NORTHWEST FAR SUBURBS
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about the COVER
William Dunton Statue, Historical Landmark in Arlington Heights
In 2001, a statue honoring William Dunton, the founding father of Arlington Heights was installed on the Northeast corner of Arlington Heights and Northwest Hwy. The statue is placed near where his home once stood along the railroad tracks that went through his land. In his hands is a copy of an original map of the area. The statue is located at 7 S. Arlington Heights Road. It was sculpted and donated by local artist Fran Volz.
In 1844, William Dunton, now 25 years old moved to his land on the prairie and built a house beside an old Potawatomi Indian trail. William was the first person to live in what would become Arlington Heights. It was the first house ever built on the site. It was of dressed lumber, not logs. He married Almeda Wood who was a school teacher on December 24, 1845. Theirs was the first house in the future village of Arlington Heights. Together they had 5 children.
William Dunton thought it would be a good idea to have the railroad run through town. In 1854, he sold some of his land to the railroad company for $250. Now farmers could bring their products, including vegetables, milk, cattle and grain, right to the railroad to be transported and sold.
In 1854, William Dunton created a map of the new village from the Dunton family’s land. The new town was 8 blocks long and 4 blocks wide. William wanted it to be called Bradley after his good friend Peter Bradley, but that was already the name of a town in Illinois. So William Dunton chose the name Dunton in honor of his family. After all, it was William’s father, Asa Dunton who chose to settle here. Dunton remained the name of the town for 20 years. In 1874, the name Arlington Heights was chosen as the new name of the village.
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William Dunton’s Legacy of service lives on in the spirit of this dynamic and vibrant community.
Thank you to the Historical Society of Arlington Heights.
WELCOME &
Dolly McCarthy, Publisher
Whether you have moved from the next town over or from overseas, settling into a new area can be both exciting and overwhelming. Within the first few months, you will likely be establishing new routines, getting to know local hotspots, looking into local professionals and exploring your new community’s vast resources. With so many nuances and so much on your plate from this new change in your life, it can be daunting to think about everything you need to do to get used to your new surroundings. Enter BeLocal. In your hands, you hold the best of the best of everything in the near northwest side. From dining and shopping to family outings and attractions, this is your locals’ guide to what you need to know, and what you want to know about the near northwest side you now call home. With so much to offer, you’re going to need a guide to truly understand this area’s vast resources, from current residents’ points of view.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS INVERNESS LONG GROVE MOUNT PROSPECT PALATINE
are all desirable areas near the heart of Chicago. BeLocal gives you the hidden gems and insiders’ tips. Indulge in the best parks, shopping and dining experiences. Discover places to take the kids or places to get away from it all.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy BeLocal!
Publisher BeLocalNWCHI@gmail.com
SH OP
DROP!
Shopping and fashion boutiques are in abundance where anything goes in the Northwest suburbs. Residents here definitely have a practical side to the way they dress, but the presence of the various boutiques and designer outlets prove that the area is becoming more fashion-forward. You can find a healthy variety of shopping for clothes, jewelry and gifts close to home without the hassles of crowds and parking.
Obsession is an international concept boutique that offers hand-selected, fashion-forward brands from all over the world as well as one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry and art pieces created by Chicago-based artists.
THE EIFFEL FLOWER
11 W. Campbell St. (847) 873-1250 >> www.eiffelflowersandgifts.com
The Eiffel Flower is home to an eclectic mix of home furnishings and gifts. Find an abundance of offerings for home decorating and gift-giving: soy candles, hand-picked books, fresh flowers, unique wall art, and locally made fine chocolates, coffees, and teas.
THRILL VINTAGE
11 E. Campbell St. (847) 346-6743 >> www.thrillvintage.com
What started off as a hobby between a mother and daughter turned into what is now Thrill Vintage. Thrill Vintage is a family-owned business. Arlington Heights is where they raised their family and where their children went to school. They are hoping to bring happiness to a village they love so much.
