Chicago Area Events to Keep You Busy Year-Round

Sure, events shouldn’t be your deciding factor when looking for a new apartment.

They are, however, a very nice bonus.

Here are a few of our favorite neighborhood events.

Aurora Yearly Happenings
The Aurora community offers a wide range of activities every season of the year.

First Fridays
This is a huge community event and a vital part of Aurora’s art scene. Local businesses and venues open their doors for the community to enjoy art, dancing, music, food, and much more.

Annual Winter Lights Holiday Walk and Festival
This event happens every year on the third Friday in November to kick-off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments, and fun.

Cock-a-Doodle Brew Fest
Wings, beer, and live music. What more do you need? Cock-a-Doodle Brew runs each year in October.

Alley Art Fest
Aurora hosts its own grassroots art fest every August. Over 60 local artists line the streets with crafts, music, and lots of fun.

Annual Events in Naperville
Naperville stays very busy all year long.

Rib Fest
This four-day event happens every year (usually in July). With music – and of course lots of ribs – this is one of Naperville’s can’t-miss events.

Last Fling
Last Fling is a family-friendly event that transforms downtown Naperville into a carnival with music, food, and special attractions every Labor Day weekend.

Irish Quiz Nights
These events are a Naperville staple that take place every first Tuesday of the month. Each night covers a few different topics and prizes are awarded.

Little Friends Parade of Lights
Launch your holiday season with music, a parade, fun activities, and Santa. This event happens each year either the last week of November or first week of December.

Things to do in Arlington Heights
The Arlington Heights community loves summer festivals. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of stuff to do year-round, too.

Frontier Festival
This Fourth of July festival goes on for several days – and admission is free. You can enjoy live music, games, carnival rides, drinks, and lots of great food.

Promenade of Art
Over 100 local artists come together each July to fill the streets of Vail and Campbell with jewelry, clothing, pottery, and all kinds of unique crafts.

Block Parties
Arlington Heights offers two unique block parties running back-to-back: Mane and Taste of Arlington Heights. You won’t want to miss these: they take place the first Saturday and Sunday of August.

Santa Run
The Arlington Heights community gets in the holiday spirit each December with an annual Santa Run sponsored by the local Rotary Club.

West Chicago Events You Can’t Miss
When it comes to food and culture, West Chicago has you covered.

Railroad Days
This four-day event takes place every July with a huge parade, bands, a 5k run (or walk), and much more.

Blooming Fest
This annual event celebrates the beginning of warmer weather each mid-May with flowers, food, crafts, and live music.

Mexican Independence Day
Celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day each September 16th with a parade, mariachi bands, dancing horses, and a gigantic piñata. If you love Mexican food, you’ll want to mark your calendar for this one.

What Goes on in Northbrook?
Northbrook has plenty of unique activities to pass the time.

Celebration of Cultures
This event usually takes place the first weekend in May. You can learn about all the different cultures living in Northbrook and enjoy an international film festival.

Earth & Arbor Day
Northbrook takes Earth Day seriously. Get together with the Northbrook community at the end of April to learn about responsible recycling and browse vendors selling environmentally friendly products.

Flamingo Fridays
Flamingo Fridays bring the Northbrook community together in an interesting way every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Each week, a different host offers up their driveway for a family-friendly get-together.

A Year in Glenview
There’s always something going on at “The Glen” in Glenview’s downtown center.

Art at the Glen
This annual Glenview art festival takes place the first weekend in August. Not only are there over 100 vendors selling furniture, photos, jewelry, and ceramics, but you can also have a one-on-one conversation with the artists.

Boo Bash
Grab up all the candy you want at this free Glenview community event. Boo Bash is usually the Saturday before Halloween.

Real Reindeer
Yes, real reindeer and other fun holiday activities. You can catch the reindeer (and probably Santa, too) the first weekend of December at The Glen.

Places to Shop in the Chicago Area: 16 Hidden Gems

When it comes to shopping, nothing beats the Chicago area.

Not only is the downtown brimming with some of the best shopping in the country, but the Chicago suburbs are also filled with malls and outlet stores.

But what about unique and interesting finds? These are the best niche and unique places to shop in the Chicago area according to residents.

