No Car, No Problem: See Chicago’s North Shore

Fancy-free and car-free, too! Transportation choices abound connecting to delightful and delicious communities across the North Shore. You’ve got your pick of CTA trains, Metra lines, Pace buses, cabs and ride-share — not to mention an abundance of bike trails. Catch tips for attractions, shopping and dining in Glencoe, Skokie, Evanston, Glenview, Winnetka and Wilmette. You’ll find maps and more when you Travel Chicago’s North Shore.

 

Downtown Glencoe

Picture-Perfect Glencoe
Metra’s Union Pacific North (UP-N); Pace Bus Route 213
Make a day of it with a colorful and fragrant exploration of the iconic Chicago Botanic Garden (less than a mile’s walk from the Braeside station). After gawking at gardens and water features, pop back a stop to the Glencoe station or catch a Pace bus to darling downtown Glencoe. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with the pretty bistro ambiance of Guildhall or RDK Sushi for family-style, high-end Japanese fare. Add some shop stops at The Wild Child Toys for all ages or The Flower Shop in Glencoe for posies to take home before catching a play at Writers Theatre. 
 

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Sensational Skokie
CTA Yellow Line; Pace Bus Route 97 Skokie
For shopping heaven, hit up Westfield Old Orchard to update your wardrobe at Nordstrom and Bloomies and your home at Crate and Barrel. You’ll work up an appetite for lively Bar Siena, fresh seafood at The Hampton Social, or Cupitol the Restaurant which adds cocktails and dinner to their coffee/breakfast game. Just across the way, The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts keeps the entertainment going with concerts, comedy acts, dance performances, and acclaimed theatrical productions. All just a 15-minute bus ride from the Dempster-Skokie CTA station. Or stroll a few minutes from the Oakton–Skokie CTA station to explore Downtown Skokie’s offerings like tasty bakery and coffeehouses with excellent lunch options at Kneads and Wants or Will’s Place. Wrap up your day at Take Flight Spirits for hand-crafted, small batch spirits (distilled, aged onsite).
 

Downtown Evanston

Exploring Evanston
CTA Purple Line; Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N)
Hop off the CTA Davis stop and wander Downtown Evanston’s yummy, buzzy vibe with Le Tour for a French-Moroccan taste sensation, authentic Asian cuisine at LuLu’s, or Mexican cantina Taco Diablo. Stock up on freshly baked treats from Bennison’s Bakery after you score a new outfit at Madison Grace, gifts at Artem Pop Up Gallery, or one-of-a-kind jewelry at Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio. Next up, the Central Street stop for fun fashion at Stella Boutique, groovy kids’ wear at Maya Papaya and Tony Macarony and a bevy of affordable treasures at YMCA Shop for Good. Compare flavors from either end of the street: Great Harvest and Hewn for baked glory and Burl for a locally-sourced American menu. Take your pick of the Main Street or Dempster stations at either end of the Main-Dempster Mile. Veg on at Blind Faith Café or Lucky Platter for globally inspired comfort food and breakfast so you can hit up Secret Treasures’ antiques and collectibles and Evanston Made for local artists’ fare. 
 

The Glen Town Center, Glenview

Lush, Luxurious Glenview
Metra Milwaukee District North (MD-N), Glenview Station
Step right out of the Glenview stop and into bright and delicious café Hometown Coffee & Juice for breakfast or lunch. A few steps on for more delightful neighborhood dinners at pretty bistro Jackman & Co. or Zenzi Den for Japanese-inspired izakaya cooking. Enjoy intimate live drama at cozy Oil Lamp Theater with its stellar cast, full bar and complimentary cookies! Hop on a bus for a short 10-minute ride to The Glen Tower Center and linger at Artsy Heart for original art handcrafted by talented artisans from across the country.
 

Downtown Wilmette

Wander Wilmette
Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N), Berman 1 Station
Metra helpfully drops you right into tree-lined Downtown Wilmette, brimming with boutiques, restaurants and entertainment. Shop for new fab fashion favorites at Hubba-Hubba or peruse YMCA Shop for Good Wilmette, for new and gently loved women’s clothing, outerwear, footwear and more. Energize with amazing breakfast and lunch at EvaDean’s Bakery & Café or dinner at the upscale but family friendly Pescadero Seafood & Oyster Bar. You can pull up to the bar, cozy booth or table near the fireplace at Valley Lodge Tavern or indulge in authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas from an authentic wood-burning oven at Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar. Make the 12-minute jaunt to the flagship Wayfair store by ordering an Uber.
 

Elm Street District, Winnetka

Picturesque Winnetka 
Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N)
This enchanting village will low-key impress with a prime selection of shops and restaurants. The Hubbard Woods station puts you steps from a quaint set with Randoon's, the hip clothing, accessory and gift hotspot, and Mattie M for upscale choices in designer sportswear, dresses and accessories. Dine delicious at award-winning Spirit Elephant for you-won’t-believe-it’s-vegan fare or truly authentic pasta, pizza and entrees at Mino’s Italian. The Winnetka station cozies up to the Elm Street districts (East and West). Browse to find great reads at The Book Stall or shop Valentina, a modern, unique boutique. Dining fine to casual surrounds you with winners like Avli’s traditional but inspired Greek favorites or Fred’s Garage in a charming renovated service station.
 

Ravinia Festival, Highland Park

BONUS: Ravinia Festival
Metra Union Pacific North Line, Ravinia Park Station
Did you know picnic-friendly live music destination Ravinia Festival has its own stop on the Metra train line … right at the front gate?! All summer long your journey to some of the finest entertainment in the Midwest is easy and hassle-free. Make that “free” free: Show your dated concert ticket for a complimentary train ride to and from the park on the performance date. Now you have no reason to miss pop legends, classical greats and much more.