The Best of Evanston: Heritage, Culture and Coffee

• Evanston History Center - (225 Greenwood St.): Located in the historic house of former U.S. Vice President, ambassador to Great Britain and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Charles Gates Dawes, the Evanston History Center offers fascinating exhibits on the city's past and stunning architecture to explore. The Dawes House is open for tours Thursday – Sunday at 1, 2, and 3pm. By far, one of my favorite places to explore in Evanston.

• Evanston Art Center - (1717 Central St.): A hub for contemporary art with rotating exhibitions, classes and events. A must-visit for art enthusiasts. All galleries are free and open daily to the public.

Lakefront and beaches

• Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the lakefront. Visit two of my favorite beaches – the Lighthouse Beach (2611 Sheridan Rd) or Lee Street Beach (1111 Lake Shore Blvd) for some sun and relaxation.

• Northwestern University (633 Clark St): Explore the beautiful campus, visit the Block Museum of Art (free public access) and enjoy a walk along the picturesque lakefront.

Historic Buildings and Landmarks:

• Wander through Evanston to discover its historic landmarks, such as the Frances Willard House Museum (1730 Chicago Ave) and Grosse Point Lighthouse (2601 Sheridan Rd). The city's architectural diversity tells the story of its rich heritage. Explore one of all four historic districts of Evanston (Northeast, Ridge, Lakeshore and Oakton) where the houses have their own stories to tell.

Stroll and explore the main business districts

• Downtown Evanston: A bustling area with a mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Vibrant and dynamic, perfect for both day and night exploration.

• Central Street: Known for its charming boutiques, local eateries and coffee shops, this district has a more relaxed and quaint vibe. The historic Central Street trolley once added to its charm, enhancing its community feel.

• Main-Dempster Mile: A vibrant area with a mix of unique shops, cafes and local businesses. It offers a more eclectic and artsy atmosphere, great for casual walks and discovering hidden gems.

For a more immersive way of connecting with the best of Evanston, pick up a copy of the quarterly “Our Evanston” and the bi-annual “Our Evanston Eats”. You can find this magazine shining a light on the local community at most of the local business venues, and it is free.

If you love art and you find yourself in Evanston on the first Saturday of the month, you are in for a special treat. The First Saturday city-wide event is happening every month and it is organized by Evanston Made, a local non-profit organization. It connects artists and artisans to art lovers and collectors. This is the best moment to connect with artists in their studios, attend art events and start your art collection or add to your existing one.

Day trips:

Evanston is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation, exploration, and a touch of city life. Just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, it's easily accessible by car and a quick 20-minute ride on the Metra. As the gateway to the North Shore, Evanston is also a starting point for memorable half-day and day trips to Winnetka, Highland Park, and Lake Forest.

• The Fat Shallot (2902 Central St): Known for its gourmet sandwiches and outdoor terrace, it's a perfect spot for a relaxed and delicious moment. Try the truffled BLT (my favorite), vegetarian option also available. Don’t forget the truffled fries! Beer and wine are also served here and it is a family-friendly venue.

• Nakorn (1622 Orrington Ave): An upscale Thai restaurant offering authentic, bold flavors and a chic dining experience. Make sure you save space for dessert. All sweets are house-made with love. My current favorites on the menu are "Lost in Paradise" and "You ask for it" which is a delicious vegan chocolate cake made with salted coconut milk, raspberries and Turkish cotton candy. If you were wondering what "nakorn" means in Thai, it is "metropolitan".

• Le Tour (625 Davis St): A sophisticated dining spot offering a mix of French-Moroccan-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Great indoor and outdoor seating. Happy Hour - weekdays from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, with special mention for Wednesdays when the bottles of wine are 50% with dinner.

• Campagnola (815 Chicago Ave): Italian restaurant serving simply prepared dishes in an intimate atmosphere of white table-cloth-covered tables, exposed brick walls and linen pictures on the walls. The menu rotates and uses seasonal, fresh local ingredients. Outdoor seating is available, and reservations are recommended.

• Oceanique (505 Main St): Chef-owned fine-dining seafood restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and elegant ambiance. If you don’t have time for a full sit-down dinner, spend some time at the bar and enjoy a blood orange Old Fashioned or a glass of wine. My favorite way to enjoy dinner at Oceanique is to add the wine pairing option. Takes the guessing out of what wine you should have and it is perfection.

• Comida (1928 Central St): A lively spot offering a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine with a rooftop outdoor space for dining. Everyone agrees that you have to try the margaritas here.

• For a nightcap or happy hour, stop by at Oskar (844 Custer Ave), Evanston Pour (528 Dempster St), The Bar at The Graduate Hotel (1625 Hinman Ave) or Ward Eight (629 W Howard St).

Evanston's coffee culture is rich and varied. Each cafe has its own feel and specialties, so every coffee lover can find their perfect place to have a great cup of coffee. Here are some of my favorites and why you should give them a try.

• Reprise Coffee Roasters (710 Main St): Farmer, roaster & barista-owned, offering ethically-sourced specialty coffee in a welcoming environment. My favorite is anything on the pour-over menu and the award-winning espresso. You may also indulge in their artisanal lattes and refreshing lemonades.

• Evanston Pour (528 Dempster St.): One of my favorites for many reasons. Located in the Main-Dempster Mile area, it feels for a moment that you may be in Europe. Dark moody walls with curated art that rotates each month and brightly lit windows. Like I like to say it: espresso by day, prosecco by night, meaning they serve not only coffee drinks but also wine, beer, artfully crafted cocktails, and mocktails. In-house pastry chef freshly prepares all the sweet and savory treats available at the counter.

• Backlot Coffee (2006 Central St): When traveling, I always like to go where the locals go. If you are like me, you have to go to Backlot. This is a popular neighborhood cafe with great coffee, relaxed conversations and rotating art on the walls. The back patio is lovely with the tomatoes and herbs growing in raised beds. You can also take your coffee and cross the street to sit on a bench in Independence Park. If you want to take something home to remind you of Evanston and its coffee culture, get their signature whole-bean coffee bag – The Flying Squirrel.

• Newport Coffee House (622 Davis St): Conveniently located in downtown Evanston, this café offers high-quality espresso and coffee drinks. The place is popular among college students and young professionals who need a place to use their laptops. The minimalist design of the café draws from the Scandinavian roots of the owner.