If you love vintage and second-hand shops, you’re in luck because there are some gems in Aurora, Glenview, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, West Chicago, Naperville, and other Chicago suburbs.

Boutique Repeats & Gifts in Aurora
This consignment shop has plenty of name brand handbags, dresses, jewelry, and other treasures. The great thing about this store is that it mostly stocks designer items.

Beat Street in Arlington Heights
This unique store in Arlington Heights has a retro feel. Beat Street is filled with interesting toys, gifts, goodie bags, and knickknacks. The old-school piggy banks are absolutely adorable.

Elegance Underneath in Naperville
Once you stop in Elegance Underneath near our Glenmuir apartments in Naperville, you’ll never shop for lingerie at a department store ever again.

Juniper Boutique in Northbrook
Juniper Boutique is THE place to go for cutting edge fashion in Northbrook. The ladies here are more than willing to help you put together a striking ensemble for literally any occasion.

Jaunt in Arlington Heights
Jaunt in downtown Arlington Heights has everything you need to stock your new apartment at Stonebridge with chic furniture, glassware, and other unique accents. This place has stuff you won’t find anywhere else.

Old Time Pottery in West Chicago
Don’t be fooled by the name: it’s not a pottery store. Think of Hobby Lobby but without the arts and crafts section. You can find some really good stuff here when you’re ready to start a new home décor project on a rainy afternoon.

Stella315 in Arlington Heights
Although the clothing here is amazing, the jewelry is what really stands out. Stella315 in Arlington Heights is the perfect place to find interesting items at surprisingly affordable prices.

Akira
Akira is a women’s clothing store in Aurora. It’s a great place to shop when you’re fed up with the malls and department stores. Keep in mind that the employees can get a little persuasive.

Lucille
People drive from out of town to shop at this Arlington Heights thrift store because of the unique treasures you can find. Although the prices are a little higher than other thrift shops, the quality of the products definitely makes up for it. Plus, the profits support local schools.

Karisma Boutique in Naperville
Set aside some time when you plan a trip to Karisma because you might get lost in here for a few hours. Not only is the staff super friendly, but they offer clothing and accessories in a wide variety of styles.

Crate & Barrel Outlet
We couldn’t pass up mentioning this Crate & Barrel outlet shop in Naperville for furniture and accessories you love at discounted prices.

bevello
The prices are a little high at bevello in Naperville but you definitely get what you pay for – it’s high-end clothing. The staff here works extremely hard to make sure you look your very best by the time you leave the store.

American Science & Surplus
“Wow” is all we can say about this West Chicago store: it has something for people of all ages. Electronics surplus supplies, books, toys, army surplus supplies, science experiments – you name it, they’ve got it.

Three Twelve Tudor
This local boutique in Glencoe is a lesser known spot for trendy outfits at affordable and mid-range prices. The soft cozy sweaters and friendly staff are really what makes Three Twelve Tudor special.

Turn the Tables in Northbrook
Turn the Tables is a new shop in Northbrook and Glencoe that sells unique brands from local merchants. From Indian tunics to chic printed t-shirts this place has some great finds.

Fire & Ice in Glenview
The owners, Hannah and Eric, are super polite and extremely helpful. This is another great place to shop when you just aren’t in the mood for malls or big department stores. They have casual clothes for all ages so it’s perfect for a Saturday afternoon out from your Tapestry apartment.

Suburban Chicago’s 12 Best Restaurants

Chicago is known for its food.

But you don’t need to venture downtown for amazing fare. In fact, you have a broad range of options throughout Chicago’s suburbs.

Don’t worry: no one will blame you for ordering take-out from one of the upscale places if you want to hang out in your luxury apartment while chowing down.

Prices are ranked out of four.

Al Bawadi Grill in Bridgeview $$
This Bridgeview restaurant is a reflection of the area’s dense Arab population. You have several options to choose from for your shawarma, kafta, falafel, or tabbouleh fix. Al Bawadi, however, is the absolute best. Just don’t forget the tea or Arabic coffee to wash down your baklava.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Naperville $$
We all know Chicago makes the best pizza. When the craving hits, head out the door for a fantastic deep dish from this Naperville joint. They can get busy so make sure you order early – but the quality never disappoints.

