The Great North Shore End of Summer Challenge

Those last siren calls of summertime draw us out to play. But have you hit all the great attractions and restaurants in this gorgeous region that pops with excitement? Take the Great Chicago North Shore End of Summer Challenge! See how many of these Top 20 terrific spots and experiences for sports, music, shopping, food and more where you can maximize the seasonal fun. You can take on your favorite set, tackle one from each grouping, or go for gold and do it all when you Visit Chicago’s North Shore.

 

Northwestern University Sailing Center, Evanston

The Sporting Life

1. Bike the Green Bay Trail: Cycle the beautiful bike path along this convenient but incredible trail running for more than six miles parallel to the Metra commuter line. Hop on at one end in Wilmette, the other at Ravinia (or adjacent Chicago Botanic Garden), or any spot along the way. Flanked by restaurants, shops, community parks and beautiful homes, this DIY tour is a top-notch way to enjoy a summer day.
2. Kayak on the Skokie Lagoons: This sparkling 894-acre network is the perfect place to slip out onto the waterways and enjoy the day and the wildlife. Bring a rod and reel if fishing is a preferred side quest. Boat rentals are available from April to October.
3. Paddleboard on Lake Michigan: Feel the gentle pulse of the waves on our favorite Great Lake. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) mixes a bit of surfing and kayaking almost feeling like you can walk on water. Northwestern University’s Sailing Center has one-hour rentals, as well as 10-punch passes.
4. Spend a Day Golfing: Book a tee time on expert greens across Chicago’s North Shore. Grab a buddy to enjoy 18 holes of beautiful fairways or a nine-hole course — all presenting exquisite grounds, excellent club perks and a terrific day out. 
5. Play Mini Golf Inside or Out: If you prefer hitting things in a more exotic setting head to  Puttshack (Skokie) for neon-drenched, tech assisted miniature golf. Or travel the world at the 18-hole Traveler's Quest at Skokie Sports Park. You’ll visit some of the world's most iconic places, from the Eiffel Tower to Antarctica to the Willis Tower. Their Kid’s Quest is perfect for the little ones. 

Ravinia Festival, Highland Park

Celebrate the Arts

1. An Evening at the Chicago Botanic Garden for Music on the Esplanade: Pack a picnic or score light snacks onsite for these family-friendly concerts on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Surround yourself in the sounds and stunning botanical sights to make a new summer tradition.
2. Visit Ravinia Festival: Summer isn’t summer without an evening of music at this renown festival park. Superstars fill the calendar with showstoppers from Paul Simon and Bonnie Raitt to Miranda Lambert and Snoop Dog and a full roster of classical masterworks. And the dining options are next level!
3. Discover Live Theater: Thrill to outstanding performances from award-winning theatre companies who will tickle your funny bone, bring you to tears, or get your toes tapping. Behold the architecture of Writers Theatre (Glencoe), the intimacy of Oil Lamp Theater (Glenview), and the exciting new space for Northlight Theater (Evanston)…plus many more!
4. Listen to Live Music …Outside!: Free concerts in every genre bust out across our communities with Wheeling Town Center’s Thursday Night Live, Skokie’s Wednesdays on the Green, Winnetka’s Wednesdays in the Woods, Downtown Evanston’s Downtown Summer Sounds, Glencoe Al Fresco, and Northbrook’s Tuesdays in the Park.

Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie

Ease into the Shopping Lane

1. Plan a Shopping Day at Westfield Old Orchard … with Brunch! Dress up yourself and restock the closet with fashion finds and housewares at this Skokie destination. After you stroll up an appetite, head to Bar Siena, Cupitol the Restaurant and Hampton Social for delicious menus that include bubbly bevvies and brunch classics. Fo other times of day, give all the restaurants a peek. 
2. Buy an Artisan-Made Gift: Your treasured friends, colleagues and loved ones will be wowed by thoughtful gifts with local flair from Artem Popup Gallery (Evanston), Artsy Heart (Glenview), Gather Fair Trade (Evanston), Heart Studio (Winnetka), and Shop Evanston Made (Evanston).
3. Fall in Love with a Good Book at an Independent Retailer: Local bookstores burst with the latest bestsellers and beach reads alongside classic tales to take on (or rediscover). Each shop has its own flavor stocking local authors, highlighting special interest topics, and hosting events. Most of all, owners and staff make terrific personal recommendations for you or for the perfect gift.
4. Shop at a Farmers' Market: More than just fruits and veggies, these exciting community events include artisans and makers along with specialty food items you won’t find in stores. Most get a fresh start every warm month of the year early Saturday mornings, while some host on weeknights or Sunday mornings.

Ema, Glenview

For the Wine and Dine Crew

1. Order Ice Cream at a Neighborhood Shop: Don’t miss the summer treat go-to at Buck Russell’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop (Wilmette), the popular-for-generations Homer’s Ice Cream (Wilmette) with homemade gourmet cones and many more at local shoppes and restaurants. Or pop by the carryout window evenings after 4:00 pm for Ema Glenview’s Froyo To Go, frozen Greek yogurt topped with olive oil and sea salt or rotating seasonal toppings.
2. Go on a Bakery Tour: Satisfy those cravings with a parade of sweet and savory wonders. Just map a course to the dazzling array of bakeries boasting addictive donuts, flaky pastries, bagels, cakes, sandwiches and more for any time of day.
3. Date Night Out: You and your sweetie can have a night on the town(s!) to remember with activities (hiking, biking, mini-golf), dining (lively, sophisticated or both) and live entertainment. Chicago’s North Shore makes it easy to combine two or more destinations so you two can spend quality time together.
4. Grab that Iced Latte Before the Pumpkin Spice Comes Out: Coffee lovers can follow the seasons with fun specialty drinks from local top coffee shops. Sample the summertime favorites on ice for your morning fix, then treat yourself to fun flavors or whipped cream topping. Get ‘em while you can before the divisive Fall specials come on the scene.

Chicago Stars, Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, Evanston

Bonus Round

1. Pamper Yourself: Relax and recharge with a glorious body treatment like massage, facial or  bendy yoga workshop. You can pick from several self-care options including boutiques with dreamy flowers or soothing botanicals to boost your mood and your health.
2. Day at the Beach: Lake Michigan puts the “shore” in North Shore and nothing beats spending hours at our numerous lakefront beaches for swimming, kayaking, boating and picnics while relishing the sparkling waterscape. 
3. Check out a Chicago Stars Game: Cheer on Chicago’s own professional women’s soccer team to victory at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium (Evanston) smack dab on the lakefront. One of the fastest growing sports in American, come and see why.