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City in Illinois, United States
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Ethajek at wts wikivoyage, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Evanston is a city in the North Shore region of Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Evanston has many identities: college town, dining destination, cultural center and gateway to the wealthy North Shore, although the city itself is anything but homogeneous in regards to economic status, culture and race.
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Tours are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 1801 Hinman Avenue - One of the premier universities in the US, Northwestern maintains a parklike campus situated along the shore of Lake Michigan. In the 1960s, the university decided to expand the campus by filling in part of the lake with sand from the Indiana Dunes, creating an idyllic, tree-lined 84-acre area surrounding a lagoon. The campus also features an outdoor sculpture garden, indoor art galleries, multiple theaters, and an eclectic collection of architecture ranging from neo-Gothic to modernist. At the north end of the college campus is a working lighthouse, open to the public, with scenic views of the shore.
Created by the Garden Club of Evanston in 1917, Shakespeare Garden on Northwestern's campus was designed by Jens Jensen.
Built in 1873. Learn about the Fresnel lens in the tower and the ships that wrecked in the nearby shallow waters on a tour of the museum in the former keepers’ quarters (June through September on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2, 3, and 4PM).
Nichols Concert Hall, located at 1490 Chicago Avenue, home to the Music Institute of Chicago's Faculty and Guest Artist Concert Series.
Completed in 1909 in a neo-Gothic architectural style, with a historic 1922 Skinner pipe organ, and an acclaimed choir following the English choral tradition. The church is also home to a historically-informed baroque ensemble known as Bella Voce, known for their annual performance of Handel's Messiah in November.
This is a kid-friendly, safe beach, like all of Evanston's beaches. Can be fairly crowded, but it is a very nice way to spend a summer's day. There is a relatively new playground about 20 yards from the shore, which is also enjoyable.
Buffalo Joe's offers their wings at three heat levels: mild, hot, and "suicide" (topped with jalapeño peppers). Some people swear that this place has the best wings and burgers in the city.
An Evanston favorite for many years, Gigio's offers up thin-crust pizza by the (huge) slice, as well as other fare, at reasonable prices.
This tiny, French-inspired cafe near the Noyes Arts Center is a favorite of locals. Bob Pottinger and his brother, aided by a succession of Northwestern students, serve homemade soups (one per day) and hand-crafted sandwiches, along with cookies voted Chicago's best. The baguettes are provided by a local bakery, made with a recipe developed by Mr. Pottinger based on his travels in France. The soup/sandwich combo is almost enough food for two, but save room for the luscious, vanilla-rich buttercream cookies or the new and delicious Belgian chocolate cookies.
Another local favorite: Creole barbecue since 1983.
Eggs in a variety of ways.
Indian, Tibetan, and Vegetarian.
Best Chicago pizza! Order the ice cream pizza for dessert when you arrive, it takes time.
Spanish tapas cuisine with a big menu, including a long list of imported booze.
Great restaurant for high-end cuisine, especially seafood, with an amazing tasting menu and incredible wine pairings. Outdoor seating is available during the summer.
A small, independent coffee shop. Has especially delicious cookies.
Wireless internet, fitness room.
Opened in the late 1990s, otherwise just like any other Hilton Garden Inn outlet.
The fanciest hotel in Evanston, it underwent a major remodel in 2004, and a couple years later joined the Hilton chain.
An independent bookstore, formerly known as Bookman's Alley (which was a landmark book store in Evanston for almost 30 years).
By car
Interstate I-90/94, known locally as the Edens Expressway, runs about 5 miles to the west of Evanston.
By train
By bus
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