Bob Chinn’s Crab House in Northbrook $$$
If you’re in the mood for seafood, Bob Chinn’s Crab House is where it’s at. The best part, however, are the garlic rolls – you can’t get enough of these. This is a place you won’t want to skip desert: the passion cheese cake is simply incredible.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Arlington Heights $$
One of the best things about suburban Chicago is the wide selection of high-quality Asian food choices. Santouka is the perfect choice when you’re looking for some warm ramen to warm up on a cold day in your Stonebridge apartment.

White Fence Farms $$
In the mood for fast-food (or just fried chicken)? Skip KFC and head to one of White Fence Farm’s locations. The fritters are amazing and the original location in Romeoville has a petting zoo. Yes, the chicken is locally raised.

Pomegranate Restaurant $$
Grab a bite at this hidden gem during a long day of shopping. They have a wide variety of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This might just turn into your favorite take-out spot living in Aurora of Summerfield. Pomegranate has everything including traditional sandwiches, Greek delights, and high-quality home-style favorites.

Blueberry Hill Breakfast Café in Aurora $
When you wake up craving a hearty breakfast, head to Blueberry Hill Breakfast Café in Aurora. The portions are huge. Just don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table on the weekends.

Two Brothers Roundhouse $$
Ready for a laid-back night out? You’ll love the atmosphere at Two Brothers in Aurora. Not only are the craft beers amazing, but everything on the menu from appetizers to desert will leave you more than satisfied. (We recommend the brussels sprouts and soft pretzels.)

Al Chulo in West Chicago $$
Al Chulo is a Latin-fusion restaurant that’s all about quality over quantity. The plates are served tapas style so don’t go here if you’re starving. The flavors here, however, will not leave you disappointed. Al Chulo’s fish tacos are definitely the best in town.

Hawthorne’s Backyard Bar and Grill $$
Not only is the food great, but this is an excellent place for hanging out and watching a game with some friends in West Chicago. The patio and outdoor area are perfect for volleyball, games, or just socializing with some drinks. West Chicago residents love the wings and crab legs. Meat lovers won’t want to miss their prime rib buffet.

Wildfire in Glenview $$$
Wildfire has a few locations throughout suburban and urban Chicago. This Glenview location isn’t far from our Tapestry location and is ideal when you’re in the mood for steak or just a high quality homecooked meal.

Pro Samgyupsal in Northbrook $$
Don’t go anywhere else for Korean food – this is the place. Not only is the food amazing, but it’s an experience: you get to cook the food on your own grill.

What’s the Nightlife Like Around Chicago?

Although downtown Chicago is known for its booming nightlife, you still have some solid options in the suburbs.

Naperville offers the most options, but there are hidden gems near Aurora, Arlington Heights, West Chicago, Northbrook, and Glenview, too.

1.Unwind at Flight Wine Bar in Glenview
This place knows how to pair wine. Flight understands that people work different schedules – that’s why they’re open until 1 a.m. all week long. And the food? Amazing. The hummus is great but the cheese selection is definitely one of our favorite things about this place.

The best part about Flight is that it’s not far from our Glenmuir apartments so paying for a rideshare home won’t cost you a fortune.

2.World Renowned Chicago Blues at Rosa’s Lounge
Rosa’s is inside the Chicago city limits but it’s on the outskirts so you won’t have to contend with as much traffic. We couldn’t pass up mentioning this gem for blues and jazz.

Its snug location also means this place doesn’t get overcrowded like the jazz clubs downtown. You won’t regret making the trip to Rosa’s for a night out – and it probably won’t be your last.

3.Break the Winter Blues at Hala Kahiki Polynesian Bar
This tiki bar in River Grove is perfect for busting the winter blues with some Polynesian drinks and a tropical vibe. Their Mai tai is spot-on and you can’t pass up the Hawaiian specialties like taro chips.

Hala Kahiki gets packed on the weekends so it’s also a great place to meet some friends or maybe that special someone in a low-key atmosphere.

