Do West of Chicago

You don’t need a car to escape the ordinary.

 

Whether you’ve got kids who’ve seen every inch of Maggie Daley or you’re just craving a change of pace, it’s time to DO WEST — without going far.

Oak Park & Beyond is just a quick train ride away and packed with places that feel a world apart. Think indie record stores, vintage shops, architectural icons, shady trails, local eats, and ice cream that actually lives up to the hype.

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Need a plan? We made it easy.

Planning a day trip shouldn’t feel like work—so we did the legwork for you. Whether you're wrangling toddlers, meeting up with friends, or just craving something new, our curated guides are packed with local gems, hidden favorites, and easy-to-follow routes.

 

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Blue Line Itinerary

Head west on the CTA's Blue Line to explore charming districts, funky shops, and hands-on family fun.

 

Highlights include:

  • Ferrara Candy - An iconic candy factory (home of the Lemonhead) with bulk deals.
  • Oak Park Conservatory - A hidden oasis filled with tropical plants. Always free. 
  • Bab’s - A female-founded comedy club. Always something hilarious.

 

View Itinerary

Technically the Suburbs. Emotionally, a Mini Getaway.

Sure, it's the 'burbs—but not the kind you roll your eyes at. Oak Park, Forest Park, and friends are the first stops west of the city, so close they’re on the CTA. Literally. Hop the Blue or Green Line, or jump on a Metra and be here in 20 minutes—faster than your brunch wait in Wicker Park.

 

No car? Perfect.

These neighborhoods were built around train stops, which means everything worth seeing is just a stroll from the platform. It’s unexpectedly cool, deeply local, and weird in all the right ways.

 

So yeah, it’s the suburbs. But it’s not that kind of suburb.

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