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Discover Highland Park

Highland Park is a North Shore suburb located about 40 minutes north of Chicago next to the picturesque waters of Lake Michigan. The area gets its name from the proprietors of the initial site, who dubbed it as such because of its high elevation above the lake and and because it was located in a natural park. Green space lovers can still find much of the same today, as the town features a wide selection of parks, golf courses and country clubs. Highland Park’s topography is also ripe for exploring, as residents and visitors alike are fond of the area’s ravines and lakefront access.

Like many of the Chicagoland suburbs, Highland Park is family-oriented, with a bustling, walkable downtown area bubbling with local businesses. One of the location’s biggest draws is Ravinia Park, an open-air, live music venue which attracts attendees from all over the surrounding area with its relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere and the big-name artists who play there each year, from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to Wynton Marsalis to Lady Gaga. The suburb is easily accessible via Metra’s Union Pacific North train line, which has five stops within the city’s limits or through Pace bus #471 or #472. Highway I-41 and Sheridan Road also run through the town, making it a convenient destination. And bike routes abound.

There are loads of food choices, from Once Upon a Bagel, which serves baked goods that are freshly made several times daily, to Walker Bros. Pancake House, a classic Chicagoland breakfast joint that’s been around for decades, and Country Kitchen, another breakfast and lunch staple. Other terrific food choices include  the authentic Kosher, Mediterranean-inspired Mizrahi Grill, Real Urban Barbeque, Tamales Mexican Restaurant, Bluegrass for top-notch seafood, several delightful sushi spots and Abigail’s American Bistro. And if you’re planning to picnic at Ravinia, Sunset Foods will be more than happy to pack you a feast you won’t forget.

Whether you’re looking for high-quality outdoor spaces, a relaxed community to live in or convenient access to a first-rate city, Highland Park — or its North Shore neighbors Glencoe, Northfield, Winnetka or Evanston — might be for you.