Did you know that you don’t even have to leave Barrington to embark on an kayak adventure? All you have to do is plan a trip to L.L. Bean at The Arboretum.
L.L. Bean in South Barrington offers what’s called “Walk-on Adventures” and it’s part of the company’s Outdoor Discovery School. Every Saturday and Sunday through Columbus Day weekend (and Monday, July 5th), they’re offering 2-and-a-half hour kayaking excursions which start and finish at the South Barrington store. For $20, you’ll be outfitted with all of the gear you need and shuttled to to a drop off point along the Fox River in Elgin. There will be guides to help teach beginners basic kayaking skills and, if you’re already an expert, it’s an easy way to spend some time out on the water. It’s a new opportunity to get some excercise outdoors, but kids have to be at least eight years old and accompanied by an adult if they’re under 14.
If kayaking is not your thing, but you love to fly fish, L.L. Bean also offers fly-casting classes at their shop in South Barrington. Again, the cost is only $20, and it’s an hour-and-a-half techniques course that reviews fly casting techniques.
For a full schedule of L.L. Bean’s Walk-on Adventures in South Barrington, visit the company’s South Barrington website at LLBean.com and they say it’s best to call ahead to make a reservation. The store is located in The Arboretum of South Barrington at 100 W. Higgins Road and you can reach them by calling 847-551-8910. The outdoor discovery school manager in South Barrington says all boats and boating equipment are 20% off this weekend so, if the weather’s nice, it could be a great time to check this program out.
