By Maura Keller | Photo courtesy Chicago North Shore CVB
Bordering the City of Chicago, the North Shore area provides visitors a wealth of opportunities to explore all the region has to offer, while remaining connected to the city by the area’s elevated train service. Enjoy strolling through the charming shops of Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe, and delight in their wonderful dining and shopping options, while taking in vistas of Lake Michigan. The North Shore offers easy access to Wrigley Field, and all of downtown Chicago’s attractions. For shopping enthusiasts, it doesn’t get much better than Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, a beautifully landscaped outdoor shopping center offering a lush setting filled with hundreds of stores, including favorites Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Old Orchard also boasts a movie theater and dozens of restaurants.
Head over to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe for spring and summer visual delights. The Botanic Garden allows visitors to savor their 27 gardens and four nature areas. From a charming English walled garden to a stunning Japanese garden and even a model railway garden, the vast array of flora and fauna will delight at every turn. Explore all of the gardens on foot, or, if you prefer, via tram. Either way there are ample opportunities for families to explore nature or discover more at the many demonstrations throughout the gardens. To learn more about what’s going to be in bloom during your visit, check out chicagobotanic.org.
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Must-See Attractions
Baha’i House of Worship
Designated on the National Register of Historic Places, the stunning architecture of the temple has lace-like white walls and a towering, 135-foot dome. The welcome center provides the opportunity to learn more about the temple community, as well as the history and symbolism of the building. Outside, the temple’s vast gardens and fountains offer the perfect respite. The welcome center is open Wednesdays, 1-6 p.m. and Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. bahai.us/bahai-temple
llinois Holocaust Museum
As the third largest Holocaust museum in the world, the Illinois Holocaust Museum is a place of honor and education, allowing visitors to explore all facets of the Holocaust, including powerful displays and galleries, contempla- tive spaces — both indoors and out — as well as the awe-inspiring Take A Stand Center, an immersive exhibition about social justice. Open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ilholocaustmuseum.org
Listen to the Music Scene
Ravinia Festival
June 15-Sept. 18
As North America’s oldest music festival, Ravinia features more than 140 different concerts spanning the summer months. From pop legends, to classic music to rock to kids’ favorites, Ravinia truly offers something for everyone. ravinia.org
Winnetka Music Festival
June 18
The award-winning Winnetka Music Festival will feature the indie/alternative rock band, Guster, with blues-influenced American rock band, The Record Company opening. Before the bands start playing, visitors can enjoy music and interactive experiences. winnetkamusicfestival.com
Backlot Bash
Aug. 26-28
Downtown Skokie will play host to the Backlot Bash, which features 17 live music acts on two street festival stages. For 15 years, the three-day Backlot Bash festival has boasted rock, folk, indie rock, soul and many other music genres. Other activities include a carnival, 5K run and half-mile youth fun run, bingo tent and farmer’s market. backlotbash.com
