography; relatively short loops and easy terrain.

Unique wetland preserve and boardwalk that offers interpretive trails and excellent opportunities to see bog ecology and seasonal plant communities (a short drive away).

Large park with a mix of water-based recreation and shoreline trails; good for longer hikes, paddling and scenic views of connected lakes.

Park near Libertyville with trails around a large lake, boat rentals, picnic areas and good birdwatching; family-friendly trails and amenities.

Vegetarian options are widely available at cafes and farm-to-table restaurants; many menus include salads, grain bowls, pastas and vegetarian sandwiches. Grocery stores in the area carry produce and meat alternatives for self-catering.

Vegan and gluten-free choices are available but less ubiquitous than in larger cities — call ahead for specific dietary needs at smaller restaurants and use nearby larger towns for greater variety of specialty eateries.