Home Magazine Articles Guides Videos Galleries Sitemap

Highland Park

Overview

One of the five communities that comprise Chicago's vaunted "North Shore" community, this affluent suburb is built right on a train line, making it accessible from downtown for visitors and local residents who commute alike. Many top shops have homes here, as do smaller, luxury boutiques and emporiums. The main stretch here can take some time to explore thoroughly, which is good since it takes a bit to make the trip north to here.

Shopping

In the last decade, big, high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue have begun to call Highland Park home, but its affluent population has long supported purveyors of various luxury goods, from jewelry to home decor to home electronics.

Dining/Nightlife

The dining scene here is alive with activity, thanks to old school restaurateurs and more recent operators. Ranked among the very best restaurants in the city or the suburbs, Carlos' has been turning out perfect French cuisine for decades while families have been eating top-notch burgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads at Michael's, a better-than-ordinary hot dog stand.

Culture & Attractions

You can see a movie at the old-school theater downtown or see one of the many unique shows held on the grounds at the Ravinia Festival, where acts range from classical to Willie Nelson or Buddy Guy.

The Low Down

Heading to Highland Park from downtown, it's a good idea to take the time to stop in at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, a manicured ode to nature. Once in Highland Park, the choices of how to spend your day are myriad. One thing we do recommend: a stop at Cafe Central, a French bistro operated by the same folks who run Carlos', and try the floating island dessert, a delicious mixture of soft, foamy meringue with spun sugar and soaking in a chilled citrus sauce.