Evanston
Chicago’s small neighbor to the north is more than just a suburb. It is an epicenter of higher education, and a preserver of the environment. Northwestern University sits prettily at the shores of Lake Michigan, while over 95% of homes are within walking distance to a green space. In fact, the small city of Evanston, Illinois has over 75 parks.
Flanking those parks are single family homes in the outskirts and larger living multi-use complexes downtown. The whole town is fully accessible by the CTA Purple Line and Metra Union Pacii North, not to mention the dozens of CTA and PACE buses that run the streets. While there might not be a need to, Chicago is so easily accessible!
Evanston grew and developed along with its big sister, Chicago – sometimes directly affecting the trajectory of history. Not only were ice cream sundaes invented here, the town birthed the temperance movement which led to the Prohibition and all that followed. This charming community continues to rival Chicago in history, fun, and friendliness!
Here’s a guide for you to learn more about the great city of Evanston!
Food
- Cross-Rhodes
This is a delicious American-Greek diner with the best lentil soup. - Spice Restaurant
Mom and Pop Jamaican restaurant with a quaint backyard sitting area. - Blind Faith Cafe
Serving the public vegetarian savories and goodies since 1985. - Lucky Platter
Americana on the walls, on your plate, and in your cups! An Evanston classic. - Tomate Fresh Kitchen
Your choice of tortas, gorditas, or burritos with tons of filling options.
Shopping
- Ten Thousand Villages
Shop offering wares at fair trade prices from all over the world. - niceLena & Friends
Quirky boutique showcasing handmade arts, crafts, and folkart. - Dave’s Down to Earth Rock Shop
Place for fossils, crystals, and rocks since 1970. - Bookends and Beginnings
Bookshop of author and James Beard winner, Nina Barrett. - Squeezebox Books and Music
Kitchy used book and music store with rotating inventory.
Music
- Evanston SPACE
Stage space known for showcasing country, folk, Americana and more. - Nichols Concert Hall
Part of the Music Institute, this hall constantly showcases recitals. - Pick-Staiger Music Hall
NU’s impressive auditorium features world music, jazz, and strings. - Sketchbook Brewing
Traditional Irish music on Tuesdays, local bans are featured on Fridays! - The Musical Offering
Just starting or honing skills, this music school is a great space to practice.
Things To Do
- Greenwood Beach – Evanston’s largest beach offers a dog park, swimming, and small docks.
- Halim Time & Glass Museum – From glorious glass to masterpieces of time, it’s a place to behold.
- Dearborn Observatory – Friday night tours of this observatory offer peeks of the final frontier.
- One River School – Not your average sip and paint, this art school offers real classes for all ages.
- Northwestern University – From sports, music, theatre, museums. NU always has something.
Art/Culture
- Music Theatre Works – From operatics to campy musicals, these stage productions have it all.
- Gichigamii Indigenous Nations Museum – Collection of artifacts from the Council of Three Fires- Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potoatomi tribes.
- Block Museum of Art – NU’s fine arts museum features textiles, photography, and more.
- Mudlark Theatre Company – A playhouse dedicated to “young people making real theatre.”
- Noyes Art Center – Home to classes at Studio 215 and Art Encounter, this center is for all artists.
Schools
- Evanston School District #65
- Orrington Elementary School – Public
- Lincoln Elementary School – Public
- Chiaravalle Montessori – Pre-School to 8th Grade- Private
- Evanston Township High School – Public
- Beacon Academy – Private High School
- Fusion Academy Evanston High School – Private
Transportation
- Howard St. CTA – Purple Line, Yellow Line, Red Line
- CTA Purple Line – All of Evanston
- Howard Ave. CTA Bus #97
- Evanston Circulator CTA Bus #206
- Dempster St. PACE Bus #250
- Metra- Union Pacific North (Chicago to Kenosha) – Main St., Davis St., Central St.