Gas Tank Getaways: Chicago Suburb Has Lots to Offer

The north side Chicago suburb of Evanston has several shopping districts, great restaurants and a quaint, small-town feel on the street. It’s a pedestrian-friendly town, with a diverse arts community, several unique places to shop, beaches, beautiful mansions and plenty of community events.

Explore museums, or make a night out of it and catch one of the festivals, outdoor concerts or movies offered in the warmer months. Shop the eclectic Central Street district for things like hand-ground spices, or check out Downtown Evanston’s book stores.

If shopping is what you love to do, Downtown Evanston has its own mobile shopping app for smartphone. Load SweetPerk onto your Android or iPhone and find discounts and deals throughout the Downtown shopping district.

Where: Evanston abuts the City of Chicago’s northern side along Lake Michigan. 

When: Any time.

How much: Other than the cost of getting there, you could spend nothing on your trip to Evanston, depending on what you choose to do. Check out the list of community events on the city’s website for some ideas on how to spend your time. 

Special Treat: High gas prices and the hassle of Chicago-area traffic makes the train an attractive option any day, but on weekends, take advantage of Metra’s fabulous unlimited ride pass. Pay just $7 to get anywhere on Metra’s lines all weekend. Pick the train up in Kenosha and stay on to Evanston. It’s a short walk from the Davis Street stop to Downtown Evanston and from the Central Street stop to the Central Street shopping district.

Phone: 847-448-4311

Website: http://www.cityofevanston.org/

More info:
Figure out what part of Evanston to visit by exploring these sites on some of the city’s unique neighborhoods: Downtown Evanston, Central Street, Main Street 
Read why in 2009 Forbes Magazine named Evanston one of the top 25 cities in the country to live well in.
Explore Evanston Patch