UPSTAIRS BOUTIQUE AND GIFTS
7 E. Campbell St. >> (847) 818-8550
With professional customer service and a fantastic range of gowns, Upstairs Boutique and Gifts will leave you feeling satisfied with all your purchases. All their workers are extremely professional and competent!
Long Grove
BACK PORCH
205 Robert Parker Coffin Rd. >> (847) 793-0771
Back Porch offers a wide variety of backyard decorations, from wind chimes to birdhouses! There is a wide variety of products here that will help you to change your backyard from simple to magical!
OLIVIA’S BOUTIQUE
144 Old McHenry Rd. #C (847) 913-1988 >> www.olivias-boutique.com
Olivia’s Boutique features unique, trendy accessories, apparel, shoes, and gifts! They are an upscale women’s boutique featuring unique, trendy, and vintage-inspired apparel, jewelry, shoes and accessories! We know you will find your flirting and effortless sass in fashion that sets you apart from the crowd in their products!
PADDY’S ON THE SQUARE
228 Robert Parker Coffin Rd. (847) 634-0339 >> www.irishboutique.com
Your local Irish boutique! Reconnect with your Irish heritage and pick up an Irish Claddagh ring at Paddy’s on The Square! They offer a wide selection of jewelry, clothing, and unique Irish treats!
WITHIN REACH
128 Old McHenry Rd. (847) 634-2399
www.facebook.com/WithinReachLG
Within Reach is warm and wonderful! They have a variety of products that are perfect for buying a gift! They have a wonderful holiday selection of unique gifts, jewelry, purses, holiday items and baby gifts!
FA SKATEBOARD SHOP
6 W. Busse Ave. (847) 392-3377 >> www.faskates.com
FA Skates offers a huge variety of skateboarding necessities in order to help you get geared up and get your skate on! From boards, wheels, to shoes, they truly have any skating gear you can imagine!
GRACE DESIGNS
702 W. Golf Rd. (847) 259-3950 >> www.gracedesignsinc.net
Grace Designs offers full-service alterations, restyling, restoration, bead-work, finishing services, person alized fittings and one-on-one consulting. With their expertise in creating beautiful gowns, they are able to alter and fit each dress to perfection.
THE GLOW PLACE
13 E. Prospect Ave. (847) 463-6133 >> www.theglowplace.com
The Glow Place was founded in 2020 by two sisters who want to share their passion for creating and sustaining a beautiful, healthy glow inside and out. They believe everyone deserves to feel good about how they look and about the products they choose to put on their skin.
BUT FIRST! COFFEE
Around Cafe 28 E. Northwest Hwy. (224) 248-8625 >> www.around-cafe.business.site
Serving creative coffee drinks using Stumptown Coffee, Boba and sweet treats located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights by the train. Their donuts and macaroons are unique and special!
CoCo & Blu
12 S. Dunton Ave. >> (847) 873-0266 www.cocoandblucafe.com
Located in downtown Arlington Heights serving coffee, cocktails and food all day in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Bakester Patisserie 13 1/2 W. Davis St. >> (224) 310-9192 www.thebakester.com >> Baked from scratch pastries and custom cakes are offered at this beautiful patisserie and coffee shop. High Tea, breakfast and lunch are offered. Call to book your private event.
Covered Bridge Creamery
320 Old McHenry Rd. >> (847) 383-5353
www.coveredbridgecreamery.com
Serving Chicago’s Metric coffee, tea and ice cream sourced from the Chocolate Shoppe out of Madison, WI, you will not be disappointed with a visit while in downtown Long Grove.
Christie’s Dairy Delights N’ Coffee House 45 N. Bothwell St. >> (847) 485-8653
www.christiesdairydelights.com
Family-owned bakery and coffee shop with unique and beautiful pastries in the heart of downtown Palatine.
Coquelicot Gallery and Cafe 4880 Euclid Ave. #109 (847) 496-5461
www.coquelicotgallery.com
A unique boutique with one-of-a-kind jewelry and crafts, also serving lunch and drinks using the freshest local ingredients.
Hangout Cafe
Long Grove Coffee Co.
