Chicago’s Great Backyard: More than Meets the Map

by Vanessa Quirk

evanston The intrepid travel writer is always looking for the next undiscovered, unknown, and –most importantly- unwritten about location. And while the jungles of South America or the deserts of Africa are likely to come to mind, the greatest unknown destination of our time is closer than we’d like to admit.

Its existence has troubled academics and artists since the second half of the 20th century, but that hasn’t stopped millions from living there – people who either see it as a utopia or a living hell. Despite its notoriety and ubiquitous nature, however, it remains perennially overshadowed and virtually forgotten as a travel destination.

I’m talking, of course, about suburbia.

If you’re like most urbanites, any mention of the ‘burbs conjures terrifying images of soulless houses, minivans filled with screaming children, maybe even a WalMart or two. But my fellow city-goers, as much as you tell yourself that there’s no reason to ever venture beyond your city’s limits, I’m not afraid to voice the unpopular point: the suburbs has something unique – and maybe even better – to offer you.

Consider: when was the last time you toured a city and genuinely experienced the life of a typical inhabitant? That you ate not at a cutting edge café with “fusion” food and fussy, miniscule entrees, but at a restaurant with unabashedly local flavors and a community-oriented ambiance? That you witnessed the beauty of nature from an oasis of civilization?

It’s time to stop unthinkingly dismissing the ‘burbs and uncover what they really have to offer. My first stop? Think turquoise-blue waters, expansive Midwestern skies, world-renowned architecture, and hearty food worth venturing into the bitter cold for – all tens of miles outside of Chicago.
Click “Next Page” to read on about the unappreciated bright spots of Evanston, and find out why there’s more to this college town than Northwestern.

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October 29, 2009