Treasures of the North Shore

WRITTEN BY Jane Tune

Jane Tune moved from Texas to Chicago to attend graduate school and she ended up staying for 12 years. While living in Chicago, she met her husband, had two of her three daughters, joined the Southern Alliance and made many dear friends. 

Read the full post to discover more about Jane Tune’s fabulous treasures of the North Shore!

Ultimately, the sunshine and southern hospitality drew her and her family to Charlotte, NC. Jane still pulls out her wool socks, long underwear and parka for frequent trips back to Chicago to visit friends and her favorite spots.

When the weather is 80 degrees and sunny, there is no place I’d rather be than in Chicago. Transplanted to the North Shore from North Carolina, my family and I called such days the “I love Chicago days.” All spring, or what was suppose to be spring, we would eagerly await the warm sunshine and the appearance of the gorgeous peonies in our yard. Summer never came early, but when it finally arrived, we took full advantage of the fabulous treasures found only on the North Shore of Chicago.

My favorite morning walk was always to Glencoe Beach. Up the Green Bay trail, past beautiful homes and gardens, I never got tired of the view from the bluff: Lake Michigan shimmering in the morning sunrise, the sailboats ready to launch, the swings and slides on the beach, waiting for the children.

Whether I rode my bike there, or stopped during a day of errands, The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe was another favorite place to walk. With more than 385 acres of gardens, trails and fountains, I always found something new and beautiful. I left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Ravinia is the ultimate treasure of the North Shore. This outdoor concert venue in Highland Park is like no other! It becomes a second home for the The Chicago Symphony every summer and concerts by bands such as Maroon 5, Blondie and Sheryl Crow, make for the perfect summer evening. We would attach our burley to the back of our bikes, (filled with food, wine, candles and blankets rather than children) and ride up the Green Bay Trail to listen to some of the best music in the world. Sitting under enormous old trees, taking in the stunning sculptures, and drinking a good glass of wine—it was a slice of heaven.

Of course, Lake Michigan single-handedly defines what is most unique about the North Shore. With numerous public beaches up and down the shore, my family spent hours playing at the waterfront. But it was learning to sail that led to our most treasured summer experiences. Through Pinnacle Yachts, we leased a 42-foot Jenneau moored in downtown Chicago’s Dusable Harbor. Although this involved driving downtown, we had more evenings than I can count enjoying good food and wine as we watched the fireworks over Navy Pier with the Chicago skyline in the background.

I hear winter has been extra tough this year, and you may have a few more months to go until you have an “I love Chicago” day, but those days will come. I hope that you treasure them as much as we did!