126 Old McHenry Rd. (224) 352-2453
www.longgrove.
org/shopping/ long-grove-coffee-co
In the heart of downtown Long Grove, a coffee shop where one can work or just enjoy a conversation with others.
MOUNT PROSPECT
Playroom Cafe
141 Randhurst Village Dr. (224) 318-2108 >> www.playroomcafe.net
Perfect place to grab a bite to eat and drink while kids from 6 months to 6 years get a chance to play.
1937 S. Plum Grove Rd. >> (847) 219-2406
Family-owned coffee and sweet treats cafe serving unique desserts like bubble waffles, bingsoo (Korean Shaved Ice), specialty coffee drinks and smoothies.
PetSuites Arlington
arlingtonheights.petsuitesofamerica.com
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
CARLOS AND CARLOS
27 W. Campbell St. ▸ (847) 259-2600 www.carlosandcarloschicago.com
Come to Carlos and Carlos in downtown Arlington Heights in their French-Italian bistro for an elegant dinner. Their fresh menu and excellent service are perfect for a special occasion. Their goal is to meet your wishes!
CILANTRO TACO GRILL
6 S. Dunton ▸ (847) 606-7608 www.cilantrotacogrill.com
A favorite spot for delicious tacos, burritos and other Mexican staples right in the heart of the downtown.
CORTLAND’S GARAGE TAVERN AND GRILL
– ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
1 N. Vail Ave. ▸ (847) 577-2525
www.cortlandsgarage.com
Cortland’s Garage is a neighborhood tavern and grill located in downtown Arlington Heights. We serve upscale bar food, specialty homemade cocktails and 20 drafts beers. We have a large outdoor patio and 18 TVs for all your favorite sports.
DENEGOS (847) 520-0004 ▸ www.dengeos.com
One of three locations, Denegos of Dundee’s Greek food serves lunch and dinner. One can dine inside, grab carryout or have their food delivered to eat in the comfort of their home. One does not need to go to Greektown to get some of the best Greek cuisine out there.
LA ZINGARA TRATTORIA
2300 E. Rand Rd. (847) 398-3377
www.lazingaraitalian.com
Family-owned Italian restaurant serving traditional meat, pasta and seafood dishes in a cozy ambiance.
PASSERO
3 S. Evergreen Ave. (224) 857-8900 ▸ www.eatpassero.com
Located in downtown Arlington Heights, Passero features seasonal Italian-American cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner. Their unique menu and drinks are perfect for a fun break from the day or evening.
PEGGY KINNANE’S
8 N. Vail Ave. ▸ (847) 577-7733 www.peggykinnanes.com
In the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, you will feel like you are in Dublin at Peggy Kinnane’s. Serving tradi tional Irish and American fare with a great taproom, plus live music.
SALSA 17
17 W. Campbell St. (847) 590-1122 ▸ www.salsa17grill.com
In downtown Arlington Heights, Salsa 17’s festive atmosphere makes you feel like you have escaped to Mexico. Fantastic variety of drinks, especially margaritas, and Mexican food is great for a crowd or date.
SCRATCHBOARD KITCHEN
5 W. Campbell St. (847) 749-3103
www.scratchboardkitchenah.com
Enjoy a farm-to-table experience for breakfast, brunch or lunch. They pride themselves in utilizing local ingredients. This is not your standard breakfast place, and there is something for everyone.
DES PLAINES
KATIE’S KITCHEN
623 N. Wolf Rd. ▸ (847) 803-3544 www.katieskitchenonline.com
Family-owned and -operated restaurant that has been serving the Chicagoland area for over a decade with our signature breakfast and lunch dishes. Katie’s Kitchen has been featured in Chicago Magazine and on WGN’s Chicago’s Best for the best breakfast in town!
LONG GROVE
ENZO AND LUCIA RISTORANTE
343 Old McHenry Rd. (847) 478-8825 ▸ www.enzoandlucia.com
Housed in a former and historic Victorian-styled home erected in 1876, Enzo and Lucia offer the authentic Italian meal. The menu features Italy’s regional specialties, which include risotto, fresh fish served whole, veal Marsala, as well as cappellacci, made fresh daily.
