My family and I recently ended up spending some time in the Village of Lisle, a 45-minute drive from downtown Chicago, when friends of ours invited us to join them in nearby Naperville. A quick search of the Lisle Park District website (www.lisleparkdistrict.org) brought Sea Lion Aquatic Park to my attention. I must say this ranks as the single best water facility I have ever experienced. The 25-yard six-lane lap pool is the pride and joy of the Sea Lion Swim Team. It features a raised spectator deck that also serves as the adult deck during open swim hours. Sea Lion Park features two fast, steep body flume slides and two drop slides. In order to ride the slides, patrons must be at least 40 inches tall. The Teen Leisure Pool is designed for teens ages 12 and up. This pool is located in the center of the waterpark so that teens have access to all the interactive water features. As for the Baby Pool & Sand Play, these areas feature age-appropriate, interactive water play areas for children ages 5 and under. Stroller parking is conveniently located nearby. Meanwhile, the vortex pool is designed as a mini-lazy river. The gentle current in this feature is therapeutic for muscles and joints and provides resistance during water aerobics. The unique splash aquatic playground has several interactive water games and sprays suitable for all ages. There is a zero-depth pool that leads into the vortex and lap pools and is a great place to relax or play. Finally, leave some time to relax in the outdoor jacuzzi. The facility has an exceptional lifeguard service and an ample supply of comfortable lawn chairs to relax on. For more information, call 630-964-3410 or email info@lisleparkdistrict.org
DINING: Lisle Park District’s River Bend Golf Club at 5900 S. Route 53 is rated one of the top three nine-hole courses in the state of Illinois. This beautifully manicured course features nine holes of bent grass tees, greens and fairways. The links-style layout features scenic wetland areas with water coming into play on eight out of nine holes. The par 36 design plays up to 3,500 yards and has three sets of tees to accommodate all ability levels. After a long golf outing or a day at the pool, you can relax afterward watch sports on the flat-screen TV, and enjoy a beverage and meal at The View Restaurant & Bar in the clubhouse. Our group of seven dined there. Not only did we marvel at the wonderful service, but the menu had something for everybody notably the kids who had plenty of choices ranging in price from $2 to $5.49. The $4.99 tossed house salad is big enough to feed four people. Their burgers, soups, sandwiches, pasta and house specialties such as tilapia and New York strips come highly recommended. For details log on to www.riverbendgolfclub.org or call 630-968-1920.
WHERE TO STAY: Our friends stayed at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Naperville (1820 Abriter Court) and spoke very highly about the accommodations. Always fresh, clean and bright, the newly renovated 83 guest rooms and 22 executive suites include a well-lit work desk, remote-controlled TV with cable and pay-per-view movies, individual climate control, a separate vanity area with hairdryer and free local phone calls. Coffee makers are in all the suites. Expanded complimentary continental breakfast buffet, indoor pool, spa, fitness room, boardroom, same-day dry cleaning as well as an in-house guest laundry room add to your convenient location for business or pleasure. Try this link: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/chifn-fairfield-inn-and-suites-chicago-naperville.
SHOPPING: The Lisle area offers limitless shopping opportunities that include neighborhood shopping as well as indoor and outdoor malls. There are many shopping options available in Lisle for bakery, hair and nails, flowers, banking, insurance, eye care, printing and copying, dry cleaning, upholstery, jewelry and fitness. College Square is a unique neighborhood shopping center located in Lisle, offering shopping, food, and family and business services. Meanwhile, downtown Naperville offers the best of both worlds: unique family-owned shops like The Artist Works, Anderson’s Bookshop, Deborah Jean, and the City Meat Market, as well as fine anchor stores like Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, Barnes & Noble, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and The Gap.