Northwest Chicago is essentially an area bounded on the north by Interstate 90 and to the west by Chicago O'Hare International Airport and then to the south by Cermak Road and the east by Halsted Street. It also includes the northwest suburbs, such as Elk Grove and Prospect Heights. Though much of the downtown nightlife, not to mention Wrigley Field, is a little further east, Northwest Chicago is home to some of the region's best golf courses. Access to downtown Chicago is relatively easy, whether you are driving yourself, hailing a taxi or taking the "L."
Golf in the Suburbs
The northwest suburbs of Chicago, including communities, such as Arlington Heights and Schaumburg, have some first-rate public and semi-private courses. You are limited by the weather, of course, but figure that if the Cubs are playing, you can still get some golf in (let's assume it might be a year the Cubs play well into October). Try Arlington Lakes, but don't let the 5,331-yard distance fool you that this is an easy course. There is plenty of sand and water to keep you honest.
Arlington Lakes Golf Club
1211 S New Wilke Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005-2997
(847) 577-3030
Wicker Park
Wicker Park refers both to the actual park in what it is known as West Town, Chicago, as well as the ethnically mixed neighborhood around the park. Wicker Park itself has a full calendar of events, such as concerts and recreational activities, as well as other family-oriented programs. The surrounding neighborhood is a fun one to explore, too.
Wicker Park Field House
1425 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 742-7553
The Bongo Room for Breakfast
Forget everything you think you know about pancakes and slide into the Bongo Room for breakfast if you're in the northwest Chicago area. Ever tried a pumpkin pancake or a lemon ricotta pancake or how about a crushed chocolate pretzel pancake? Even if you're not in the mood for one of those, pretty much everything on the menu is delicious and reasonably priced.
Bongo Room
50 E Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60605-2413
(312) 291-0100
Horse Races at Arlington Park
Home of the Arlington Million, the annual August gem in the horse racing season, Arlington Park in Chicago's northwest suburbs, is open for racing from early May through the end of September, though there are other non-horse events held there at other times of year (such as Sunday football viewing and wagering). The facilities are first-rate and the track is easy to reach. If you are a first-time bettor or well-versed in the horse game, Arlington Park makes for a fun and often exciting afternoon.
Arlington Park
2200 W. Euclid Ave.
Arlington Heights, IL 60006
(847) 385-7500
About The Author
James Roland is the editor of a monthly health publication that has approximately 75,000 subscribers in the United States and Canada. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, covering issues ranging from the environment and government to family matters and education. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oregon.
