Road Trip! The Best Routes and Stops from Cary to Wilmette
Ready for a road trip? Buckle up because we’re taking you from Cary to Wilmette, two Illinois towns that have so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives or delicious food stops, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best routes and stops to make the most of your road trip.
The Classic Route: I-94
Distance: 42 miles Travel Time: around 50 minutes
The classic route is simple and straightforward. Take I-94 East from Cary to Wilmette, and you'll reach your destination in less than an hour. This route is perfect if you want to avoid traffic and arrive in Wilmette quickly. It's also a good option if you haven't been to Wilmette before and want to maximize your time exploring the town.
Along the way, there aren't many places to stop, but we recommend grabbing a cup of coffee at Off Square Brewing in the historic Crystal Lake Brewing Building. If you're in the mood for something sweet to snack on, stop by Herb's Bakery in Lake Bluff for their famous apple cider donuts.
The Scenic Route: IL-22
Distance: 39 miles Travel Time: around 1 hour
If you're in the mood for a scenic drive, take IL-22 from Cary to Wilmette. This route takes you along winding roads with beautiful views of the countryside. You'll also pass through quaint towns like Barrington and Northbrook that have a lot of unique shops and cafes.
We recommend making a stop at Bob's Pantry and Deli in Barrington for a sandwich made with their homemade bread. In Northbrook, check out the garden center at Chalet Nursery or grab a drink at Prairie Grass Cafe.
The Foodie Route: US-14 and I-294
Distance: 44 miles Travel Time: around 1 hour
If you're a foodie, take the US-14 and I-294 route from Cary to Wilmette. This route takes you through some of the Chicago suburbs' best culinary spots, including the beloved Uncle Dan's in Lake Zurich, which sells legendary barbecue. The drive takes a little longer, but the food stops along the way are worth it.
We also recommend checking out Marcello's Father and Son in Northbrook for some of the best Italian food in the area. For dessert, make a stop at Graeter's Ice Cream in Winnetka, where you can try their famous Buckeye Blitz flavor.
The Scenic and Historic Route: US-14 and Sanctuary Woods Rd
Distance: 40 miles Travel Time: around 1 hour
This route takes you through the quaint towns of Fox River Grove and Barrington before turning onto the scenic and historic road called Sanctuary Woods Rd. This route offers beautiful views of the Fox River and takes you by historic Long Grove Village, a town founded in 1837.
We recommend making a stop at the Long Grove Apple Haus for some delicious apple cider donuts and browsing the local shops. In Wilmette, you can visit the historic Baha'i House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple.
The Fast Route: I-294
Distance: 34 miles Travel Time: around 35 minutes
Feeling in a hurry? Take I-294 North from Cary to Wilmette, and you'll get there in no time. This route skips the scenic drives and stops to offer the quickest route possible.
If you need to make a pitstop, we recommend grabbing a quick bite at Portillo's in Vernon Hills or trying some of the best pizza in Chicago at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Northbrook.
No matter which route you take from Cary to Wilmette, you'll find plenty of attractions and food stops along the way. So get in the car and hit the road for a fun-filled day trip or weekend getaway.