JOANIES PIZZERA
235 Robert Parker Coffin Rd. (847) 415-2220 ▸ www.joaniespizzerialonggrove.com
Open for lunch and dinner, Joanies is a wonderful neighborhood place for great food and great people. With pizza, broasted chicken, ribs and craft beer, there’s something for everyone.
THE CHATTER BOX
330 Old McHenry Rd. (847) 602-2169 ▸ www.chatterboxlonggrove.com
The Chatter Box offers upscale casual dining inside a historic Long Grove barn. Enjoy the country atmosphere with two floors of dining space and two outdoor patios.
THE VILLAGE TAVERN
135 Old McHenry Rd. ▸ (847) 634-3117
Established in 1847, The Village Tavern is the oldest tavern/restaurant in continuous operation in Illinois. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features freshly ground burgers, ribs, steaks, chops, fish, chicken, and shrimp. The Tavern’s famous “all-you-can-eat” Fish Fry is served every Friday, and the best broasted chicken you have ever tasted is served “all-you-can-eat” Monday and Wednesday nights.
WOODFIRE TAVERN
4868 Illinois 83 (847) 478-1160 ▸ www.woodfiretavern.com
Chops, BBQ and pizza are the go-to’s at Woodfire Tavern. It’s the perfect spot for a family dinner, date night or gathering of friends and family.
MOUNT PROSPECT
EMERSON’S ALE HOUSE
113 S. Emerson St. (847) 870-1996 ▸ www.emersonsmp.com
In the heart of downtown Mount Prospect, Emerson’s Ale house has over 32 beers on tap with an emphasis on local brews. Their menu is aimed to please and claim the “Best Burger in Town” with their unique mix of meat from Ascot Meats.
HONEY BISCUIT
106 W. Northwest Hwy. (847) 749-1766 ▸ www.honeybiscuitmp.com
Located in downtown Mt. Prospect, Honey Biscuit serves hearty homemade breakfasts and lunches.
JAMESON’S CHARHOUSE
1702 W. Algonquin Rd. (847) 956-1500 ▸ www.jamesons-charhouse.com
Serving customers since 1990, Jameson’s is known for their fantastic steaks, chicken and ribs. Their comfortable and warm atmosphere is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
BRANDT’S OF PALATINE
807 W. Northwest Hwy. ▸ (847) 496-4388 www.brandtsofpalatine.com
Located in the heart of Palatine, Brandt’s offers a variety of food, so there is bound to be something for everyone. Regardless of dining outside on the patio or inside, you are guaranteed a great meal in a lively environment.
CHICAGO’S CULINARY KITCHEN
2391 N. Hicks Rd. ▸ (847) 701-8243 www.chicagoculinarykitchen.com
Chicago’s Culinary Chicken has best of both worlds, an innovative, fun environment, alongside the numberone-rated barbecue in Illinois. Enjoy the rustic, lively environment with an established menu selection.
MADCATS
117 W. Slade St. ▸ (847) 485-8093 www.madcatslive.com
Come for the food, stay for the music! Madcats of Palatine does not only exceed all food expectations but always has an outstanding performance.
RAMEN HOUSE SHINCHAN
Plum Grove Road and Euclid Avenue (847) 496-4189 ▸ www.ramen-shinchan.com
Ramen House located in Palatine, embodies the traditional aspects of Ramen, with a great selection. Enjoy the comfort food that we all know and love, with a bit of elevation.
& kids! !AWAIT adventures FUN
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
Playing around with your kids is serious business here. Living here, we are lucky to be surrounded by many exciting indoor and outdoor activities to do with children of all ages. Enjoy exploring these kid-friendly spots!
While you’re out and about having fun with your kids, be sure to capture and share those precious moments with us for a chance to win some great givea-ways for kids! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram: @BeLocalNWChicagolandSuburbs.
