By:  Lauren Stevens, Chicago News

There’s that cliché that once you get married and start having children, the days of city life are behind you. With better schools in the burbs, backyards and just more space to roam, Wilmette has all of the suburban qualities families are looking for while maintaining a small thread of city throughout the village.

BACKGROUND

Wilmette is one of the first technical North Shore areas, while some people consider Evanston the first North Shore neighborhood, others beg to differ.  Wilmette offers simply spectacular views, has plenty of shopping, family friendly activities, plenty of parks and even a beach! The district has a rich history, stunning architecture and is home to the Baha’i House of Worship, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. The Village of Wilmette is also best known for its superior private schools and nationally renowned New Trier High School. In addition to its incredible school systems, Wimette has been awarded an AAA credit rating, the highest award proving the responsible financial management of its residents. 

With a population of nearly 28,000 recorded in 2013, with only a little less than 6-mile radius, the village remains a very tight-knit and welcoming community.  Personally I wouldn’t want to live in the suburbs, but I understand people’s needs change and sometimes the suburbs are the best alternative, but if I had to choose a suburb, I’d choose Wilmette.It has the cozy feel to it, while remaining relatively close to the city. (Sheridan connects you back to Lake Shore Drive and in turn the road back to the city.) With the Purple line ending in Wilmette at Linden, running express for daily city commutes, it’s possible to travel downtown in no time. This attracts me more than anything else, the fact that you are so separated, but if you so choose can have the city contact back in an instant. 

CUISINE

In general I love a good farmers market, but Wilmette takes it to the next level with their French Market. Running every Saturday during the warmer months, the fun and vibrant French-style market gives you all the farmers’ market classics with a twist.  You already know you’re going to find great cheeses and meats, but you will also be surprised with the quality of jewelry and craft items made available.

Walker Bros Pancake House>

A true classic! Do you remember the ending of the movie “Mean Girls” when Aaron Samuels offers Cady Heron two gift certificates to the Walker Bros Pancake House? It’s because this place rocks and delivers quality, delicious food every time. Dutch babies, Belgium waffles, breakfast food galore. If you can dream of a breakfast fantasy, chances are Walker Bros is cooking it up.  A serious breakfast staple on the North Shore, if you haven’t gone yet, what have you been waiting for? They have bacon pancakes, people. You’re welcome.

AO Sushi< A unique concept, AO Sushi serves up fresh sushi for all of your to-go needs. Not a standard sit-down restaurant, AO strictly gives your orders to-go or delivers them. The pricing is extremely reasonable, the fish is fresh and the concept opens up a whole new world of potential sushi parties. Just order up and get your sushi on with your closest buddies without breaking the bank. Try the Godzilla roll for a truly monstrously delicious sushi experience. Rock House
Eclectic is one word you could use to describe the vibe at Rock House. With everything you’d get from a funky coffee house, you also can add music lesson space and small venue to the list of Rock House duties. You can hit all of your funky needs in one spot, start you afternoon with some coffee, take a guitar lesson and end the day with a live show in the small space while grabbing a beer. Oh, and don’t forget they sell candy here too. A true entertainment one-stop shop.

Gillson Park/Beach
A beautiful park and beach in Wilmette that gets you stellar views, clean beaches and good fun. Like most North Shore beaches, Gillson charges a fee, but you do get free parking, cleaner beaches and on-duty lifeguards for added safety.  Definitely worth the $6-8 fee, you get what you pay for after all. 

Baha’i House of Worship
As previously mentioned, the Baha’i House of Worship is known as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois. >The truly spectacular building is breathtaking. You don’t have to be a member of the religion or religious at all for that matter to enjoy the beauty and marvel of the magnificent temple. This is the only temple of its kind in North America which is truly something to think about. Of all the cities and communities in the United States and Canada, Wilmette was chosen to house one of only eight Baha’i temples in the world. While in Wilmette it is absolutely essential to pay a visit, stroll through the gardens and take in everything. 

Wilmette Hot Spots:

French Market
722 Green Bay Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091

Walker Bros Pancake House
153 Green Bay Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-6000

AO Sushi
3217 W Lake Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-4404

Rock House
1150 Central Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-7625

Gillson Park/Beach
800 Gillson Park Dr
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-9656

Baha’i House of Worship
100 Linden Ave
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 853-2300
Source: If You Move Out of the City Move to Wilmette