Discover | Lisle

By
October 2018 View more

Naperville’s easterly neighbor may be smaller by comparison, but thanks to attractions such as the sprawling Morton Arboretum, the Bulls/Sox Training Academy, and Benedictine University, Lisle is a popular Chicagoland destination. The village’s quaint downtown boasts a handful of shops and restaurants along with the picturesque Garden Walk, which connects Main Street to Prairie Walk Pond’s trails and play areas.

Explore

Four Lakes
This recreation area offers skiing and snowboarding during the winter, and sand volleyball leagues during the summer.
5750 Lakeside Drive, 630.964.2550, fourlakessnowsports.com

The Morton Arboretum
Troll Hunt, a collection of massive troll sculptures that Danish artist Thomas Danbo made out of reclaimed wood, is the latest addition here—wander the grounds to find all six as you explore 1,700 acres of fall colors. Little ones will enjoy “Trick or Trees” this month, where they can enjoy games and crafts each weekend (plus Columbus Day) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Vote for your favorite scarecrow, created by local Scout troops and displayed along Meadow Lake Trail, daily in October.
4100 Illinois Route 53, 630.968.0074, mortonarb.org

Museums at Lisle Station Park
Learn about the early days of Lisle by touring a 19th-century tavern, blacksmith shop, historic farmhouse, train depot, and 1881 railroad caboose.
921 School Street, 630.968.0499, lisleparkdistrict.org

Pixel Blast Arcade
Play old-school games and pinball at this token-free arcade where one entry fee ($15 per person) buys free play all day.
1045 Burlington Avenue, 331.777.2941, pixelblastarcade.com

Sensory Garden Playground
This interactive playground for children of all abilities has handicapped-accessible ramps and areas for sensory play, including scent and sound gardens.
2751 Navistar Drive, playforalldupage.org

The Room
Puzzle-solvers and code-crackers will love thinking their way out of the Einstein and art gallery-themed escape rooms at this activity center.
4910 Main Street, 808.283.6129, theroomlisle.com

Dine & Drink

Apolis Greek Street Food
Fare Spit-roasted meats served in a toasted pita, atop a rice bowl or salad
Good for A speedy counter-service lunch on the go
Must try Spiced lamb and beef kebabs with tzatziki, saganaki, spanakopita
1109 Maple Avenue, 331.775.2135, apolisgreek.com

The Bavarian Lodge
Fare Comforting German food—with a few American and English classics in the mix—plus plenty of imported brews to wash it all down
Good for Pretending you’re on a European vacation for the afternoon
Must try Wurst of all kinds, from bratwurst to knackwurst to Thuringer
1800 Ogden Avenue, 630.241.4701, bavarian-lodge.com

The NWB
Fare Sammies, salads, and burgers, plus plentiful whiskey-, bourbon- and rye-based cocktails (the name stands for The Next Whiskey Bar, after all)
Good for A laid-back date night or meet-up with friends
Must try Funky bar snacks such as cauliflower popcorn, pulled pork poutine, and onion rings with cilantro aioli
4732 Main Street, 630.541.3811, nwbars.com

Paisans
Fare Pasta, burgers, and pizzas aplenty, including deep-dish, double dough, stuffed, Sicilian, flatbread or gluten-free
Good for A group chow-down on a breezy day with the restaurant’s garage doors wide open
Must try Slow-roasted pulled pork flatbread with caramelized onions, barbecue sauce, and cilantro.
2901 Ogden Avenue, 630.922.4100, paisanspizza.com/lisle

Yerbabuena Mexican Cuisine
Fare Mouth-watering Mexican specialties, from crispy tostadas to taco trios to sizzling carne asada platters
Good for Sipping ’ritas on the umbrella-shaded front patio or second-floor terrace
Must try Guacamole made tableside, pork tamales, tacos al pastor
4734 Main Street, 630.852.8040, yerbabuenacuisine.com

SHOPPING

FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
Heritage Harley-Davidson
This sprawling dealership sells new and preowned Harleys, plus plenty of clothing to wear on or off your bike—from ready-to-ride jackets to leather boots to logo-emblazoned tees. Its new rider course gets you safely on the road in just a weekend (October 12–14).
2595 Ogden Avenue, 630.420.1942, heritagehd.com

FOR GIFT-GIVERS
Créme de la Créme Gifts & Accessories
This sweet boutique is packed with appealing gifts for anyone on your list, from leather passport covers for the avid jet setter to gourmet treats or glitzy glasses for the hostess with the mostest.
4710-3 Main Street, 630.968.2500

FOR LADIES
Tina’s Closet
Underthings are the overarching focus at this boutique, which is a destination for bra fittings. Be sure to make an appointment if you’re a first-time shopper.
4745 Main Street, Suite 105, 630.810.0046, tinasclosetinc.com

FOR BAUBLE LOVERS
P. Martin Jewelers
Whether you’re in the market for wedding bands, an engagement ring, or a gift for anything from confirmation to graduation to anniversaries, this jewelry shop offers immensely personal service. Owner Paul is also a skilled resource for repairs.
4745 Main Street, Suite 101, 630.968.2300