Plan a day trip to this perfect North Shore haven
One of the North Shore’s toniest suburbs, Glencoe is a lovely town teaming with culture, beauty and great food. Take a short trip from Chicago by car or Metra train and plan a full day to take in everything Glencoe has to offer. Get an early start to enjoy breakfast at a charming cafe and stay through the evening for a performance at Glencoe’s famed theater. Here’s your checklist.
Grab Breakfast
Start your day at Hometown Coffee in the center of town. Here you’ll find the North Shore’s best breakfast sandwiches and several creative offerings atop toast. The coffee is always outstanding and the smoothies and bowls are fresh and inventive.
Shop
After breakfast, take a stroll through the shops of Vernon and Park Avenues.
Anne Lockus Gallery at the corner of Green Bay Road and Vernon Avenue will catch your attention immediately with gorgeous artwork in every window. Stop inside to view an expertly curated selection of paintings and sculptures. Anne’s eye for art is impeccable and her selections can be found in some of the North Shore’ss finest homes.
Image courtesy of Anne Lockus Gallery
Valentina features casual fashion for women in addition to jewelry, accessories, and gifts. It’s a perfect spot to pick up something pretty for yourself or a great-smelling candle for a friend. With locations in Winnetka and Lake Forest in addition to this lovely shop on Vernon Avenue, Valentina certainly understands the NorthShore aesthetic. Styles from Alice & Olivia, Oliphant, and Bell Collection can be found for every season and spring dresses are particularly fetching. Image courtesy of Valentina Glencoe
Black Sheep General Store is a whimsical treasure trove. Across the street from Valentina on Vernon Avenue, this quirky shop features, home goods, gifts and curiosities that will capture your imagination. Snarky socks and hand-hooked pillows are hard to resist. A trip to BlackSheep General Store is just fine fun. Images courtesy of Blacksheep General Store
Explore
With the shopping urge satisfied, head east across Green Bay Road for a stroll through the most exclusive estates of East Glencoe. Just beyond the train station, you’ll spot the charming Glencoe Union Church which played a role in one of the North Shore’s starring moments when it was featured in John Hughes’ seminal film, Sixteen Candles. You may recognize it as the church where Samantha Baker’s older sister’s wedding took place. Directly across the street is the park where Anthony Michael Hall‘s “Geek” woke to find himself in the backseat of a Rolls-Royce with the prom queen.
Continue heading east past sprawling Estates built by some of the most notable architects of the early 20th century including Howard Van Doren Shaw and David Adle. Download a Map of Landmark Properties to learn the history of many of the century-old estates. Gardens in East Glencoe are always impeccably kept and adorned for each season. Continue all the way east to find Lakefront Park and Glencoe Beach, one of the most secluded and serene beaches on the North Shore,
As the sun begins to set, head back to town for dinner before the show. We can recommend two options, but reservations are a must at these popular spots.
Dinner and a Show
Guildhall Restaurant is a cozy, yet elegant option with warm, rustic decor with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and cozy booths. The menu features classic American cuisine with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors. Try the Neopolitan-style pizza to start and don’t miss the perfectly fresh steak and seafood options for your main course. Guildhall also offers an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and a selection of local beers on tap. Image courtesy of Guildhall Restaurant
Glencoe newcomer, Merlo’s, serves traditional Italian fare in a warm, friendly atmosphere. This family-owned restaurant is new to Glencoe, but owners John and Laura Merlo operated a restaurant of the same name in nearby Highland Park for many years. On the menu, you’ll find your favorite pasta, salads and entrees served in generous portions. Wine options and cocktails are as classic as the menu. Image courtesy of Merlo’s
After dinner, it’s time to experience Glencoe’s most treasured establishment. Writers Theatre, founded in 1992, produces new works, reimagining classic plays, and world premieres. The company is known for its intimate staging, innovative productions, and dedication to nurturing emerging talent in the theatre industry.
Founded by Michael Halberstam and Marilyn Campbell, the company began as a small, 50-seat storefront theatre and it has since grown into one of the most respected regional theatres in the country. The company is committed to nurturing emerging playwrights, directors, and actors, and it has produced world premieres by some of the most exciting voices in American theatre. Writers Theatre has also reimagined classic plays, such as Tennessee Williams’ “Sweet Bird of Youth,” Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame,” and William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” to critical acclaim. The company has received several national awards for its dedication to the community and ongoing commitment to artistic excellence. Image courtesy of Writer’s Theatre
Dress for the Day
Glencoe is a sophisticated town, but like its North Shore neighbors, a casual yet stylish look is appropriate at any time. Dress comfortably for a full day of walking and bring along a few dressy accessories for the evening.
Getting There
By car, take I-94 to the Dundee Road exit and head east to Greenbay Road. Head south to Park Avenue to find yourself in the center of town.
By train, take the Metra Union Pacific North line to Glencoe station.
