Things to do in north suburbs of the city

Question

I posted earlier and got a lot of great help with our itinerary. We are staying the first 4 nights of our trip in Glenview and my daughter and I were going to commute to downtown while my husband works near our hotel. But we’ve decided 1-2 of those days not to do the commute. So we’re looking for things to do in the northern suburbs… Glenview, Evanston, Wilmette, Glencoe areas. Do any of those have a particularly nice, walkable downtown or shopping area? And which beaches are nice in those areas?

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a lovely stay in the northern suburbs of Chicago! Glenview, Evanston, Wilmette, and Glencoe are all great areas to explore, and they offer plenty of things to do without having to travel into downtown Chicago. Here's a breakdown of what you can enjoy in each of these areas:

1. Glenview Glenview is a charming suburb with a relaxed vibe. While it’s not known for a bustling downtown area, there are some nice places to visit. The Glen Town Center is a great spot to check out, with a mix of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. If you're into nature, take a walk at Glenview Park Conservancy or visit the Greenbelt Forest Preserve, which offers scenic trails and wildlife. Glenview also has a few great local restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you want a low-key day, consider visiting the Historic Wagner Farm, a preserved working farm where you can learn about agriculture and the history of the area.

Pros: Relaxed suburban atmosphere, good shopping and dining options at The Glen Town Center, access to outdoor spaces like parks and nature preserves.
Cons: Limited walkable downtown area compared to some of the other nearby suburbs.

2. Evanston Evanston is one of the more vibrant suburbs north of Chicago, and it offers a walkable downtown with a great mix of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The Downtown Evanston area is very walkable, with plenty of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. You can also explore Church Street Plaza for a more relaxed shopping experience. If you enjoy the arts, visit the Evanston Art Center or catch a show at the Northlight Theatre. Evanston is home to Northwestern University, so there’s a youthful energy in the area, with plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy. The beach at Clark Street Beach is a popular spot in the summer, offering a great place to relax by Lake Michigan with scenic views of the Chicago skyline.

Pros: Vibrant downtown area, cultural attractions like the Evanston Art Center and Northlight Theatre, beautiful lakefront beaches like Clark Street Beach.
Cons: Can be busier and more crowded, especially around the university and downtown area.

3. Wilmette Wilmette is a quieter suburb with a more residential feel, but it has some nice spots to explore. The downtown area along Green Bay Road has several shops, cafes, and restaurants, and you’ll find a charming, small-town atmosphere. Wilmette is home to Gillson Park, which has a beautiful beach along Lake Michigan—perfect for a peaceful day by the water. The Wilmette Public Library is also a lovely building to visit, and the nearby Bahá’í House of Worship is a peaceful and stunning site to explore, with beautifully manicured gardens and the opportunity for reflection. It’s a great place if you’re looking for a relaxing, quieter day compared to some of the busier suburbs.

Pros: Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, beautiful beach at Gillson Park, small but charming downtown area with shopping and dining.
Cons: Less to do in terms of shopping or nightlife compared to Evanston or Glenview.

4. Glencoe Glencoe is another quiet suburb with a more upscale vibe. The downtown area along Greenwood Avenue is small but offers some high-end boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Glencoe is home to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden, which is a must-visit if you’re into nature and beautiful landscapes. The Glencoe Beach along Lake Michigan is a great place to relax with scenic views, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County offers hiking and nature trails in the nearby Skokie Lagoons. Glencoe is perfect for a more tranquil day if you enjoy gardens and outdoor activities.

Pros: Beautiful nature spots like the Chicago Botanic Garden and Skokie Lagoons, peaceful beaches along Lake Michigan, upscale vibe with boutique shopping.
Cons: Smaller downtown area with fewer dining and shopping options compared to Evanston or Glenview.

Beaches to Visit: If you're specifically looking for beaches, the following options in these suburbs are some of the best:

Clark Street Beach (Evanston): A popular spot with beautiful views of the Chicago skyline and a relaxed atmosphere.
Gillson Park Beach (Wilmette): A peaceful spot with clear water and a nice park for picnicking and walking.
Glencoe Beach: A quieter, more serene beach with lovely views and a peaceful vibe.

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a bustling, walkable downtown with a mix of culture, shopping, and dining, Evanston is the best choice, especially with its beach access and vibrant atmosphere. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and quiet day, both Wilmette and Glencoe offer beautiful nature and beach experiences, while Glenview offers a more suburban, low-key vibe with some nice parks and local dining options.

Things to do in north suburbs of the city

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