La Grange
Why it’s high time you hopped on the Metra and zoomed out to this southwest burb
If there’s anything La Grange values, it’s tradition, from the annual Pet Parade—celebrating its 70th anniversary in June—to historical society archives chronicling every house ever built in the village. But it’s not all about nostalgia: The main drag, La Grange Road, is lined with niche shops and trendy restaurants. Dreaming of detoxing in a salt cave before procuring artisanal olive oil and guzzling green juice? You can do it all in the span of two blocks. (The juice bar Owl & Lark is slated to open next month.) Between the vibrant downtown and speedy access to the Loop (Metra will get you to the city in under 25 minutes), it’s easy to see why this leafy hamlet regularly ranks as one of Chicago’s top burbs. And don’t forget: It’s “La” and “Grange.” Two words.
1. Emmanuel Episcopal Church
If the dramatic stone façade of this 1926 church looks familiar, it might be because it appeared in the Sandra Bullock rom-com While You Were Sleeping. emmanuel-lagrange.org
2. Gordon Park
Let the kids wear themselves out on the skateboard ramp while you—come warmer temps—unwind in the butterfly garden. pdlg.org
3. La Grange Village Hall
Admit it: You wish such a stately building housed your city’s government. The feds agree: It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. 53 S. La Grange Rd.
4. Robert G. Emmond House
It may not look like it—hello, octagonal turret—but, yes, this is a Frank Lloyd Wright house. The 1892 mansion is a “bootleg” that Wright designed on the side while working for Louis Sullivan. 109 Eighth Ave.
5. Anderson’s Bookshop
Browse shelves that brim with local authors’ work, buy a stuffed animal, or just soak in the vibe of a real, live independent bookstore. Remember those? andersonsbookshop.com
6. Bloom 3
Stop in for flowers, of course, but also peruse locally made housewares and jewelry. The elegant party room is in an old bank vault. bloom3.com
7. DeVries Grocery & Market
This 42-year-old institution carries everything from homemade sausages to craft beers—and you get free pretzels on the way out. devriesgrocery.com
8. Jackson Square Mall
We dare you to leave empty-handed after wandering through more than 10,000 square feet of smartly curated antiques and collectibles. jacksonsquaremall.com
9. The Urban Mutt
If you need a bag of dog food made with duck and Bartlett pears, well, this is your place. The spacious shop also offers dozens of doggie outfits and literally hundreds of toys. theurbanmuttstore.com
10. Bella Bacino’s
This isn’t just another wood-fired-pizza resto. The late Charlie Trotter endorsed these pies as “the best,” period. bacinos.com
11. Isn’t That Sweet
You could go with macarons or a chocolate-almond dulce de leche tart. But it’s a no-brainer if the bakers have whipped up their Ron Swanson cupcakes. (Maple cake with candied bacon bits, anyone?) isntthatsweet.com
12. Kama Bistro
Indian food gets a progressive twist at this spot, which made Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list in 2014. Example: tamarind-glazed baby back ribs. Yum! kamabistro.com
13. Prasino
Former White Sox slugger Jim Thome noshes on the local organic fare here, as did A-listers Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher when they passed through town. prasino.com
14. Tates Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop
Golly! Take a trip back to Mayberry and enjoy a few handcrafted scoops in this old-timey joint, which reopens this month after its annual winter break. facebook.com/tatesicecream
March
March 1 Don your fedora for historian Clarence Goodman’s lecture on the Rat Pack at the La Grange Public Library (registration required; see lagrangelibrary.org).
March 19 Get Junior’s basket ready for a classic Easter egg hunt at Sedgwick Park.
March 19 Celebrate Earth Hour with a candlelight dinner at Prasino.
March 22 Oprah’s Book Club author Jacquelyn Mitchard reads at Anderson’s Bookshop.
Coming soon: April 4 Oxford’s renowned Christ Church Cathedral Choir performs at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Lyons Township High School had to replace a plaque honoring alum David Hasselhoff because so many students rubbed his nose for luck.
Tour La Grange with Joel Reese
If You Want to Live Here
| Population | Median houshold income | Median sale price (house) |
|---|---|---|
| 15,800 (86% white, 6% Hispanic, 5% black) |
$99,000 | $490,000 |
Listing of the month
317 S. Brainard Ave.
Asking price $549,900
Specs 1,640 square feet, four bedrooms, two baths
If there were a dictionary entry for “picturesque suburban house,” this place could be the illustration. It has hardwood floors, a recently redone kitchen—and a huge trampoline in the backyard.
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