Sure, it’s New Year’s Eve, but you’ve probably got your plans set for the midnight hour. What to do all day if you’ve got kids or houseguests to entertain — that’s the real question. If you’re anywhere near the near-western suburbs, you may find something to like in this itinerary.
Morning
It’s just not a weekend morning if no pancakes are involved. We love the regular cakes at The Original Pancake House (531 N. LaGrange Road, LaGrange Park); there are also apple and fruit versions to die for (they’ll even make a bear pancake, with fruit for the eyes, nose and mouth, for the under-5 set). Another fine breakfast option is the dependable diner Blueberry Hill (49 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange), which also has outposts in Forest Park, Darien and Bridgeview.
Once you’ve stuffed yourselves, it’s time to check out some of LaGrange’s cool mom and pop stores. Boys of all ages will no doubt be fascinated by the toys and intricate model kits available at the LaGrange Hobby Center (25 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange), while Veni Vidi Val (25 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange) has a lovingly chosen collection of unique clothing, picture frames, art, jewelry and even flower-bedecked shoes. In other words, it’s girl paradise.
Afternoon
To fortify yourselves, you could stop for another meal at Santiago’s (9 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange), the Mexican place that’s always packed because its food is reasonably priced and quite tasty, or Palmer Place (56 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange), a family-friendly neighborhood pub with good, hearty grub (this place is a must-stop for burger lovers and beer fans).
What we usually end up doing in the afternoon is heading out to Brookfield Zoo (for non-members, admission is $4 to $8 and parking $8), where even in freezing temperatures, there’s always something to see in the indoor pavilions. Observing the gorilla family in the huge Tropic World exhibit is a favorite activity; watching the dolphins swim is as soothing as can be.
If it’s greenery you’re after, you could head a bit further east to the Oak Park Conservatory (615 Garfield Blvd., Oak Park.
Tired out from all the activities, the kids might fade by this point and be ready for a pizza in front of the TV. Time for you and your friends, guests, or maybe just your significant other to head for to one of LaGrange’s newest and best dining options. The salmon-potato appetizer at the new Emilio’s Sunflower (30 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange) is a mouthwatering don’t-miss, and you can’t go wrong with any of the dozens of dishes at La Pinta (25 W. Calendar Ct., LaGrange), a “Mexican tapas” place that Tribune dining critic Phil Vettel has called “a potential star.”
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