ARLINGTON LANES BOWL
3435 N. Kennicott Ave. (847) 255-6373
www.arlingtonlanes.com
At Arlington Lanes, there is something for everyone! No one sits on the bench while bowling. Kids, put those video games aside and get fit, have fun, and socialize with some friends. Make bowling your fun way to physical fitness!
CHUCK E CHEESE
41 W. Rand Rd. » (847) 577-8801
Play games, win tickets, and collect prizes at Chuck E Cheese! Level up your gaming experience at the epic arcade! Also enjoy food and drinks! From hightech video games to skill games and everything in between, we’ve got games for every age and interest.
HERITAGE PARK
506 West Victoria » 847-577-3020
www.ahpd.org/parks/facility-details/?fid=9
One of five community centers, Heritage Park provides classroom space, offices and meeting rooms for the neighborhood. During the winter season, the sled hill and ice rinks are a popular attraction. The walking path around the park property (not including the school) is .69 miles.
HOT GROUND GYM
8 W. College Dr. » (847) 227-8404 www.hotgroundgym.com
At Hot Ground Gym, they’re revolutionizing the way kids stay active, learn, and grow. The indoor obstacle courses and team-building challenges are designed to engage kids physically and mentally and to stimulate character, in a super unique and fun environment.
LAKE ARLINGTON (AND PLAYGROUND)
2201 N. Windsor Dr. » (847) 577-3054 www.ahpd.org/facilities/lake-arlington
This man-made lake was created to ease flooding problems. The 50-acre detention lake allows boating but no swimming. One of the main highlights of Lake Arlington is best enjoyed along the paved path to walk, run, rollerblade, scooter, or bike. The 2-mile loop around the Lake is quite picturesque, so take time to enjoy your walk.
LONG GROVE
CODE NINJAS
4194 IL-83, Suite B » (847) 250-6838
www.codeninjas.com/il-long-grove
At Code Ninjas Long Grove, kids learn to code by building their very own video games. Their flexible coding programs for kids make it easy on parents with convenient drop-in hours on weeknights and weekends.
LONG GROVE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
308 Old McHenry Rd.
www.longgrove.org/festivals/strawberry-fest
The annual Strawberry Festival, a decades-old tradition, is in downtown Long Grove! Organizers are bringing back the same full-scale event that annually has inspired so much fun to kick off summertime in the suburbs. Some of the area’s most popular restaurants, chefs, and vendors will pop-up shops to serve unique strawberry-centric cuisine.
REED TURNER WOODLANDS
3849 Old McHenry Rd. » (847) 438-4743
www.lgparks.org/visit-reed-turner-woodlands
The Preserve features oak-covered morainal ridges bordering the deep ravine of Indian Creek. This topography provides multiple ecosystems and the accompanying high diversity of plant and animal life.
RIVELLINO SCHOOL OF ART
350 Old McHenry Rd. » (847) 383-6673
www.rivellinoschool.com/
Rivellino School of Art provides a safe and fun environment that is conducive to learning. It’s a place where your child can explore creative challenges without fear of failure. Students are given encouragement and support to foster confidence and creativity.
METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
111 W. Campbell St. (847) 577-2121
www.metropolisarts.com
Located in downtown Arlington Heights. The Metropolis is one of the Northwest suburb’s leading venues for quality entertainment ranging from a Main Stage subscription series to rock, country, comedy, and cabaret concerts!
MOUNT PROSPECT
BOWLERO
824 E. Rand Rd. » 847-392-0550
www.bowlero.com/location/ bowlero-mount-prospect
Where good times become great. And great parties become legendary. Bowl, drink, eat, hit the arcade, set your phone to selfie-mode, and get ready for one epic celebration at Bowlero! Hit the lanes, bowl in a social club or league, or go HD-wild in the wild, state-of-the-art arcade.
BIG SURF WAVE POOL
411 S. Maple St. » 847-253-SURF
www.mppd.org/parks-facilities/big-surf
Splish splash! Big Surf wave pool will guarantee smiles and laughs for you and the family! Big Surf is proud of the history of being the first wave pool in Illinois, and they are looking forward to reopening in 2022! Get your tan on while having fun at Big Surf!