4.Smart Bar Has All the Best DJs
Smart Bar is another location inside the city but it’s such a local favorite we had to add it to the list. The crowd is super diverse in terms of style, age, energy, and personality so you never know what kind of interesting people you’ll meet. This nightclub opened in 1982 and has showcased world renowned DJs ever since. It’s the perfect place for dancing or just checking out new acts. Frankie Knuckles, The Black Madonna, and Derrick Carter have all held residency here.

5.Try Something Different at Kush Hookah Lounge Near Glenview
If you don’t drink, suburban Chicago still has you covered. Kush Hookah Lounge takes reservations so it’s perfect for a night out with some friends. The laid-back atmosphere and free Wi-Fi is perfect for playing some games or working on a project with your friends.

6.Travel Back in Time at Frankie’s Blue Room in Naperville
Frankie’s Blue Room in Naperville is a really cool place that feels like traveling back in time – in a good way. The dancing is on-point and the entertainment is unique. The food is standard bar food (but good) and the speakeasy style will keep you coming back.

7.Enjoy the Cheese and Delights Tannin’s Wine Bar and Boutique
If you’re looking for something low-key, head to Tannin’s in Elmhurst. They have a few appetizers but you can also order food for delivery from nearby restaurants. Tannin’s is a great place for wine connoisseurs and newbies alike. The vibe is laid back but the live music, trivia nights, and helpful owner, Mike, offer just enough excitement.

8.Sick of Aurora? Head to Lantern in Naperville
If you live in Aurora or West Chicago, you’re better off heading to Naperville for your nightlife fix. Lantern is an excellent choice when you’re looking for some good food and drinks to watch the game or just hang out with friends late at night. This bar has everything you need for killing a few hours: beer, darts, popcorn, and friendly staff.

9.Relax at Exhale Hookah Lounge During the Week
This is one of the best hookah lounges in Chicago’s suburbs. Exhale is an ideal place to go if you’re in the mood for a break from traditional bars and just want to chill out. On the weekends, the DJ kicks the atmosphere up a notch with some tunes.

10.House of Music & Entertainment in Arlington Heights Has it All
The best part about this joint in Arlington Heights is that it’s open late: until 3 a.m. most nights. You never know what you’ll get here and that’s a good thing. Some nights they host art displays and open mics on others. The atmosphere is casual and the food is surprisingly good for an entertainment bar.

Explore the Great Outdoors in Chicagoland

You can’t travel far in suburban Chicago without running into a forest or nature preserve.

With small bodies of water, dog parks, and plenty of trails, suburban Chicago has plenty of activities to keep you busy every season.

These trails and preserves in Arlington Heights, Glenview, Northbrook, Naperville, Aurora, and West Chicago are well maintained so they’re an ideal way for you and your dog to spend a day off.

Busse Woods Near Arlington Heights
Locals know the Ned Brown Preserve as Busse. This preserve has over 3,500 acres of land and 460 acres of water and it’s open year-round. There’s parking throughout different portions of the park so make sure you plan your visit ahead of time depending on the activity you have in mind.

• Dogs on leashes are welcome
• Indoor bathrooms available
• Plenty of hiking trails
• Lake access for fishing and ice fishing

Chipilly Woods in Northbrook
These Northbrook woods provide a 1.7-mile loop trail. It’s not too long, so it’s perfect for an afternoon or morning hike. Dogs are more than welcome as long as they stay on a leash. Be careful in the spring months: this trail can get a little muddy. The best time to visit Chipilly in Northbrook is the fall – we think you’ll love the colors.

• Short trail is ideal for a quick hike
• Dogs welcome on a leash

Green Valley Forest Preserve and Dog Park Near Naperville
This huge forest preserve isn’t far from our Glenmuir apartments in Naperville. The Green Valley Forest Preserve and dog park has nearly 1,500 acres of land for you and your dog to explore. Our favorite thing about Green Valley is the view. Open May through October, the scenic overlook provides the BEST photo-ops of the stunning Chicago skyline.

• 16-acre off-leash dog park (make sure to bring a permit)
• 12 miles of trails
• Horseback riding
• Lots of local history
• Over 500 native plant species

West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve
This West Chicago preserve has over 350 acres for you to explore. Bikes and horses aren’t allowed due to the delicate ecosystem but dogs on a short leash are okay. The trails are perfect for walking on a spring day because they wind through the serene West Chicago Prairie.

