There's never a bad time to shop local in Chicagoland, but our real estate agents particularly love to sing the praises of our locally owned shops around the holidays. If you're out and about in Highland Park, Winnetka, or Wilmette, you'll find some of the best local, independent bookstores around.
Whether you're doing some holiday shopping or looking for your next great read, be sure to check out these unique independent bookstores in Chicagoland's unique neighborhoods on the North Shore.
You'll find some legendary coffee shops and roasteries in Chicagoland's unique neighborhoods. But suburban coffee options often don't get the credit they deserve compared to the world-class cafes in the city proper. Let's change that with a closer look at some North Shore gems.
Let our real estate agents be your guides to the best coffee in Highland Park, Winnetka, and Wilmette.
Ever wondered what's behind the doors of some of Chicago's most interesting buildings? You'll have a chance to find out Oct. 17-18, 2026, when Open House Chicago returns for a weekend of free tours and a chance to visit places you might otherwise never get to see.
Organized by the Chicago Architecture Center, Open House Chicago features more than 200 sites across 30 neighborhoods. Some of these buildings have been around for more than a century. Others have been restored or recently found an entirely new purpose. Our real estate agents have six suggestions for places to explore during the weekend.
It's pie season! According to data from sources like Instacart and Costco, pie sales surge in November, with the day before Thanksgiving ranking as the biggest pie-buying day of the year. So, this month, Talk of the Town celebrates our love affair with pie, from classic American favorites to savory and sweet creations from around the world –plus some local places and clever finds for the pie lover.

Chicagoland has no shortage of places to indulge a love of pie, from the sweet to the savory.
At Stephanie Izard's Little Goat Diner, even the pie gets a playful twist. An homage to the nostalgic fast-...
Ready to celebrate Halloween with a night out? With October 31 right around the corner, our real estate agents are here to share some of their favorite spooky events for adults in Chicagoland.
Here in Chicago, Halloween isn't just for kids. These are some of the best places to find Halloween fun for adults in Chicagoland's unique neighborhoods: