1. Hop in your car and cruise into Cascade Drive-in, one of the few drive-in movie theaters in the state (1100 E. North Ave., West Chicago; 630-231-3150). Hang a well-worn speaker on your window and watch two back-to-back films under the stars for $8. On your way in, stop by Scooby’s Red Hots (28W 771 North Ave., West Chicago; 630-231-4848), a tiny retro fast-food spot located just west of the entrance, to grab some cinematic sustenance in the form of hot dogs ($1.99) and cheese fries ($1.29-$2.59).
2. When the farmers market days are long gone, you’ll be glad you savored peaches at their peak in these restaurants’ creations: Champagne-poached peaches with anise angel food cake and lemongrass ice cream at Maijean (30 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills; 630-794-8900) or the Shanghai peach Lilly — a butter-cookie cup with flambeed peaches, peach ice cream and raspberry coulis — at Karma (510 E. Illinois Highway 83, in the Crowne Plaza North Shore, Mundelein; 847-970-6900).
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3. Share a pitcher of passion fruit sangria ($6 a glass; $19.99 a pitcher) with pals at the no-fuss patio at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (15690 S. Harlem Ave., Orland Park; 708-633-0200). There’s no table service for the outdoor space, so just order your drinks at the bar and head out to an umbrella-topped table for leisurely sipping.
4. Head to Pinstripes (1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook; 847-480-2323) to work your moves on their outdoor bocce ball courts ($8 per person per hour before 5 p.m.; $10 after 5 p.m.). Not so skilled at this distinguished sport? Park it on the patio and cheer on the players with a glass of homemade limoncello ($6).
5. Soak up the sun at Emilio’s Sunflower Bistro sidewalk cafe (30 La Grange Rd., La Grange; 708-588-9890), sipping a summery blueberry blanco. The servers at this cheerful eatery take pink lemonade sangria, throw in a handful of fresh blueberries and pour it in a tall glass over ice ($8.50).
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