LIONS RECREATION CENTER
(847) 632-9333
www.mppd.org/parks-facilities/ lions-recreation-center
Lions Recreation Center truly has it all! Conveniently located a quarter-mile from Mount Prospect Metra Station, there is so much to do including … a dance studio, multipurpose rooms, gymnasium (one full court), stage, preschool, Veterans Memorial Bandshell, and a small meeting room.
MEADOWS PARK
1401 Gregory St. » (847) 577-4495
www.mppd.org/parks-facilities/ meadows-pool
Meadows Park has a wide variety of services calling your name! Including a 1-meter diving board, 8-foot drop slide, eight-lane lap pool, spacious zero-depth area, interactive water attractions, Vending machines with tables and funbrellas, picnic turf area, large bathhouse with two family
PLAYROOM CAFE
141 Randhurst Village Dr. » (224) 318-2108
www.playroomcafe.net/home
This modern and unique space is specifically designed for children 6 months to 6 years of age, of 48 inches in height. Enjoy the playground that is thoughtfully outfitted with engaging toys and equipment. There is also a baby area designed for infants, crawlers and their caregivers. On top of all that, there is also a cafe! Enjoy a variety of different coffees, tea, smoothies, ice tea, kids meals,
PALATINE
BIRCHWOOD PARK SPLASH PAD
435 W. Illinois Ave. » (847) 991-1960
www.palatineparks.org/rccms/location/birchwood
CUTTING HALL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
150 E. Wood St. » (847) 202-5222
www.cuttinghall.org
Cutting Hall is a facility owned and operated by the Palatine Park District. Cutting Hall serves the arts and entertainment needs of area residents in the northwest suburbs of Chicago as one of the few performing arts centers owned by a local recreation agency in the state of Illinois.
GEORGE CLAYSON HOUSE MUSEUM
224 E. Palatine Rd. » (847) 991-6460
www.palatinehistoricalsociety.com/clayson-house-museum
The Clayson House was constructed as a residence in 1873 by George Clayson, a nurseryman who served on the Palatine Village Board. It has been jointly owned by the Palatine Park and Library Districts since 1976, and is the home of the Palatine Historical Society! Visit it today and know more about your town’s history!
KIDS KUSTOM PARTIES
295 N. Northwest Hwy. » (872) 243-2874
www.kidskustomparties.com
Nothing puts a smile on your little one’s face like an unforgettable day with friends. But finding the right place to celebrate birthdays and other events can be difficult, especially when you’re looking for something extra special. At Kids Kustom Parties, no two birthday parties are identical. No “cookie-cutter” parties here!
WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM
553 E. Dundee Rd. » (847) 496-5674
www.werockthespectrumchicagopalatine.com
We Rock the Spectrum Chicago/Palatine provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development.
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood vendor to use. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring the publication. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the publication!
CARPET/FLOORING
Michael Kautz Carpets & Flooring Design, Inc. (847) 394-8200 michaelkautz.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Des Plaines TheatreOnesti Entertainment (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com
HEATING/COOLING
Home Comfort Services, Inc HomeComfort.net
INSURANCE
Allstate Insurance - Michael Molitor (847) 965-3800
www.agentsallstate.com
PET RESORT
Petsuites (224) 857-2744
www.arlingtonheightspet suitesofamerica.com
PLUMBING
Lakeside Plumbing (847) 419-0303 www.lakesideplumb.com
PLUMBING / SEWER
Chicagoland Waterproofing (847) 296-3500
chicagolandwaterproofingpros.com
RESTAURANTS
Bourbon ‘N Brass Speakeasy (630) 962-7000
desplainestheatre.com/restaurants
Cortland’s Garage (847) 577-2525
cortlandsgarage.com
Des Pizza (630) 962-7000 desplainestheatre.com/restaurants
Katie’s Kitchen (847) 803-3544 katieskitchenonline.com
Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub (847) 577-7733
peggykinnanes.com
The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery (847) 749-0064 theredbarn-mp.com