• Open daily until one-hour post-sunset
• Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules to help preserve the ecosystem

Beck Lake and Dog Park Near Glenview
This is another massive nature preserve with 40 acres of land for you and your dog to enjoy – no leashes required. Just make sure you have an off-leash permit.

• Miles of trails
• Perfect for biking
• Open year-round
• Fishing and ice fishing accessible

Aurora West Forest Preserve
This forest preserve in Aurora used to be called “Sugar Grove” in Kane County’s early years. The multipurpose trail is ideal for just about any activity – especially biking. Aurora West is just one more of suburban Chicago’s excellent off-leash dog parks.

• Light woods and serene tundra
• One of the best places for dogs

Suburban Chicago’s Historical and Cultural Sites

Downtown Chicago has plenty of museums and cultural activities to keep you busy for days.

But what about outside the city? Yes.

Moser Tower: A Piece of Modern Naperville History
Locals know this landmark as the “Millennium Carillon.” The 16-story tower commemorates the turn of the millennium and Naperville community members organized funds to build it – it’s an integral part of the local culture for this reason.

Moser Tower is perfect for getting some exercise on your day off when you’re sitting in your Glenmuir apartment looking for something to do. The view of the Chicago skyline from the top of the tower is definitely the best around.

Fabyan Windmill and Japanese Gardens
This is an authentic Dutch windmill located in the Kane County Forest Preserve – yes, it still works. The structure’s history dates back to 1850 when it was used as a grinding mill. In winter, this is THE place to go for sledding.

You may have seen this local icon on a U.S. postage stamp due to its designation as a historic landmark. The structure is made from cypress wood beams, black walnut, and wood dowels. You might be surprised to find out there were no nails used in its construction. After you hang out at the windmill, head over to the Japanese tea gardens in the Fabyan Villa.

Bet on the Ponies at Arlington Park International Racecourse
This historic racetrack in Arlington Heights dates back over 90 years. Residents love spending weekends and holidays here betting on the horses or just watching the races. A general admission ticket to this Arlington Heights course gets you access to areas throughout the Paddock, the entire park including musical stages, Mr. D’s Sports Bar, and special areas near the track. Don’t forget your derby hat.

Catch a Show at the Paramount Theater in Aurora
The historic Paramount Theater in Aurora was built in 1930 and still functions to this day. Ongoing restoration and lots of love make this theater really stand out. Living in Aurora at Summerfield, this might just become your go-to theater for classics, Broadway hits, and new movies alike. This facility also houses the Meyer Ballroom and Grand Gallery: Aurora favorites for special events like weddings. With the amazing Venetian architecture, it’s easy to see why.

Learn About Local History at Naper Settlement
This Naperville attraction is a living museum where history comes alive. You can learn about Naperville’s transformation from a pioneer outpost to the bustling town it is today.

30 historic buildings span 12 acres of property for you to explore but the Martin Mitchell Museum is what really stands out. This Victorian mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cafeteria has great sandwiches so it’s pretty easy to spend a day here.

Robert R. McCormick House in West Chicago
This West Chicago landmark was the home of Chicago Tribune founder Robert R. McCormick. (Here it’s called “the world’s greatest newspaper.”) Robert R. McCormick, aka. “the Colonel” led a vibrant life with interests ranging from journalism to fox hunting and he served in World War I before launching the local newspaper.

The massive property stands on grounds known as the Red Oak Farm in West Chicago. After you browse the museum you can stroll through the gardens, golf, or grab a bite to eat at one of several restaurants.

Kids Will go Nuts for Khol Children’s Museum in Northbrook
This museum has a solid 5-star rating on Google for good reason: it’s fun. The Khol Children’s Museum in Northbrook has 17 permanent exhibits to keep your family busy for hours. You may need to come back a second day. There’s that much stuff.

Not only is this place exciting, but the exhibits are super unique. The Hands-on House exhibit lets kids learn how to build a mini house and the Pet Vet class teaches kids to care for sick animals. The Khol Children’s Museum goes above and beyond offering a broad range of professional development classes for teachers, parents, and other folks with hands-on roles in children’s lives.

