Vernon Hills Travel Guide

  Backside of the Cuneo Mansion
by Dabs
 
  • Backside of the Cuneo Mansion
      Backside of the Cuneo Mansion
    by Dabs
  • Cuneo gardens
      Cuneo gardens
    by Dabs
  • More Cuneo Gardens
      More Cuneo Gardens
    by Dabs
  • White fallow deer
      White fallow deer
    by Dabs
  • Cuneo
      Cuneo "prison"
    by Dabs
 

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Things to Do  

Cuneo "prison"
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Dabs 3952 reviews
Cuneo

The black wrought iron cage on the 2nd floor was built so the Cuneo children could play outdoors but their parents needn't woory about them being kidnapped as they were locked in. The mansion was built after Charles Lindbergh's baby was kidnapped and I believe the guide said that was the reason this outdoor "prison" was built.

Written Nov 17, 2005

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Cuneo deer
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White fallow deer

On the grounds near the parking lot and conservatory at the Cuneo Museum & gardens, there's a fenced in area behind which you'll find white fallow deer from India, descendants of a herd that has been on the property since 1914.

Written Nov 17, 2005

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Cuneo Museum & gardens
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Within a period of a couple of weeks I saw two articles on visiting the Cuneo Gardens so I figured it must be some sort of sign. After having breakfast with dad in nearby Deerfield I headed over to Vernon Hills, fought my way through the shopping traffic and entered the gate for the tour. I didn't ask but I assume if you want to get on the grounds you have to pay the admission that includes a visit to the mansion. Guided tours are given on Saturday at 11pm, 1 pm and 3pm and on Sunday you can do a self tour.

The mansion was built for Samuel Insull, the founder of Commonwealth Edison (the company that provides electric service to residents of Illinois). Insull lost his fortune in the depression in 1931and the estate was sold to John Cuneo, who made his fortune in the printing business, in 1937. It remained the Cuneo family home until 1990 when Mrs. Cuneo died, the house and gardens were opened to the public in 1991.

Unlike many historic homes, the furnishings are the original ones that were there in 1990 when Mrs. Cuneo died.

You can't take pictures in the interior, interesting features include a retractable glass ceiling (sealed in the 1950s due to leakage) over the interior courtyard, a stained glass chapel, indoor swimming pool and toilets that are shaped to look like dining room chairs.

Written Jul 11, 2005

Address: 1350 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Website: http://www.cuneomuseum.org/

Related to:
 Museum Visits
 Architecture

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Hotels  

Restaurants  

Nirvana: Wow, above expectations!
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londonlover 497 reviews

A rarity among the suburban sprawl of Vernon Hills is the small, individually owned, cozy, and peaceful little restaurant called Nirvana. It opened in 2008, and I can only say I hope it stays around for a long time! Lots of veggie options, including a fabulous grilled tofu panini with teriyaki marinate and mango chutney, fabulous sides (including mashed sweet potatoes and Cuban black beans and rice), and a fabulous cheese plate with dates, nuts, and unusual Spanish cheeses. A definite treasure in a land of chain restaurants!!

Favorite Dish: The Spanish Cheese Flight!

Written Jul 11, 2009

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