Your Go-To Guide For What to Do In June

Here’s what should be on your to-do list this month.

The lobby at The Forester Hotel

STAY It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whopping 92 years since Lake Forest saw a new hotel opening, but not to worry—The Forester Hotel aims to make up for lost time in a serious way. The Hyatt Place-branded, 156-room property’s aesthetic takes inspiration from the city’s motto, “Naturae et Scientiae Amor” (Love of Science and Nature), translating into artwork inspired by natural fractals; meeting rooms named after native plants and flowers; and even the front desk, which is constructed of a single gorgeous white oak tree trunk. One major amenity not to miss? New restaurant Oaken Bistro + Bar, a Janko Hospitality space helmed by executive chef Kristen Burman which focuses on local ingredients and menus that change with the seasons (think Great Lakes trout over white corn polenta and gnocchi doused in a Parmesan jus). 200 N. Field Drive, Lake Forest, theforesterhotel.com

Milton Rogovin, “Girl with Earring” (1961-62, gelatin silver print). MILTON ROGOVIN (AMERICAN, 1909-2011), “GIRL WITH EARRING,” FROM THE SERIES EAST SIDE, BUFFALO, N.Y. (1961-62, GELATIN SILVER PRINT), ORIGINAL SIZE: 7 1/2 INCHES BY 6 3/4 INCHES, THE BLOCK MUSEUM OF ART, THE RICHARD FLORSHEIM ART FUND PURCHASE. 2000.25.16. COPYRIGHT ESTATE OF THE ARTIST.

SEE View art safely thanks to The Block Museum’s newest outdoor exhibition, Behold, Be Held. Expect large-scale reproductions of works from the museum’s collection on the facade of the museum, as well as the neighboring Ethel M. Barber Theater and at the Youth & Opportunity United Evanston building, as the institution highlights the importance of art for portraying feelings and experiences. Think black-and-white photographs by Rosalie Favell, linoleum cuts from Margaret Burroughs and color lithographs by Romare Bearden. Through Aug. 22, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, blockmuseum.northwestern.edu

Forest bathing in the Chicago Botanic Garden

RELAX After the year we’ve all had, it’s safe to say that relaxing and strengthening our mental health is key. With this in mind, head to the Chicago Botanic Garden June 5 and Aug. 15 for a morning of Japanese forest bathing (otherwise known as shinrin-yoku) with certified nature and forest therapy guide Sally Peterson. Immerse yourself in the gardens and connect with nature through mindful activities during a gentle walk. End the excursion with a grounding tea ceremony. 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, chicagobotanic.org

A lace maxidress from Jeune Otte’s spring womenswear line

WEAR Jeune Otte owners Heiji Choy Black and Elise Bergman didn’t let the effects of COVID-19 stop them. In fact, they hit the ground running by expanding their tween-age fashion brand to womenswear at the end of 2020. “During the pandemic, Elise and I were finding that we weren’t really seeing the kind of womenswear lines and clothing that we wanted to wear. Neither of us are sweatpants people, and yet we realized that comfort was a priority,” says Black. “We wanted to create easy, luxurious and comfortable clothes that you could slip on and enjoy wearing all day, that would also look put-together on screen.” The capsule became so popular—the Newman jacket, India maxidress and velvet Lou pants are favorites—that the dynamic duo plans on releasing a second women’s collection this spring. Much like their tween line, most of the clothes are made with sustainability in mind—perfect for shedding or layering depending on the season. jeuneotte.com

A lace maxidress from Jeune Otte’s spring womenswear line

SEE The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center focuses its temporary exhibits on the Holocaust stories that aren’t as well known, as well as issues of social justice that draw parallels to the learnings. July 18 through Sept. 5, see Shanghai: Safe Haven During the Holocaust to learn more about the often overlooked story of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe to the city. Expect 22 large-scale photographs by American Jewish photographer Arthur Rothstein, and artifacts from Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Chicago—each is accompanied by short biographies. 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, ilholocaustmuseum.org