Chill Out at the Baha’i House of Worship near Glenview
This is the oldest surviving Baha’i house in the entire world. That’s one reason why this Glenview landmark is listed as one of Illinois’ Seven Wonders. This peaceful place is perfect for relaxing, meditating, and browsing the gardens. It serves as an example of the Glenview community’s courage and tolerance in the face of adversity.

The Baha’i House property sits along the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Baha’i worshiper to hang out – visitors are encouraged. Glenview residents know this is a welcoming place for people of all faiths to find peace and harmony.

Non-Stop Family Activities in Chicagoland

Traveling into the city with kids can be a huge pain: parking, walking, riding in the car.

Fortunately, you don’t need to pack up the car and haul the kids into the downtown area to have fun on the weekends.

There’s plenty of interesting things to do year-round in Naperville, Aurora, West Chicago, Arlington Heights, Glenview, Northbrook, and several other Chicago suburbs. Here’s just a few of our favorite ongoing attractions.

Soak up the Sun at Centennial Beach in Naperville
If you live in our Glenmuir apartments, you’ll definitely want to buy a seasonal membership to Centennial Beach in Naperville. This isn’t your ordinary swimming pool or lake: it’s a historic quarry. Dubbed the local “swimming hole,” this beach gradually increases to 15 feet and has been a Naperville staple since 1966.

Try Something New at Exploritorium in Skokie
Chicagoland families know that the Exploritorium is one of the best rainy-day activity centers around. The water zone is perfect for kicking the winter blues and they have a ton of activities like dress up and a giant “Light Bright” wall. Everything here is interactive and the play tubes climb two-and-a-half stories. Between the engineering stations, climbing walls, and water-wall painting, there’s something for everyone.

Keep Things Low-Key at Kids Art & Café Near Arlington Heights
There’s nothing quite like the Kids Art & Café near Arlington Heights. For one thing, this place has really great food which is often hard to come by in kid activity centers.

What we like best about this Schaumburg joint near Arlington Heights though is that they have separate child and adult activities. Plus, there’s a café for you to hang out and enjoy some coffee while the kids play with crafts.

Northbrook Sports Center Pool is Perfect for Rainy Days
If you live in Stonebridge at Arlington Heights, you’ll probably want to buy a membership to this place. It really comes in handy when the weather is less than ideal. Even when the weather’s great, you can still enjoy the outdoor pool.

It’s Halloween Year-Round at the Haunted Trails in Burbank
Halloween lovers will go crazy for this place because it’s a year-round activity center with a spooky theme. Don’t let the name fool you: Haunted Trails has go-karts, laser tag, and plenty of other activities.

Climb the Walls Funtopia in Glenview
Before you head to Funtopia in Glenview, head online and book a reservation – even for just a few people. This place is a little different than average activity centers. It has a climbing wall, caves, and rope courses so it’s something both adults and kids can enjoy. Plus, it’s not far from our Tapestry apartments in Glenview so it’s perfect for rainy days.

Pet the Animals at the Brookfield Zoo
This is probably the best zoo in Chicagoland: it’s huge and has a hands-on children’s zoo. The sleepover safari is an exciting experience for groups. Brookfield Zoo plans tons of events for holidays and different seasons so there’s always something happening.

Play Cops-and-Robbers at Hidden Key Escapes in Naperville
Activity centers are fun but families often split up and do their own thing. Escape rooms are a great alternative because you have to work together to solve the problems.

Hidden Key Escapes in Naperville has four escape rooms with different themes. The Hideaway room has a 1930s bank robber theme and 15 locks to decipher. If you love haunted houses, this is a must-try.

Stroll the Farm at Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago
Do you love everything fall? You’re going to go wild for Sonny Acres Farm. This West Chicago pumpkin patch is open year-round. Off-season, you can pick up local fruits, veggies, honeys, and jams.

In October, Sonny Acres really comes alive with hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The festivities keep running through the holiday season with a full-service tree lot.

Get Wet at Phillips Park Aquatic Center in Aurora
Close to Aurora at Summerfield, this water park has a zero-depth entry pool, sand play area, water slides, and plenty of shade. You can’t pack a lunch – outside food and drinks aren’t allowed – but there is a concession stand with some healthy options.