Dating back to the 1760s, Toby Jugs are ceramic pitchers modeled after the heads of historical and fictional figures. The decorative (and functional) pieces originated in England, but you can find the largest collection in the world by traveling to Evanston. Comprised of more than 8,000 pieces, the Toby Jug Museum hosts the personal collection of Stephen Mullins. The museum of is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays or by appointment.
Evanston’s proximity to Chicago makes it an easy place to reach, just a zip up the Purple Line or the Union Pacific North Metra. Like any good college town, it offers many things to do, including a historic lighthouse and several small museums. Learn about the process of making the booze that goes in your favorite cocktails at the FEW Spirits distillery, rent a kayak and paddle out into Lake Michigan at the Northwestern University Sailing Center, or look to the sky at the college’s Dearborn Observatory.
